The Tiree Wave Classic will celebrate its 42nd anniversary in 2026 and, for the first time since 2007, will once again be awarded the status of a four-star WWT World Cup event. A number of top riders have confirmed their participation, including Marc Paré and Philip Köster. The forecast for the week looks excellent: waves up to five metres high and winds of over 30 knots could make for an epic contest. With around 75 registered competitors across various categories, the contest will be coordinated from An Talla, Tiree’s community hall.
Following his victory in Wissant, Marc Paré leads the rankings by a margin of 1,200 points. As there was no wave riding on Sylt, the valuable World Championship points on offer on the Scottish island could ultimately prove decisive for the outcome of the overall standings. Paré won the Tiree Wave Classic back in 2018 and is aiming for another Claymore sword, the event’s traditional trophy. Köster, on the other hand, is entering uncharted territory, as he has never sailed on Tiree before. Köster is focusing entirely on Scotland and Chile after dropping Maui from his season schedule.
A tight schedule and an impressive line-up
The scheduling presents Paré with a particular challenge. The Spaniard is planning to take part in the Aloha Classic, which begins on 19 October 2026 in Maui. As the Tiree Wave Classic officially runs until 16 October, Paré is hoping for an early decision so that he can make it to Hawaii in time. Should the contest in Scotland drag on until the very last day, it will be a race against time.
Dieter Van Der Eyken returns as the defending champion. The Belgian secured the coveted Claymore sword in 2025 and undertook a 30-hour drive from Sylt to Scotland to defend his title. Van Der Eyken could prove a stumbling block for Paré and Köster if they are not fully focused. Miguel Chapuis finished second on Tiree in 2023 and returns with the aim of taking the top spot this time round. Marino Gil Gherardi and Jules Denel round off the high-calibre field of competitors. Both have the potential to finish on the podium.
British hopes and the ladies
The British riders are led by Lucas Meldrum. Other established names include Andy “Bubble” Chambers, Ben Proffitt and James Cox. All four are regulars on Tiree and know the local conditions inside out. Max Metcalfe is an up-and-coming young rider who has already made a name for himself on the British scene
Justyna Sniady returns to Tiree, where she triumphed in 2013 and 2014. The Polish sailor currently has only two results counting towards the world rankings and is in desperate need of points. Her fourth place in Tenerife shows that she is in good form. Cori McFarlane is aiming for a historic hat-trick after winning on Tiree in 2024 and 2025. The Scot knows the local waters like no other and is considered the favourite. Other competitors include the The Miron sisters as well as Izzy Adcock, Georgia Stolliday and Caitlin Boothroyd from England.
Supporting programme and information
In addition to the main men’s and women’s categories, there will be competitions in the amateur classes, the Masters division and the Youth category. The youth camp takes place daily at Loch and Gott Beach, with local children also taking part. A live stream will be available on the PWA website and can be accessed directly via the event’s YouTube channel.
