DEBBIE KENNEDY LEADS AS TIREE WAVE CLASSIC GETS UNDERWAY
LADIES AND MASTERS FLEET SEE ACTION AS CONDITIONS IMPROVE
Waves roared into the Inner Hebrides as the 26th Tiree Wave Classic finally got underway.After four frustrating days waiting for the gusts to pick up, Wednesday saw an afternoon of top windsurfing action, with a ten-strong ladies fleet able to complete five thrilling rounds of action.Debbie Kennedy, from Hayle in Cornwall, emerged the leader, beating Norway’s Sophia Joy Gilje into second place, Poland’s Justyna Sniady in third and Amy Carter from London in fourth.“I’m really pleased. It was quite tricky conditions, the waves were quite hard to find, and it was cold!” said Debbie.“I was personally a little bit surprised at the result, because I felt like I got one good wave and I was a bit frustrated trying to find my second wave, so I’m really pleased to be leading,” she said.Debbie will now try to defend her lead through the next two days of action.The Masters event also saw action at Crossapol beach on Wednesday, with Davie Edmiston from Troon in Ayrshire emerging as the leader.“The women did really well – and the masters,” said Mark Hosegood, head judge.“Debbie sailed consistently well, and in fact both fleets really got into it, and made the most of tricky conditions,” said Mark.“Unfortunately we didn’t have the epic conditions we were hoping for for the pros, but saying that – we got one of the best demonstrations of light-wind wave riding from the pro fleet in an expression session, they were fantastic,” said Mark.Leading pro Ben Proffitt took first prize in the expression session, beating current British Wavesailing Association UK Wave Tour leader Phil Horrocks into second place.“Some of the carving turns and aerials in difficult conditions were great to see from the pro fleet – and some of the wipe-outs were pretty fun to watch too!” said Mark.“Going forward with the fickle weather forecast, we still have a lot of hope for some good competition tomorrow and Friday,” said Mark.The Tiree Wave Classic is the third of four contests within the British Wavesailing Association UK Wave Tour.The Tiree Wave Classic is backed by EventScotland and Argyll and Bute Council.