Tiree Wave Classic makes welcome return

This weekend sees the beginning of the 2008 Tiree Wave Classic windsurfing competition part funded this year by a £15,000 grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). Other funding partners include Event Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council. The event is seen as the premier wave event in Europe and runs from October 11 -18 2008.

Organisers hope to attract 60 competitors for the £5,000 prize as well as support staff, media, promoters and visitors. The event, which begins on Saturday (October 11), will increase the population of Tiree by around 600. A dedicated half-hour television programme will also cover the event.

The Tiree Wave Classic involves three disciplines - wave sailing; freestyle and super-cross (slalom racing). Receiving World Cup status in 2007, the event showcases the area as a world class surfing destination.

This year, organisers and promoters GMFCo Ltd have expanded the event to include the Coll Challenge on October 14 - a triathlon comprising running, wind-surfing and mountain biking said to be the most remote adventure race in the UK. A dedicated programme is being filmed to cover both events and distributed worldwide. The BBC is also filming for The Adventure Show.

Gordon Ritchie, director of GMFCo said: "We are delighted that, because of the level of interest and support for this event, we are expanding it to include this brand new challenge on Coll. It draws a world focus on these small islands and an economic benefit that continues long after the competition finishes."

 As part of the event, international windsurfer, broadcaster, coach and filmmaker Peter Hart is also hosting an "Intro to Waves" course as part of his Clinic Tour. From being a former British speed and slalom champion, he now runs courses in some of windsurfing's most internationally renowned destinations.

Donald Melville HIE's development manager said: "Sport tourism is a fast growing sector for Scotland and the continuing popularity and success of this annual event proves the valuable contribution it can make to the region's more fragile local economies."

Other events that will run alongside the main competition include live music performances, island tours, food tasting and craft exhibitions.