Many of the competitors are already on the island, however a lot more are due in on the midday ferry today. Registration starts at 10:00am, but no action will take place until 1:00pm or 2:00pm, after the rest of the competitors arrive.

2011 winner Ben Proffitt

Some sailors already on the island are heading straight out on the water, or heading to registration early and then aiming to get on the water straight after. Balephuil looks like it’s the best beach for today too, where the wind will be cross-shore from the right giving some great starboard tack conditions. A few sailors: Andy King, Alfie Hart, James Cox, Phil Horrocks, Debbie Kennedy, Jamie Hancock, etc,  went out yesterday, at Balephuil in some  very, very light winds and on some fairly big equipment! King and Horrocks took their 5.6/5.7s with 92ish litre boards, whilst Cox was seen ripping on the 110litre Quatro quad. It looks like all sailors should be able to get out on some smaller gear today though!

Boards will continue with updates as often as possible, but without any internet working on the beaches this will be a tricky business. It is possible to get internet at various spots on the island so we will be able to provide a couple of updates each day, so stay tuned!

If you haven’ yet, take a minute to read http://boards.mpora.com/features/boards-tiree-runners-riders.html which explains more about all the spots in Tiree plus all the riders to watch out for in the competition.

Tiree 2012

The Tiree Wave Classic is the most prestigious and longest standing windsurfing event in the British calendar, and after celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a record breaking 3 rounds of competition, it’s back at full strength again with the same team and format for 2012.

The event will play host to Britain’s best riders in Pro, Amateur, Masters and Women’s fleets with a fantastic prize fund guaranteeing the top Pro £1000 and a total prize fund of £5000 cash and goodies across the fleets!  Fanatic are looking for a hot new amateur rider and will be providing a Wave Board to the amateur judged to deserve it most at this event and Cornwall (must attend both)! It will be an unmissable, adrenaline fuelled week of competition and entertainment set against the stunning cultural backdrop of Tiree.  Who will pull the Scottish Broadsword from the sand this year?

Andy Groom, event founder said “It was great to have guests like Nik Baker, Tommy Armstrong and Duncan Coombes among other past legends for the 25^th Anniversary and this year is set to carry on in the same light.  We had a fantastic event in 2011 and I don’t doubt the 26^th year will be just as exciting and closely fought on the water”

Ben Proffitt. Image credit Dave White.

Simmer rider Ben Proffit, the 2011 BWA and Tiree Champion, said: “I absolutely love taking part in the event – for me it’s one of the highlights of the year and can deliver any conditions. Last year was super close in the final with John Skye and this event could decide who is in the driving seat for the championship, bring it on!”

Organisers Puravida Boardriders have confirmed they will host Tiree Wave Classic right through to 2014 and promise to deliver an outstanding event once again. Jim Brooks-Dowsett, Event organiser said:  “Tiree is one of the windiest locations in the UK, and the waves can be awesome!  So many people have discovered the island through windsurfing and October usually delivers some wild conditions, Puravida Boardriders are stoked to be involved again and working closely with the local community on the island!”

Image credit Dave White.

As well as the usual entertainment you can expect, Tommy Armstrong is back to give us ‘Big Tuesday’ and warm up the closing party with this years AC/DC Covers Band ‘Forever Young’.  The Glasgow bang are already known for their performance at Scottish Windfest and are set to rock out the closing night in Tiree!

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland, said “We are delighted to be supporting the Tiree Wave Classic once again this year, which will see some of the world’s top windsurfing talent travel to one of Scotland’s most picturesque islands.  It is great to see the increasing attraction of Tiree as a water sports destination as it has certainly proven over the years to be a perfect stage for this event.  Windsurfing is one of the most exciting events on our annual sporting calendar, which really captures the imagination of spectators and helps to showcase Scotland to the world.”

For more information on travel and accommodation please visit the website.  There will be special offers and group Bed, Breakfast & Dinner at the Hynish Centre.  Many have shared houses and van’s in the past to keep costs down so get booking!  To encourage more women to make the journey we are offering half price entry to this and the Cornwall comptition as well as some serious prizes, so spread the word and hope to see you there!  The SWA members will also get half price entry, as will any youth sailors.

Calmac ferries are kindly supporting us once again, and have kept their reduced prices for all journeys running till the end of 2012.  Just book over the phone, or online and make sure you make the most of the fantastic deals for Camper vans if you have one! www.calmac.co.uk

Registration is now open including the online discount that only applies if you register before the event so log on and sign up now!!

Image credit Dave White

Date: 13^th – 19^th October 2012, www.tireewaveclassic.co.uk, all enquiries: tanya@puravidaboardriders.co.uk

Event Host - Puravida Boardriders.

Supported by Tiree Lodge Hotel, Heineken, Wild Diamond, CalMac Ferries, Beachbum Beanbags, The Chocolate Brownie Company.

The event is funded by EventScotland and Argyle & Bute Council.

EventScotland

EventScotland, the national events agency, works to promote Scotland as the perfect stage for events.  By developing an exciting sporting and cultural portfolio it helps to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy through events tourism.

www.eventscotland.org

The year of Creative Scotland 2012 will spotlight and celebrate Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on a world stage and is a Scotish Government initiative led in partnership by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Creative Scotland and VOCAL.

More information and resources to help businesses engage with Year of Creative Scotland are available at www.visitscotland.org/yearofcreativescotland-toolkit