Phil Horrocks winning in Wales. Image credit Maike Sakschewski

Last year we saw non-stop action with Rhosneigr delivering classic conditions, and stacks of wind.  The competition was closely fought on all levels, and after an epic battle of our top world tour riders Ben Proffitt (Simmer Style/Oshea/Funsport) was nudged into 3^rd by Tenerife resident Adam Lewis (Ion) and it was local ripper Phil Horrocks (Gaastra/Tabou/Funsport) that stormed the title on home turf taking him across to Ireland in the lead!

Phil said: “I was lucky to get some of my favourite conditions right on my doorstep and really enjoyed every minute of the competition! It was really tough though with all of the finalists on good form, a great start to the tour for me so far!”

In the Amateurs, Scotty McDowell clinched the Stena Line (www.stenaline.co.uk) prize of a ferry ticket to next year’s event as did ladies hot shot and newly signed Simmer Style rider Justyna Sniady.

Scotty McDowell

Justyna Sniady.

The British Wavesailing Association Tour round 2 saw the adventure head straight on from Anglesey in North Wales, leaving the port of Holyhead to Dublin. With huge thanks to the support of Stena Line.  Over in Ireland things kicked straight off with Mossies point break firing and some of the best conditions we’ve seen there in a comp for a few years. The professional riders were all sailing well in the epic conditions making it hard to find a clear favourite. After some of the best waves seen in an Irish competition John Skye (RRD) came out victorious with Jamie Hancock (Gaastra/Tabou) climbing up into 2^nd ahead of Wales winner and team-mate Phil Horrocks (Gaastra/Tabou).

John said: “Wales was tough and I really wanted to win here in Ireland, especially in such world class conditions. So many of the guys were ripping and a few of the favourites didn’t make the final as the standard was so high.”

Ian Ross (Puravida/Simmer) took the Amateurs by storm in conditions just like his home breaks in Cornwall, as did fellow Cornish ripper Debbie Kennedy (Hot Sails) who collected their Stena Line tickets for the next trip.

Ian Ross and Debbie Kennedy

As we get closer to the events for 2013 we are very much hoping for more of the same, and have every reason to expect an exciting two rounds of back to back competition.

The BWA Tour dates for 2013 are:

• ROUND 1: Wales (Rhosneigr), 17-19 May. Friday: Pros only, Sat and Sun: all Fleets
• ROUND 2: Ireland (Brandon Bay), 20-24 May.
• ROUND 3: Tiree Wave Classic, Tiree, Scotland; 12-18 October.
• ROUND 4: Cornwall Wave Classic, Cornwall, England 25-27 October. Fri Pros only, Sat and Sun all Fleets

Without the fantastic service from Stena Line between the various ports on the Welsh and Irish coast, this kind of ‘back to back’ competition just would not be possible.  With their time table we are able to travel directly from Holyhead (15 mins from Rhosneigr) through the night, and drive across to Brandon Bay in good time to kick off the following day if the conditions are on!  Tickets can be booked by visiting their website www.stenaline.co.uk and with a great variety of sailing times you have the flexibility to really make the trip your own.

Stena Line have been supporting windsurfing on many levels over the past few years and recognise the great links between our sport and the stunning coastal locations they can get you to!

There are lots of ferry good reasons to travel with Stena Line including no baggage charges or restrictions on what you can bring with you – great for the boards – and no lengthy airport queues. What’s more, the holiday fun starts as soon as you step onboard with free movies, games and Wi-Fi, as well as Curious George themed play areas for the little ones and a great choice of restaurants, comfy relaxation areas and bars for the adults.

Alexandra Smith, Route Marketing Manager, Stena Line said:  “The BWA Championships goes from strength to strength every year and we are delighted to partner with them on rewarding the considerable skill of the competitors taking part.

“It’s great that we can honour the competitors but we are especially proud of our role in getting the spectators to the competitions every year on our Stena Line services and on behalf of all at Stena Line we would like to wish all of the contestants, and the organisers, the very best of luck.”

Please be sure to book your tickets in advance to make sure you get space on the ferry.

Stena Line is offering 30% off* Flexi and Premium motorist fares on travel between 19 and 25 May – when you book before 20 May. Log onto www.stenaline.co.uk/bwa using this special password – BWACOMP – to avail of this great deal.

From everyone at the BWA and Stena Line, wishing you a windy season ahead and look forward to an exciting first two rounds of the British Wavesailing Championships 

BWA Wales is hosted by Funsport with support from Stena Line, Oshea and Coors Light.

BWA Ireland is hosted by Spillanes Bar with support from Stena Line, Oshea, Jamie Knox, Kathleen McAuliffe and Puravida Boardriders.

ROUND 2: Hosted by SPILANNES BAR & JAMIE KNOX WATERSPORTS

The 2013 Wales and Ireland ‘Back-to back’.

The Wales and Ireland event is a truly unique experience as competitors face 2-3 days of gruelling competition and partying on the testing Irish sea of Rhosneigr followed by a ferry trip and overnight drive to the Atlantic swell of Brandon Bay and heady party nights in the world famous, Spillanes Bar.

This trip is not for the faint hearted and those who survive always have a great story to tell. The venues have a history of delivering classic conditions which will test the very best in British Wavesailing. The BWA crew and judges also ensure that everyone is catered for seeking out more forgiving conditions for other fleets.

Quote from Ian Ross (BWA judge) “I have travelled all over the world and can honestly say that the Wales and Ireland back to back event is one of the most challenging and fun events in windsurfing today. The constant wind, waves and flow of hospitality is never-ending !”

NEW FOR 2013

Bucky’s Cafe will now be offering a great range of posh coffees and bacon butties. Situated above the shop the cafe enjoys amazing views of the action.

Stena Ferries: Check out the Ireland website above for the latest Stena discount arranged by Puravida.

New judge teams consist of PWA Head judge, Duncan Coombes, PWA judge, Mark ‘Sparky’ Hosegood, Ian ‘Chuckie’ Ross, Lukasz Zadjowski (Wales guest judge), Jamie Knox (Ireland guest judge).

Orange? ORANGE!!?…. We’ve had blue, white, pink, green and this year our rashvests will be a rude shade of orange. Yours to keep… by becoming a full BWA member and attending at least one event.

Wales and Ireland websites hosted by PURAVIDA BOARDRIDERS

Stena Line Kids Go Free!

It’s all part of National Ferry Fortnight, which showcases all that’s great about ferry travel and those who make an Economy, Flexi or Premium motorist booking can enjoy free kids travel on all sailings from 16^th March right through to January 5^th 2014!

As well as travelling for free, there are lots of ferry good reasons for kids to love travelling with Stena Line including surfing the net with free WIFI (you can even use your phone!), watch a movie in the cinema and enjoy fun and games in the Curious George children’s play areas and Teen Town.

Enjoy shopping for less, relax in the most comfortable surroundings and sample great food from the range of restaurants onboard.

Travel with your car and journey around Ireland from as little as £79* single for a car and driver on the Cairnryan – Belfast route, £79* single for a car and driver from Fishguard to Rosslare and from Holyhead – Dublin, £119* single for a car and driver from Holyhead – Dun Laoghaire and £79* single for a car and driver going from Liverpool to Belfast.

Or pack it all in with a fantastic Stena Line hotel break which includes ferry travel and accommodation at top class Irish hotels from as little as £59* per person per night, with many hotels offering packages such as three nights for the price of two or kids stay free!

See the sights of Belfast including the new Titanic Experience, discover Dublin with its culture, heritage and super shopping, go west to Galway for beach trips and amazing scenery or carry on ‘for the craic’ down to Cork where you will sample the stunning South coast of the Emerald Isle.

To make a booking log onto www.stenaline.co.uk, call 08447 70 70 70 or visit your local travel office or agent. 

*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

Adam Lewis enjoying the condition for the BWA in Ireland last year.

LEADING ferry company Stena Line has announced a super spring sale, giving customers the opportunity to save up to 20 per cent off, with its lowest fares now available every day of the week.

This fantastic offer is available for travel up until Sunday 30 June from Holyhead to Dublin, Fishguard to Rosslare and on the Holyhead – Dun Laoghaire seasonal service from March 22^nd.

Spend St Patrick’s Day on the Emerald Isle, discover the delights of Dublin, go west to Galway, visit family and friends, or take a rural retreat in the lush countryside of Kilkenny or Kildare.

Stena Line’s Diane Poole OBE, Head of PR and Communications said: “With Easter just around the corner, plus school holidays and half term breaks, we’re offering customers the chance to enjoy a short break without breaking the bank. With this great sale, our lowest fare of £79 is now available every day of the week allowing people to save up to 20% on travel when they book by February 28.

BWA on mass to Ireland with Stena Line!

“There are lots of ferry good reasons to travel with Stena Line this spring including no baggage charges or restrictions on what you can bring with you and no lengthy airport queues. What’s more, the holiday fun starts as soon as you step onboard with our free movies, games and Wi-Fi, as well as Curious George themed play areas for the little ones and a great choice of restaurants and bars for the adults,” Diane continued.

For further information or to book, call Stena Line on 08447 70 70 70 click on www.stenaline.co.uk/sale or visit your local travel agent.

*Terms and conditions apply. Available on selected sailings when booked a minimum of 7 days in advance of travel. Credit card, non web booking fees apply.

GetWindsurfing in Ireland

“Join us for an amazing trip to famous Brandon Bay in South West Ireland for a week of windsurfing and other epic watersports.

Whether you are a complete beginner or advanced wanting to jump higher, ride harder and just generally have an awesome time Ireland is a great place to come. The scenery is beautiful, the people super friendly and welcoming, and of course the food and drink well worth the trip too!

So, tell me more I hear you say!!!

When: 24th June – 30th June

(straight on from Beach Break Live for all those heading that way, for those who are not feel free to come over on the 23rd for a cheeky extra day!)

What? : 5 days windsurf coaching with Phil and Danielle from Getwindsurfing, or Jamie Knox for the beginners, 7 nights in a beautiful self catered cottage right next to famous Spillanes Bar….(so close its scary!) and a free surf lesson to all those renting equipment from Jamie Knox, and just 10€ per person for everyone else.

Where: The dingle peninsular, Kerry, South West Ireland.

How do I get there? : The best way to head across to Ireland is with Stena Line, they run ferries from the UK to various Irish ports. Check out their website here for more information. 

Why? : So many people travel away from the UK and Ireland every summer to windsurf when we have such epic locations on our doorstep!

-Ireland is world famous for its conditions and the Dingle Peninsular has great conditions for all abilities and wind and swell conditions..there is always an option.

-With Phil and Danielle from Getwindsurfing on hand for coaching you can really get the most out of your trip.

-Jamie Knox Watersports is situated perfectly to help with kit rental for windsurfing, SUPing and surfing, as well as having a great shop to grab some new windsurf and watersports toys! Jamie will be teaching the beginners too and with so much experience in this location he is definitely going to get you out there loving  windsurfing in Ireland!

-June will be good temperatures to make the most out of what we are so lucky to have so close by….you know you want to come and check it out!

-Last but by no means least, the Guinness is pretty amazing too!

Prices:

Beginners : £330 includes kit, tuition (5 full days), accommodation

Intermediates and Advanced renting equipment : £420 includes kit tuition (2-3 hrs a day) and accom.

Intermediates with private kit : £260 (safety boat included) includes safety cover on all coaching days, tuition (2-3 hrs a day) and accom.

Advanced with private kit : £250 includes tuition (2-3hrs a day) and accom

Single supplement will apply for those not wishing to share a room, limited spaces available.

Any questions, please email getwindsurfing@gmail.com or call Danielle on 07814536372

Robby Swift. Image credit John Carter/Reb Bull Content Pool

Where were you when you found out the chase was on?

I was in San Francisco airport on my way back from Maui to Chile.

Did you immediately think it would actually happen this time, or were you still relaxed?

I had my doubts as so many had been cancelled before but I know we need to finish three missions before June so we would have to go sooner or later. It was a very good call in the end!

Robby Swift. Image credit John Carter/Reb Bull Content Pool

How was your journey over?

Awful! Santiago, Panama, Houston, San Francisco, Maui for eight hours, Denver, Frankfurt, Dublin.

What were conditions like when you first got there? 

Ridiculous. I didn’t think we would be able to sail at all. I could hardly walk down the beach.

Have you sailed Brandon much before? How did these conditions compare?

Yes many times for BWA (back in the day) and then the PWA events that happened there. It was actually pretty fun sailing in one heat, when it was only about 50knots. The heats where it was 60-70 knots were ridiculous. It was scary! I love Brandon Bay, there are so many options to sail there in all different wind directions.

What equipment were you using? 

I used a 75L single thruster and my 3.4 Combat. I also borrowed a 2.5 custom sail cut down from an old 3.2 Combat from Rob Jones for one heat. I could hardly even sail on that!

Robby Swift. Image credit John Carter/Reb Bull Content Pool

Please try and describe how insane it was to be sailing in 70 knots?

It was 50-70knots! It’s hard to describe how hard it was. I couldn’t walk down the beach with my gear. Rob had to help me every time. I didn’t think I would even be able to waterstart. It wasn’t that hard to waterstart in the end but sailing along, I felt like the sail would rip from my hands at any time. I was afraid to do even the smallest jump as I thought the wind would just whip the gear out of my hands. Sometimes you would be sailing along, completely out of control, and you would see a gust up ahead with water flying everywhere and just think: how am I going to survive that?

What was the best thing you pulled off do you think? and how did the judges score it?

I somehow managed to pull off the best push loop forward of my life. It was insane. I had a slight lull on that run out. It was probably only about 50 knots, and I had just landed a huge backloop. I had told everyone that I wanted to do a push forward and they all laughed at me, so when I saw that ramp I said to myself: you had better do it now! I launched into the air, much higher than usual with the insane wind, and did the push loop. I got scared after that and almost didn’t sheet in for the forward, but then I said just go for it, and threw all caution to the wind, so to speak. Anything could have happened. I don’t want to think about what would have happened if a gust would have hit me at that moment. I spun round surprisingly in control and spotted my landing from way up on the air. I knew it would be hard to hold on so I slipped my front thumb around from on top of the boom to underneath so I had the boom in a death grip. I almost over rotated but somehow had the presence of mind to sheet out completely to stop the rotation and just landed completely flat. It buckled my knees and snapped the board. It was probably the hardest landing of my life but it felt very good!

The judges all gave it an instant 10. They said there was no deliberation. It was the highest scoring move of the event so I was happy I got up the guts to do it!

THAT push loop forward – at 30secs!

How will you approach things differently for the next storm?

I am definitely taking a 3.0! Robert Stroj, the NeilPryde designer is making me one as we speak.

Who’s your bet on for the overall winner of the chase?

I still fancy my own chances. You have to don’t you, if you want to win! I beat everyone in the Ireland chase on jumping by quite a long way. I hardly did any wave rides though as I missed almost all of my second heat with the broken board, and the first and last heats I did were so windy that I simply couldn’t bottom turn.

Brawzinho would be another favorite, and Victor. If the wind is a little more manageable, I think those two have a lot more to offer than we saw in the first chase!

Wishing Robby and the other guys lots of luck for the next storm, whenever it may be. You can follow all the action here on Boards of course. 

Mullaghmore Jan 27th 2013 from Tam Mullen on Vimeo.

RBSC heat order!

Over the weekend Storm Chase plans went into full swing, with sailors, judges and organisers making their way form the far corners of the globe to Brandon Bay in Ireland for the first storm chase.

Friday 25th January

Competitors are fixed: Brawzhino, Dany, Victor, Bouj, Swifty, Julien, Thomas, Kenneth, Leon and Josh are on their way to Ireland.

More details to follow, but we can confirm that the Red Bull Storm Chase will finally complete their first mission this weekend in Ireland! Their Facebook page has just confirmed the decision and we will share more details with you very shortly!

A storm is coming, Ireland is on!!!

Ireland Location Info from Red Bull:

Ireland NW Coast

Ireland is known for heavy storm surf and howling winds. The west coast offers plenty of options for all wind directions to run Red Bull Storm Chase in x-shore conditions with huge waves.

The ragged coastline is ideal for great camera angles and offers good launching abilities for riders and Sea-Doos.

The crew has good knowledge about the place and can expect top support from the locals in terms of choosing the right spot.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

AIR (JAN-MAR):

5-12°C

WATER (JAN-MAR):

10°C

Spot Options

• Magheroarty
  One of the windiest places of the country and one of the best spots to run the Storm Chase in SW-W winds. The reef on the top of the bay offers big down the line conditions with cross to cross-offshore winds, while the inside and the bottom end of the bay still has plenty of jumping potential.
• Belmullet
  Further down the coast this spot is known for howling winds from southerly directions. Belmullet is a beachbreak with reefs on eather side of the beach. The exposed position picks up any kind of swell.
• Easky
  If the wind turns from south to more westerly direction, Easky comes to life, a reefbreak not very far from Belmullet, that offers perfect down the line conditions.
• Brandon Bay
  Former PWA wave spot, where we can find the right break for almost any wind direction within a couple of kilometers. The bay allows perfect camera angles with stunning backgrounds.

Weather

Short intervals of sun are interchanged with windy and rainy weather. The Gulf Stream provides the west coast with very mild conditions. Temperatures may drop below 10°C in case of arctic air by strong N’ly winds.

There’s a large preference for gale force winds in October and November. With a strong west circulation on low latitudes, several storm depressions can reach the west coast. However, months pass by without a significant gale.

Ireland has a very favourable position on the east side of the Atlantic. During a gale waves can build up to 8 meters, sometimes even more at exposed coasts. After a period of strong W’ly winds significant and sorted swell should run into the region.

Check out more details on the Red Bull page here. 

 

Mikey Clancy

Mikey Clancy a rising star in the PWA has passed away. His story is well known to many with an incredible comeback following a serious injury.Mikey loved the sea as a child and  although he only stepped on board a windsurfer at 15 years of age he made rapid progress in the sport over the following years. Windsurfing was his passion and he loved the friendships he made whether it was Victor, Timo, Klass,  Kauli or his many Irish and UK friends he made;  he always had time and fun with them. He was a consummate pro with his sponsors Fanatic, North, Ion, DIT, K4Fins and had often ridden in Storm-chase conditions in Ireland.

His family Michael, Bernie and Sean wish to thank the thousands who celebrated Mikey’s life  In Dublin this week and all those who were sent their condolences from around the globe. We will miss Mikey and  remember him fondly for his sportsmanship kindness and friendly manner.Your smile and humour lit up many a windsurfers day. May you dance on the seas of heaven as you once danced on the seas of the ocean.

Bye Mikey …we will all see you soon.

Mikey Clancy

Here is a piece on Mikey that appeared in the Irish Mirror. Please read it and if you are ever troubled tell a friend and seek help.

Mikey Clancy 1990 to 2013.

THE DAD of a top windsurfer who took his own life at the weekend has appealed to others who are feeling down to get help. Professional windsurfer Mikey Clancy, 22, was discovered dead on Sunday and last night his devastated father Michael recalled his exceptional life.

“We are very happy that we had a fantastic 22 years of life with him and sadly some people’s lives are shorter than others.

“A book can be a short story or it can be a grand novel. What he had packed into his life was amazing.”

In a heartbreaking interview Michael appealed to other young people not to make the same fatal choice.

“It’s a horrendous cultural thing that Ireland is developing, it really is. It seems to be getting worse rather than better.”

He continued: “It is almost like a click option on your phone. It’s almost like press button A if you want to do one thing and press button B if you want to commit suicide.

“It’s almost like a disposable thing.”

Exceptionally talented Mikey, from Raheny in North Dublin, rose to prominence when he was a teenager and was largely touted as the “next big thing” amongst windsurfing enthusiasts.

He made the step into the professional sport in 2009 and quickly shot up the ranks, doing battle with world champions. He ultimately finished 25th in the world in that year but was forced to quit the sport for some time after he suffered a crushing injury.

Michael explained that his son had to undergo painful surgery but he defied doctors to make it back onto the world tour again in 2012.

Michael, a former TV cameraman with RTE, said: “He had a serious injury but he returned to the world scene again. He had an ankle fusion where you have one bone fused onto another.

“You lose your flexibility as a result of it. Doctors told him he would never windsurf again but he actually made it back onto the world tour and he finished 13th in a big world event in Denmark this year.

“He was really a warrior.

“He got to the very top of world windsurfing twice, once before the injury and once after the injury.”

Mikey was also a dedicated worker who had recently qualified with a diploma in marketing and advertising from DIT – where he was on an Elite Sport Scholarship Programme. Most recently he was working with Catapult media event organisers. However it was in the seas and waves of the world that Mikey made his greatest impression.

Recently Mikey and his father embarked on a mammoth road trip to events in Germany and Klitmoller, Denmark where he competed against the best. In the Danish event he defied the odds to finish 13th.

Mikey had been earmarking 2013 as the year he was going to break into the world top 10 in windsurfing and in the last number of days he had been talking excitedly on social media forums about the future.

However tragedy struck on Sunday.

Michael said: “Whilst we are extremely heartbroken and shocked at the news we want to celebrate that he had a good innings in a lot of aspects.”

He continued: “He has had a great Odyssey and journey and he certainly forged a way forward in a difficult market.”

Michael spoke of his horror at the growth of suicide in Ireland and called for the matter to be treated differently: “I saw a doctor on TVs Prime Time and he said we have got to be open and honest about this whole thing. This whole thing of it being glorified, this is the wrong option, this is the wrong thing to do.”

“This is not the right way to go forward in life.”

Michael added: “The more common it is the more easier it becomes.

“It’s easier to hear about things through social media so it becomes more mainstream and that’s where, from my point of view, it’s rocketing out of proportion.

“The amount of people who are attempting it is just incredible.”

Mikey leaves behind his brother Sean and parents Michael and Bernie.

His ashes will be spread over the various beaches in Ireland during the year.

Mikey Clancy

Known to most as one of the nicest people you’ll ever come across and certainly one of the most talented sailors to come out of Ireland, Mikey brought laughter and many a smile to everyone he met.

Growing up in Ireland, Mikey has been fully accustomed to sailing in the largest of Atlantic storms and his passion for getting out there and taking on all elements that mother nature could throw at him was evident.

In a quote for his K66 profile Mikey said, “Although my biggest dream is to become the PWA World Champion, windsurfing has given me much more than any competition or title, it has given me a freedom, friendship and a way of life”.

We are very proud to have had the opportunity to be part of Mikey’s windsurfing, he was an incredibly valued member of the team and it was an absolute joy receiving his awe inspiring photographs, up-dates and videos. His energy and passion will be greatly missed.
We will be leaving Mikey’s profile on the website as a continued tribute. His love and passion for windsurfing was uplifting and inspiring and will always be very much a part of the K66 family.

Our deepest, heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones.

Rest in peace Mikey.

Find out more about the life and accomplishments of Mikey on Boards here. 

Another great video came from the SWA, this time of their Bad Education event in Nottingham. If you haven’t seen it take a look here, the SWA will be back with more events this year very shortly!

Boards are also super happy for Adam Sims who has been named as EFPT sailor of the year 2012! Congratulations Adam! 

Windy times in Weymouth!

A couple of days ago many of the Brandon Bay locals including Tom Know, Rob Jones, Niall Melon and many more hit the fun sized waves and Tim Smith, of Tim Smith Visuals, there to capture all of the action. Here is just a selection of the amazing images of the day, a full gallery can be seen here on Tim’s Facebook.

With the dates set for the BWA competition in Brandon Bay this year it looks like yet again some of the local boys could be mixing up the standings.

If you’re interested in heading over to Ireland, check out the ferry services run by Stena Line; with routes from various spots in the UK over to Ireland plus special deals for Boards readers when a great forecast hits this is definitely the best way of exploring the Emerald Isle.

Merry Christmas! Image courtesy North Sails

Also for your viewing pleasure, the BWA Tiree coverage will be on TV soon, so set your sky boxes to record! Full details here. 

Looking forward to 2013 competition there has already been a few rumours of more PWA venues to be added to the calendar, and now we learn that after an unsuccessful 2012 the Red Bull Storm Chase will continue into the new year, which certainly gives us all something to look forward too!

It is great to see not only the top level windsurfers, but also the up and coming stars, including the young Alex Blackmore that has just signed to team QSW.

Of course we can’t leave without mentioning that this week Boards has been all about freewave tests, with the complete line up of reports now here online make sure you provide your comments, feedback and opinions on all boards tested using the comments at the bottom of each post.

If you fancy a last minute trip away the Christmas, but don’t fancy and long, expensive flights, Stena Line are running some great deals over the the emerald isle.

And finally Boards would like to wish all readers a very Merry Christmas! Whilst we will be relaxing by the fire, eating lots and unwrapping much anticipated presents over the festive period, Boards will still be posting news and features after Boxing Day, so keep your eyes peeled.

Can you guess who is staring in our festive photo? Is it obvious? Or does it take you a few minutes to work it out? Let us know and have your guess in the comments below….

Sam Neal in Ireland. Image courtesy Tim Smith/BWA.

CHRISTMAS never does come cheap, but leading ferry company Stena Line has a money saving travel tip for those making the journey home to Ireland for Christmas – and it’s a ‘ferry’ good deal with savings up to £1000* when compared to flight prices.

The leading ferry company is offering return car crossings over the Christmas period from as little as £422* for a family of four from Holyhead to Dublin, making it £1001.52 cheaper than flights available on the same day from London to Dublin.*

A family of four travelling from Bristol to Cork could get there for as little as £427* when they sail from Fishguard to Rosslare, making it £598 cheaper than flights available on the same day from Bristol to Cork.*

Comparisons made online took fares quoted by airlines travelling from London to Dublin/Bristol to Cork on Thursday 20^th December and returning on Thursday 27^th December and showed that when taking into account the cost of parking and luggage for a week’s break over the festive season, this could cost up to £1423.25*(London to Dublin) or £1025* (Bristol to Cork) -  substantially more than the price of a Stena Line return crossing which includes your car.

Stena Line’s Head of PR and Communications, Diane Poole OBE, is encouraging families to choose to travel for less with Stena Line.

“With the so-called ‘low cost’ airlines charging very high prices over the Christmas period, ferry travel with Stena Line offers much better value,” said Diane.  “Not only can you travel without the worry of legroom restrictions, you can also load up your own car meaning you save money and hassle on hiring a vehicle or having friends or relatives come to collect you.

“By taking the car along, you don’t have to worry about the high cost of airport parking or excess baggage charges as all those Christmas presents you’ll want to carry can be packed into the boot,” she continued.

“The festive celebrations can start as soon as customers get onboard as our ferries offer a new level of comfort, quality and facilities never before seen on the Irish Sea.  Customers can relax in the on cinema or even shop for New Year bargains in the onboard shops which offersavings on fragrances, spirits and lots more, while the kids can be kept amused in the dedicated play areas,” Diane concluded.

To make a booking, click on www.stenaline.co.uk, call Stena Line on 08447 70 70 70, or visit your local travel agent.

* Prices correct on date of comparison, 12th December.  Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

Mikey Clancy in Denmark. Image credit PWA/John Carter.

The adventure magazine were looking for people that have achieved incredible things in 2012, Mikey has made the shortlist due to an impressive comeback to the PWA scene following a horrific ankle injury in 2009.

The Garmin sponsored awards, where the winners are crowned, will take place on the 19th of December in Dublin.

Congratulations Mikey and wishing you all the best for the evening.

Do you want to head to Dublin too? Stena Line run a fantastic ferry service from the UK across to various ports in Ireland, check out more information on their routes here.