BOARDS 279 – November 2011

Contents 279 – NOVEMBER 2011. Covershot: 2011 PWA World Wave Champion, Philip Koster, by Jerome Houyvet.

features

SOUTH PACIFIC – PLAN B

The inimitable Scott McKercher finds himself stranded in wavesailing paradise – without his wavesailing kit. At times such as these, a windsurfer needs a plan B…

TESTED – 4.7m ALL-ROUND WAVE SAILS

Following last month’s 5.3 power wave sail test, the Clones put the latest 5-batten all-rounders through a punishing routine to find out what improvements have been made since last year…

PWA KLITMØLLER

Ed Sinclair reports from Denmark, which delivered an action packed event in the most ferocious conditions seen on the PWA Wave Tour in 2011 – and a new World Champion…

SCOTTISH WINDSURFING FESTIVAL

Dave White brings us news that Windfest fever continues to spread throughout the country, with the latest outbreak reaching as far north as Scotland…

A DAY IN THE LIFE – MARCILIO BROWNE

Ever wondered what it must be like to throw off the shackles of the 9 to 5, to spend every day on the water, to live the life – to maybe even make a living out of windsurfing? Read on and weep…

SWA – TEN YEARS AFTER

The Student Windsurfing Association set out just a little over 10 years ago on a mission to promote student windsurfing in the UK. To date they look to have made a superb job of it, but how did it all start?

MARVELLOUS MARSA

Whether you seek flat water, tranquil, crystal-clear lagoons or an outer reef to play on, Marsa Alam has it all. Jem Hall shares his clients’ and his own insights into Marsa’s marvels…

TIREE WAVE CLASSIC 25

“Each of the 25 Wave Classics have been very different, but collectively they all come under one simple adjective: LEGENDARY!” George Shillito reports from the UK’s longest running and most prestigious wavesailing competition…

regulars

DROPPING IN

PICTURE DESK

NEWS

FULLER’S WAY

SB WINDWISE

WANNABE A WAVESAILOR

POND LIFE

READERS’ PIX

NEXT ISSUE

BOARDS October 2011

Contents 278 – OCTOBER 2011. Covershot: Andreas Olandersson (S-66), Cape Town, by Tomas Ärlemo

features

LOVING LESBOS

Chris Pressler discovers the delights of Sigri, an unspoilt fishing village and a new spot on the Greek windsurfing map…

TESTED – 5.3 POWER WAVE SAILS

What, exactly, is a ‘power wave’ sail? What is it designed to do, in what conditions, and for whom? Test editor Adrian Jones reveals all, ably assisted, as always, by the Clones…

LEGENDS OF TIREE

The Tiree Wave Classic has long been the British Wavesailing Tour’s most prestigious event, and to mark its 25^th anniversary we take a nostalgic look back at some of the legendary characters who’ve contributed to its success…

ROBERTO RICCI – RISING FROM THE ASHES

Dave White gets up close and very personal with Roberto Ricci, who rose from humble beginnings to create RRD, one of the world’s most successful windsurfing brands…

NATIONAL WINDSURFING FESTIVAL

If you were unlucky enough to miss out on this year’s incredible event, sit back and take a look at Dave White’s pictorial record while scribbling next year’s dates into your diary… …

SETTING YOUR OWN RULES

Whether we’re blasting at our local spot or lining up to take our chances Weymouth, we all get a kick out of speed. And thanks to modern technology, these days you don’t need to enter an event to join the speedsailing ranks…

LIFE ON TOUR – WORLD CUP ROUND-UP

Ed Sinclair brings us up to date with the action from 2011, which has been one of the most exhilarating years yet for the PWA…

regulars

DROPPING IN

PICTURE DESK

NEWS

FULLER’S WAY

SB WINDWISE

WANNABE A WAVESAILOR

POND LIFE

READERS’ PIX

NEXT ISSUE

Ben Proffitt at the 2010 Tiree Wave Classic

The Tiree Wave Classic is the most prestigious and longest standing windsurfing events in the British calendar, this year celebrating its 25th Anniversary and looking back over the event’s history. And the 2011 website launches today at www.tireewaveclassic.co.uk

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 as well as many other top prizes, a newly launched Pura Vida Custom Quad to the amateur judged to deserve it most! It will be an unmissable, adrenaline-fuelled week of competition and entertainment set against the breathtaking backdrop of Tiree’s spectacular scenery.  Who will pull the Scottish Broadsword from the sand?

Andy Groom who’s back on the event team and was the founder of this Wave Classic way back in 1986 said “It will be great to have guests like Farrel O’Shea, Nik Baker and Duncan Coombs among other past legends there this year.  To see such a great event and the standard of sailing that we’ve hit over 25 years has been amazing, I can’t wait to enjoy this milestone”

Simmer rider Ben Proffitt, the 2010 BWA Champion, said: “I absolutely love taking part in this event – for me it’s one of the highlights of the year and can deliver any conditions. The championship could be anyone’s at the moment and I’m super-keen to win here and have another shot at the title”

Organisers Pura Vida Boardriders are honoured to be involved with the Tiree Wave Classic and promise to deliver an outstanding event for this special 25^th year. Jim Brooks-Dowsett, Event organiser said:  “Tiree is one of those stunning locations you really have to visit at least once, and the waves can be awesome!  Since the competition was founded by Andy Groom 25 years ago it’s always been the one to watch and read about in the magazine’s, and with the return of a few past legends this year will be a week to remember, stoked to be involved!”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, the national events agency said: “ We are delighted to be supporting the Tiree Wave Classic for the eighth year as it celebrates it’s 25^th anniversary.  It is great to see the increasing attraction of Tiree as a water sports desination as it has certainly proven over the years to be a perfect stage for this event.”

For more information on travel and accommodation please visit the website.  There will be special offers and group Bed & Breakfast available through Pura Vida.  Many have shared houses and vans 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 comp as well as some serious prizes, so spread the word and hope to see you there!

Date: 8^th – 15^th October 2011, www.tireewaveclassic.co.uk, all enquiries: shop@puravidaboardriders.co.uk

TWC 2010 Champion, Ben Proffitt

Jim Brooks-Dowsett reports on plans for the Tiree Wave Classic’s 25th Anniversary – 8th to 15th October 2011.

Pura Vida Boardriders are proud to be supporting this year’s event and heading a great team that will bring back many of the event’s favourite characters. Among other greats like Nik Baker and Farrel O’Shea we welcome the return of event founder Andy Groom who is working closely with BWA to ensure the 25th year goes off in true party style! There will be more news and travel deals to follow from the BWA so stay informed right here at www.boards.co.uk and the BWA website – www.britishwavesailingassociation.com

Location: Isle of Tiree, Argyll & Bute, Scotland

Directions: You need to catch a 4 hour long ferry from Oban: www.calmac.co.uk

When: Saturday 8th to Friday 14th October 2011

Who: Pros, Amateurs, Masters, Ladies, Youths

BWA Contact: louise@britishwavesailingassociation.com

Event Contact: TBC

Entry Fee: £60

Registration: An Talla Hall. All Fleets: TBC

Head Judge: Duncan Coombs

Chief Photographer: John Carter

Travel/Accom share info: louise@britishwavesailingassociation.com

Ben Proffitt

Number one seed, Ben Proffitt, secured first place in challenging, technical conditions at Balephuil Bay on the south westerly tip of the isolated Hebridean island. With a win under his belt from the round at Brandon Bay, Ireland in May, Proffitt’s latest victory places him in a commanding position to become the British Wavesailing Association’s 2010 Champion later this month. “It feels great to have finally got out on the water after a week of waiting and to have secured first place in the Skykon Tiree Wave Classic 2010. It puts me in a strong position going into the final event of the season,” Proffitt said.

Freestyler Andy ‘Bubble’ Chambers, who finished in an unexpected second place ahead of John Skye, said he was “very happy” with his result. He also won the Expression Session with a ‘goiter’, an inverted 360 off the lip of the wave. “I’m a freestyler rather than a wave sailor so I’m definitely happy with my result today,” he said, noting that it had proved tough to pick the right wave in the conditions. “But after a week of waiting for the surf to arrive we were all itching to get out,” he added.

John Skye, who took the third podium spot, said he was also relieved to have finally got the conditions to compete on the final day of the Skykon Tiree Wave Classic 2010. “I prefer bigger waves but Ben and Bubble were really ripping today, and they both deserve their results,” Skye said.

The moderate to fresh north westerly breeze produced “small and clean” conditions, according to Head Judge Duncan Coombs. “It was pretty challenging for the guys out there today but everyone was relieved to get out after waiting for the best part of a week,” he said. “The conditions were average but it was enough to show the true winner,” he added

In the amateur category, Scotland’s Scotty McDowell finished in first position ahead of Adam Sims and Jim Brooks-Dowsett. Russ Jenkins took first in the masters category, followed by Craig Hamilton in second and Mark Lloyd in third.

Last Saturday, on the first day of the Tiree Wave Classic 2010, newcomer Debbie Kennedy from Hayle in Cornwall took the women’s title for the event, with fellow Cornish entrant Jodie Ward finishing in second place. Helen Bainbridge finished in third in a light onshore breeze.

The isolated Hebridean island has experienced an unseasonal stint of balmy weather during this year’s Skykon Tiree Wave Classic and the wave sailors had to wait it out until the last day of the contest for the chance to compete. Much of the week has been occupied with beach volleyball, five-a-side football and rounders in the blazing sun organised by volunteers from Telford College in Edinburgh in the absence of the all-important wind and waves.

With the final event of the season coming up in Cornwall from 28 to 31 October, British Wavesailing Association Chairman, Nigel Treacy, said: “Several big names took the decision to not attend the Skykon Tiree Wave Classic this year due to the forecast. It takes a brave sailor to gamble on a windless seven days on the UK’s windiest isle and those that made the trip were rewarded for their efforts. The result has shaken up the BWA Championship table considerably leaving the field very open, especially for the top five places. As a result, we could see some new names on 2010 Championship trophies.”

Glasgow-based band, The Fortunate Sons, played for the competitors and locals at the Skykon Tiree Wave Classic 2010 prize giving ceremony on Friday night at the packed An’ Talla community hall. On Monday, up and coming singer Carrie Mac flew in to perform an intimate acoustic set for the frustrated windsurfers at the Tiree Lodge Hotel.

For the latest news, images and footage log on to: www.tireewaveclassic.org, follow the event at www.twitter.com/tireewave or become a fan of the Tiree Wave Classic 2010 on facebook.

Skykon Wave Classic 2010 results

Pros

1. Ben Proffitt (Simmer)

2. Andy ‘Bubble’ Chambers (Neil Pryde, JP)

3. John Skye (RRD)

Amateurs

1. Scotty McDowell

2. Adam Sims

3. Jim Brooks-Dowsett

Masters

1. Russ Jenkins

2. Craig Hamilton

3. Mark Lloyd

Women

1. Debbie Kennedy

2. Jodie Ward

3. Helen Bainbridge

Photo: John Carter

Sunshine at Tiree

Dozens of the top wave sailors gathered on Tiree for the world-renowned Skykon Tiree Wave Classic faced frustration on the first two days of the competition when the recent winds that have thrashed the island failed to return. On Sunday, competitors played beach volleyball and football on the beach in the absence of the necessary wind and waves.

After a long wait for the breeze to fill in at Balephuil Bay on the south west tip of the island on Saturday, the females finally took to the water for their first round in the late afternoon. In just 10-15 knots of breeze from the east, the female entrants started at 5.45pm in what the judging panel described as ‘tough conditions’ due to the light winds.

The British Wavesailing Association’s Head Judge, Duncan Coombs, said: “The standard of the women is stronger than we’ve seen in previous years and the Cornish girls did really well today on the back of their wave riding experience.”

Debbie Kennedy from Hayle in Cornwall won the first heat, with fellow Cornish entrant Jodie Ward finishing in second place. Helen Bainbridge finished in third.

“It was a challenging round in a light, onshore breeze. But it was great to win the heat as it’s my first time at the Tiree Wave Classic and I only started wave windsurfing in May,” Kennedy said.

Although a relative newcomer to wavesailing, Kennedy is no stranger to wave sports. She is a keen surfer and has also been kitesurfing for six years and recently returned from the British Kitesurfing Associations’ Wavemasters Championships 2010 in Brandon Bay, Ireland where she finished in second place. Despite being her first time at the Tiree Wave Classic, Kennedy has got off to a great start and is looking forward to the rest of the event.

“I’m glad we got a round in today despite the light conditions and all the girls are looking forward to getting a few more rounds in over the week,” she said.

Coombs said that the judges are closely monitoring the weather conditions and all the entrants are on standby to compete. At a briefing on Saturday evening competitors were warned to prepare for dawn starts or late starts, to take advantage of conditions as they arise.

“The weather here on Tiree can be very unpredictable but the many beaches around the island allow the competition to take place regardless of which direction the wind is coming from,” Coombs said, stressing that the competition can go ahead without too much wind as long as there is sufficient swell.

The 24th Tiree Wave Classic is supported by Argyll and Bute Council, EventScotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and attracts hundreds of international competitors, visitors and media to the island. Skykon, the supplier of towers, composites and offshore solutions for the wind turbine industry, is supporting the carbon neutral event for the second consecutive year. Due to the challenging location of the Tiree Wave Classic, the event organisers Dialogue Sports Marketing and the British Wavesailing Association rely on the support of these committed sponsors for the continued success of the event.

The Tiree Wave Classic runs until Friday 15 October.

Tiree Wave Classic – Day 1 results:

Women: round one

1. Debbie Kennedy

2. Jodie Ward

3. Helen Bainbridge

No other rounds took place.

Photo: John Carter

Sam Neal (JP/NeilPryde) in training yesterday

Record numbers of top windsurfers from all over the world are descending on the Isle of Tiree for the world-renowned Skykon Tiree Wave Classic this weekend. From Saturday 9 October until Friday 15 October, elite board sailors will battle it out in the surf surrounding Tiree in the UK’s premier windsurfing competition.

Now in its 24th year, the Tiree Wave Classic attracts entrants who brave the full force of the Atlantic wind and waves off this remote and exposed island, located at the most westerly point of the Inner Hebrides. This year’s competitors include Holland’s Martin Ten Hoeve and Spain’s Dany Bruch, ranked number seven in the world.

Around 90 competitors are expected to line up this year, exceeding last year’s entry list that stood at around 70. Around 40 entrants have already taken advantage of pre-entry discounts, well ahead of the levels experienced in previous years. Due to the forecasted high winds for Saturday, the riders will take to the surf on Saturday a day earlier than originally scheduled to take full advantage of the conditions.

Louise Emery at the British Wavesailing Association said that many of the world’s top windsurfers are looking forward to competing alongside Scotland’s finest at Tiree.

“The Tiree Wave Classic remains a very well run event on an island with close to perfect windsurfing conditions. We are expecting a large turnout and it is set to go from strength to strength,” Emery said.

“There will also be a strong contingent of Scottish sailors mainly from the Troon/Largs area. The other events on the windsurfing calendar are expensive for them to get to so this is their one chance of the year to take on the English and Welsh riders and they have already booked several houses on the island,” she added.

The Tiree Wave Classic is supported by Argyll and Bute Council, EventScotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is set to attract hundreds of international competitors, visitors and media to the island. Due to the challenging location of the Tiree Wave Classic, the event organisers Dialogue Sports Marketing and the British Wavesailing Association rely on the support of these committed sponsors for the continued success of the event.

Councillor Dick Walsh, leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: “The Tiree Wave Classic brings visitors from far afield to this spectacular part of Argyll. It’s always a pleasure to welcome the athletes and their supporters to an event which showcases both their talent and our island. Competitions like this boost the local economy and the council is happy to lend its support to events which bring this kind of benefit to our shores.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the Tiree Wave Classic for the seventh consecutive year. The event showcases Scotland as the perfect stage for competitive windsurfing and puts Tiree in the international spotlight each year.”

Skykon, the supplier of towers, composites and offshore solutions for the wind turbine industry, is supporting the event for the second consecutive year.

Niels Brix, Skykon Vice President, said: “We are proud to support the Tiree Wave Classic, a first rate event on the international windsurfing circuit which generates media coverage all over the world. Just like the top windsurfers competing at the Wave Classic, as a supplier of tower solutions and wind technology components to the wind power industry, our business involves harnessing the power of the natural elements.”

Set against the tiny island’s rugged coastline with white beaches and superb conditions, the Tiree Wave Classic is a niche event attracting world-class windsurfers from all corners of the globe.

In addition to the action on the water, the Tiree Wave Classsic will host a range of high profile performers including The Fortunate Sons and up and coming Scottish singer Carrie Mac.

Since its humble beginnings in 1986, the Tiree Wave Classic has matured to a truly spectacular sporting event. The growing popularity of the event and extensive international media coverage cement Scotland’s reputation as a stage for top athletes and showcase the country’s stunning natural assets and legendary hospitality.

For more information about the Tiree Wave Classic go to www.tireewaveclassic.org, follow the event at www.twitter.com/tireewave and become a fan of the Tiree Wave Classic 2010 on Facebook.

Photo: John Carter

Top windsurfers from all over the world will converge on the Isle of Tiree for the world-renowned Skykon Tiree Wave Classic next week. From Saturday 9 October until Friday 15 October, elite board sailors will battle it out in the surf surrounding Tiree in the UK’s premier windsurfing competition.

Now in its 24th year, the Tiree Wave Classic attracts entrants who brave the full force of the Atlantic wind and waves off this remote and exposed island, located at the most westerly point of the Inner Hebrides. This year’s competitors include Holland’s Martin Ten Hoeve and Spain’s Dany Bruch, ranked number 7 in the world.

Louise Emery at the British Wavesailing Association said that many of the world’s top windsurfers are looking forward to competing alongside Scotland’s finest at Tiree.

“The Tiree Wave Classic remains a very well run event on an island with close to perfect windsurfing conditions. We are expecting a large turnout and it is set to go from strength to strength,” Emery said.

“There will also be a strong contingent of Scottish sailors mainly from the Troon/Largs area. The other events on the windsurfing calendar are expensive for them to get to so this is their one chance of the year to take on the English and Welsh riders and they have already booked several houses on the island,” she added.

The Tiree Wave Classic is supported by Argyll and Bute Council, EventScotland and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is set to attract hundreds of international competitors, visitors and media to the island. Due to the challenging location of the Tiree Wave Classic, the event organisers Dialogue Sports Marketing and the British Wavesailing Association rely on the support of these committed sponsors for the continued success of the event.

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the Tiree Wave Classic for the seventh consecutive year. The event showcases Scotland as the perfect stage for competitive windsurfing and puts Tiree in the international spotlight each year.”

Skykon, the Danish wind turbine production and service company, is supporting the carbon neutral event for the second consecutive year.

Set against Tiree’s rugged coastline with white beaches and superb conditions, the Tiree Wave Classic is a niche event attracting world-class windsurfers from all corners of the globe.

The Tiree Wave Classsic will host a range of high profile performers including The Fortunate Sons and up and coming Scottish singer Carrie Mac.

Since its humble beginnings in 1986, the Tiree Wave Classic has matured to a truly spectacular sporting event. The growing popularity of the event and extensive international media coverage cement Scotland’s reputation as a stage for top athletes and showcase the country’s stunning natural assets and legendary hospitality.

For more information about the Tiree Wave Classic go to www.tireewaveclassic.org, follow the event at www.twitter.com/tireewave and become a fan of the Tiree Wave Classic 2010 on facebook.

The Tiree Wave Classic is now in its 24th year and remains the most impressive Wave event in the UK Calendar. Competitors from all over the UK will be battling against each other in the harshest conditions the UK has to offer, to win the ‘Tiree Wave Classic’ title. Furthermore, all sailors will be fighting hard to improve their chances of winning the coveted BWA UK Wave Championship.

With only TWO rounds remaining the field remains tight and open for any rider to snatch crucial points. Current tour leader is Ben Proffitt. We asked him how he was feeling with so many sailors snapping at his feet for the tour leader’s ‘yellow rashie’…

“I’m feeling really good. My sailing is pretty solid. I had my best result for a while in the first PWA wave event of the year in Pozo during the summer so I’m raring to go. It’s going to be a tight event as usual as all the top British pros will be there and maybe a few international ones. I just hope I can get it together and take home the win…”

In addition to the ferocious fight between the British pros, the BWA will also be running Ladies, Amateur, Junior and Masters fleets. So if you are a competent wave sailor then the BWA team in Tiree will welcome you and get you involved in this super friendly event. As always there will be plenty of other entertainments going on throughout the week including the legendary Island parties!

Tiree dates: 9th – 15th October 2010 (Closing party Friday 15th)

For more information on the event visit http://www.britishwavesailingassociation.com/tiree.php