The 2014 edition of the Magherorarty Wave Classic was held in almost perfect windsurfing conditions in Donegal on the North West Coast Ireland. In a 16 man PWA single elimination style format, the windsurfers competed with both jumping and wave riding counting. With most sailors opting for 4.7 down to 3.3 sail sizes in what were challenging port tack down the line mast high waves conditions. An early morning wild card expression session was held for non ranked windsurfers, some of who would feature strongly in the main competition. The first round saw many of the Irish Young Guns losing out despite showing amazing waveriding abilities. Ryan O’ Leary, Mark Kileen and Dan Kealy were standouts but did not score highly in their jumps.
Â
Ireland has unusually been windless for some time and opportunities for sailing have been limited for the home base sailors. Katie McAnena showed of her undoubted class and was unlucky to exit Round One. The field consisted of Windsurfers from many countries who competed well with the Irish sailors helping to create a wonderful competition atmosphere throughout the day. Brandon Bay windsurfers father and son Niall and Finn Mellon who along with Rob Jones finished 4th Rob 5th Niall and Finn 6th( 1st Youth ) all the made the marathon journey north of seven hours drive worthwhile.
The top ranked pros Andreas Mohr, Timo Mullen and Steve Thorp were to make up the top three with each sailor putting on a show of sick aerials, goiters and huge front and back loops. Timo Mullen and Steve Thorp both veteran competition sailors of BWA tour for almost 20 years fought out an exciting final. Steve opted to track Timo from close quarters a tactic, which saw Mullen being forced to take some lesser sized waves. It proved the deciding factor as Thorp emerged with the top of the podium victory with his better wave selection.
Â
Â
The competition will long be remembered for the wonderful free sailing on the famous Magherorarty Reef and the fun and comrardy off the water. Event organizer Thomas Lotocki and locals Brendan Hone, William Kelly judged the friendly competition event which was dedicated to Mikey Clancy a legend of the Magherorty experience. A special thanks should go to all of the people who made this event happen and to Energia who are the main sponsors of Irish Windsurfing Association.
Â
Results
1st Steve Thorp
2nd Timo Mullen
3rd Andreas Mohr
Â
© Magheroararty Wave Classic/Tomasz Lotocki
Â
