There's something about Lucy

Saturday 16th October
6am felt like a very early start for the ferry but we made it, got our place and were quite excited about getting to Tiree! We tried getting some sleep at the back of the ferry but it really wouldn’t happen, so the only thing for it was a greasy bacon sandwich, tea and chatter on our prospective assault on the water with everyone speculating about whether there would or wouldn’t be any wind. “Look at that ripple: definitely windy!” “Nah, maybe lightwind freestyle” etc, etc.

Arriving at the other side we were confronted by the sight of a DJ in a Redbull van and cows everywhere! The adjustment did not take long though and it was straight to competition HQ at The Lodge to get all signed up and then to our accommodation which had been fixed at The Hynish Hostel. We embarked upon the 20 minute journey in van convoy, complete with 3 way radios kindly supplied by Paul Hunt.

Together with myself, Tanya, Audsley, Hunty, Swifty, Pearch, John “Ronnie Jock” Hibbard and Skyboy the Hynish was descended upon and the tone for the week was soon set as Ronnie lost no time in setting up The Tiree Table Tennis Tournament 2004 (“TTTT04”) for those windless days and endless evening entertainment!

This being done, the day ended with a great session at Balevullin where I was nicely powered up on my 5.3 and fought with everyone else for the waves that were lining up on the inside.

Sunday 17th October

"I wondered exactly how I got to be in a competition with loads of sailors I had previously heard about in the mags rigging up somewhere in the Hebrides and freezing my t*** off!!"

After converging at HQ, the first round of competition was due to take place at Balevulin. We got down to the beach at mid-morning and started rigging up the kit to the soundtrack of dance anthems usefully provided by Hunty. It was at this point that it all started to feel a little surreal and I wondered exactly how I got to be in a competition with loads of sailors I had previously heard about in the mags rigging up somewhere in the Hebrides and freezing my t*** off!!

After some manic 6 minute heats interspersed with fighting for space in front of the beach heater it was back to the Hynish for another uncharacteristic quiet night…

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
There was no wind on these days but I really was not complaining since there was some decent ground swell and I managed to get some really cool surfing in.

On Monday morning I went to Balevulin with Tanya and there were some really nice 4-6ft waves to be had; just perfect for my longboard weapon! For any of you that remember the first time you came across some wildlife when you were out on the sea you will understand my shock when I saw this huge black head and pair of eyes staring at me from just yards away. “Tanya there’s something in the sea”, “Ummm, a seal?” “Maybe, but it is massive!” “I just hope it isn’t mating season and it confuses us as a potential mate” at which point we both decided to call it a day and get a wave in!

The evening ended with the Hynish collective making our way to The Lodge and the aptly named “Big Monday”. That probably sums the evening up well. Needless to say there were copious amounts of alcohol consumed together with lots of silly dancing.

There was then “Big Tuesday” and “Big Wednesday” given the lack of wind and the competitors’ enthusiasm to make the most of the opportunity to get lively!

When we got the wind back on Thursday it was all about the competition and heats were run at Balevulin and then Crossapol on Friday.

I managed to get some great sailing in on both days and aside from the competing was really enjoying some wave action and not the usual bump n jump of the south coast.

15 hours later and I was back in Brighton still in a whirl and wondering exactly how I was going to behave like a Solicitor on Monday morning!

Friday evening was a predictably messy affair as the prize giving took place in the evening and at the Hynish we had planned our evening to start with vodkas and Redbulls.

I had of course not booked a ferry back and was feeling relieved when I managed to get on the Saturday night crossing. 15 hours later and I was back in Brighton still in a whirl and wondering exactly how I was going to behave like a Solicitor on Monday morning!!

Rhosneigr Wave Champs
After Tiree it was off to the comp at Rhosneigr with Camilla French. Unfortunately shortly before I got back to Brighton from my Tiree escapades, the engine in the van blew up so I was pretty pleased to blag a lift!

Having got up at 3am on Thursday 4 November to drive for 6 hours, we just managed to get to the beach in time to rig up for the Ladies’ heats. I thought my sailing went well although several attempts to impress with forwards ended in a mess and I didn’t manage to make it to the final. But in any case what I enjoyed most was the windsurfing and being out on the water with like-minded people.

Thursday night was spent at “Boardseeker Towers”, aka Louise Emery’s pad with fish and chips and then some pool action the next day! Friday didn’t see any competition but was spent crawling around on my hands and knees with the boys…. Paintball I might add and I still have the bruises to show!

So, I have been told that I am now a competition veteran and have lots to go away and think about in terms of moves and where I need to be in time for next season. I guess for the next month or so it is all going to be about doing over-powered slalom practice for the London Indoor Event!

Over and Out!

Lucy is an Ultrasport team rider and is sponsored by: Neil Pryde, JP Australia, Neil Pryde Wetsuits, Electric Sunglasses and Fairclaims.