Jack Pettit and his family have just returned from the BWA event in Tiree, Scotland – here is Jack’s account of the week:
Over the week of the 10th-17th I made the long trip up to the beautiful Isle of Tiree. On the first day, after registering at the event HQ, with a clean head high wave and little wind a majority of the competitors headed over to Balevullin for a surf and SUP.
With the island being quite small and a lot of people on it all with very similar interests there was a very strong community feel all week. The island was absolutely amazing with lovely beaches and perfectly clear waters. On a calm day we went for a SUP cruise with great views and met some friendly seals on the way.
Wednesday was the day with the best conditions for competition with all fleets completing both a single and double elimination. As well as entering the Youth Fleet I also entered the Ams fleet which gave some really good competition with the likes of Local Tiree lad Tris Levie and RRD sailor Ben Page. In the single elimination I was really happy to get through my first heat and then second heat which put me in the final. Unfortunately I finished 4th in this but I was so happy that I got to the final anyway!! We then ran a double elimination where Tris Levie was making a come back but I managed to defend my 4th position against him. This meant that I then challenged Ben Page for 3rd place but he was sailing really well and so I stayed in 4th. Ben then climbed all the way up to challenge Scott McDowell for first, beat him which took it to a super final where they both sailed amazingly and Scott defended this first place.
My Dad did very well in the Masters fleet where he won the single elimination!! Unfortunately he was knocked down to second in the double. My sister also did well as she entered the Ladies fleet and finished 4th overall having been placed 5th, 4th, 4th and finally 3rd in the heats she sailed.
Before heading up there I received the new 2016 Ga IQ’s and Tabou Da Curves. After a few tips about setting up the sails from Ross Williams I headed out on the kit for the fist time. WOW!!! It felt absolutely amazing. I was one of the very few planing and on the waves there was power when you needed it and it was light and neutral when you wanted it to be. Can’t wait to sail it again soon. On the weekend of the 24/25th October 2XS is running a demo weekend down at West Wittering Beach, come down and try the kit for yourself!
Finally a big thanks to my sponsors for helping me to get here. Especially Tabou and GA Sails for the amazing kit.
