Ireland

Despite a desperately light forecast, this year attracted 36 competitors of 14 Pros, 7 ladies, 12 Youth/Ams and 5 Masters. Sailors enjoyed a first day of competition on Monday completing 6 rounds before the wind dropped.

Since then the competitors have enjoyed 2 days of relaxation, Surfing, swimming with dolphin's and sightseeing....oh and a little drinking!

After Monday's first day of competition, after 6 complete rounds the Pros eagerly await a thrilling semi final. The table opposite shows a simplified version but remember that Ross Williams (Gaastra, Tabou) will be sailing against Ben Proffitt (Simmer, Simmer, O'shea) whilst Andy Chambers (JP, Neil Pryde, NP) and Phil Horrocks (Gaastra, Tabou) battle it out out for the other place in the final.

This promises to be a memorable battle for the lead.

After a frustrating first day which saw 2 heat cancellations, the ladies fleet are sitting at square one waiting for better wind. The 2012 vice champion Justyna Sniady is back with a vengeance after an injury-ridden 2012 and looking to take down the current Champion Debbie Kennedy. But do not dismiss the ability of local Irish girl, Katie McAnena who has been training hard in Maui. The surprise in the pack may well be Sam Bittner who can normally be found running the hugely successful American Windsurfing Tour. Lucy Robson left a career as solicitor to pursue windsurfing and with many months of hard training in Fuerteventura has an armory of new moves. The youngest girl on tour Megan Gayda has also been training hard locally whilst Essex hopeful and old-hand Emma Ray returns once again to upset the pack.

The Ams fleet welcomes a big list of newcomers to the event and the biggest number of entries. But whilst many of these guys are new to BWA they come with vast experience and some shiny new tricks. BWA event host Jim Brookes-Dowsett-(Abbey!) will be keen to maintain steady points and gain the Championship whilst local boy Niall Mellon will be looking to make Ireland proud.

Perhaps the most competitive fleet is the Masters as the old guard fight it out for what might be there last competition before the nursing home sends the bus to pick them all back up! Seriously these guys are now seasoned and know enough tricks to shame some of the pros. Dave ' Whitey' White will be balancing his role as event photographer whilst fending off the rest of the pack as he chases his first British title. Regular faces Lee Medway and Stu Tilbury take time from their RAF duties to compete and Tony Dodd returns for his second attempt. Newcomer Geoff Hautman will also be one to watch as he regularly trains at one of Britain's toughest venues, Rhosneigr.

Spillanes and the village at Brandon Bay is eerily quiet tonight as the competitors have all taken an early night in preparation of tomorrows forecasted full day of wind.