The event this year was different to previous events in that we were based in the Community ‘An Talla’ hall. The hall provided a central location to get updates, breakfast, lunch and dinner, Windswept beer, Scottish Salmon (both event sponsors!) and generally be a nice place to get out of the weather! Generally (and this year was no exception) the conditions allow for water activities everyday, so the theme of all day on the water and social evenings (open mic night, curry night, closing ceremony etc.) was great. We also had an impromptu ceilidh on the final night, when a couple of us convinced the band they MUST play the ceilidh to show the international riders what it was all about! All the local Scots brought back the memories of their PE lessons and taught us all how to dance, which was hilarious and a brilliant way to get everyone involved!
This year the forecast was very stormy, and there was no shortage of wind! As the eye of Storm Ophelia circulated around Tiree, it transformed Crossapol beach from a flat but very cold and windy beach to a warm, wet, and ‘wavey’ playground, with 50-60 knots of wind! After the amateur competition was run, there was a pro expression session for 20 minutes in the dying light and stormy seas. I will always remember the mad grins all the windsurfers had on their faces, dressed in colorful rash vests and struggling to walk with their smallest kit. There was a mass beach start then the imminent crashes and huge jumps. It felt on the edge of control and was total mayhem! For the windy days I found my 63 litre Simmer Custom board worked a treat. It glides and takes in chop so easily and was far easier to control than any other board in the high winds.
Tiree 2017 was a brilliant event. I sailed or surfed everyday and loved the community feel of the adventurous trip all the windsurfers had made to be there. There is something magical about a cold water trip too; the beautiful empty beaches, the inquisitive seals, the raw conditions and the feel of earning a good meal and wrapping up warm afterwards. In three words ..ish, Tiree 2017 was – stormy, social and action-packed!