Tiree Wave Classic talks see event moved to next March
Tiree Wave Classic 2020 has been rolled over to next March.
It was ‘with regret’ and after a lengthy discussion with the Department of Environmental Health at Argyll and Bute Council that organisers of the international windsurfing competition concluded it would ‘not be in the best interest of the event or the community of Tiree’ to proceed with it in October.
The new dates are March 13 to March 19 inclusive.
Tiree Wave Classic is the longest running professional windsurfing event in the world, having started in 1986.
Last week The Oban Times reported that there had been concerns from some islanders and a leading councillor about the international competition going ahead next month when Tiree had so far managed to stay Covid-free.
Councillor Roddy McCuish, who previously said it would be ‘madness’ to run the event during Covid, said: ‘I’m delighted the organisers have reviewed it going ahead and I’m sure islanders on Tiree will also be delighted with the risk being removed of Covid being spread on the island.’
Tiree Wave Classic said in a Facebook post it hoped to see as many as possible that had committed to the October dates come back in March.
Entry for further competitors to register for March is now re-opening with online registration closing for the new competition dates on Friday February 12.
Event host Wild Diamond still plans to offer advanced training for youngsters during the October half term so there should be no disappointment for the younger riders, other than them not having the opportunity to meet their heros.
‘Apologies to everyone who was looking forward once again to the thrill of competition. Hopefully March can deliver an event for us. We thank everyone who worked with us through our Covid consultation process and helped us over the past six months. Much appreciated and if we are able to deliver in March, all of our efforts will still have been worthwhile,’ said event organisers.