36COMPBWA MASTERS
Nigel Treacy, BWA Founder and Chairman
“The BWA Masters fleet remains the friendliest of fleets
and those passing the 40 year mark are welcomed into
the gang with open arms. Off the water this warm and
friendly bunch of competitors share wave sailing
knowledge, experiences, stories, jokes, lies and beers.
However, once the heat starts, they fight fiercely for
hard earned points. Rhosneigr 2017 was no exception.
The first round of the tour brought out all the big guns
such as Craig Hamilton, Graham Pettit, Geoff Hautman,
Steve 'Trees' Laddiman, Kyle McGinn, Mark Dowson and
last years Vice Champion, John McLawrence. Missing
was last year’s Masters Champion, Justin Dennington
who is recovering from an injury.
“A nail-biting single elimination was completed on day
one with local boy Steve ‘Trees’ Laddiman taking the
honours. Kyle McGinn put in his usual solid
performance taking second and Graham Pettit a well
earned third. New/old boy Alan Cockrill took an
impressive fourth at his first event.
“So the scene is well set for the rest of the tour and with
three events yet to go there is still time for McLawrence,
Dowson, Hamilton and Hautman to regain points. All
uk
WIND
SURFING
eyes will be on Tiree where we may also see the return
of 2017 Champion, Justin Dennington.
“Personally I had a great time, I tried my best, worked
towards improving upon previous performances and
was delighted with my first heat result, where (probably
because of downright tricky conditions) I managed to
come out on top against some quality sailors. I
couldn’t quite believe it! Unfortunately I was unable to
repeat it in the second heat, which despite being very
close I was out sailed by Kyle. It was really useful
seeing the heat sheets and it was glorious to sit and
watch the judging process in the bright sunlight.”
So there you have it the Rhosneigr BWA 2017 Masters
fleet proved to be very enjoyable for me and my peers,
and I would like to thank the whole BWA team: Bucky
at Funsport, all the Judges and all round good egg
Head Judge Mark Hosegood whose professional and
cool attitude made it even more amazing. Oh I’d better
not forget Gump at Juice Boardsports for all the
windsurfing gear!
Mark Dowson's Rhossy 2017 Masters memories
vid: https://youtu.be/B9bsqviuAnw