COLD WATER CLASSIC: EVENT WRAP UPCOLD WATER CLASSIC: EVENT WRAP UPWhat an event! The stars lined up for the Cornish Coldwater Classic and conditions were epic for the second year in succession!Head Judge Duncan Coombs reflects on two full days of wild competition at the Cornish Coldwater Classic, delivering a packed schedule of action across all divisions. We also hear from Pro Men event winner, Andy King, runner up Phil Horrocks, young Max Metcalfe who sailed incredibly well to deservedly take third and Womens pro winner Sarah Hilder!Photos: John CarterClick on any picture to enlarge and scrollBest viewed on a big screen!DAY ONEDuncan Coombs Day one took place at the St Ives Holiday Village location in smaller but solid conditions. With the waves at the lesser end of the forecast, the decision was made to run the amateur, masters, youth, and both mens and womens fleets.The youth division kicked things off in clean side-offshore conditions with good wave riding. As the wind increased throughout the day, building to side-onshore and up to 35 knots with well overhead-high sets, a jumping element was introduced midway through the schedule.The conditions became lively, producing plenty of exciting action. Around 35 short heats were completed to keep the event on track.The day finished with a couple of womens pro heats in windy, jump-inclusive conditions. Dingle style eliminations ensured everyone had a second chance to sail and results were secured across all fleets, making it a successful opening day.DAY TWOThere were some nerves going into day two with a forecast of around 15 knots and gusts of 25, combined with a large swell, always unpredictable in Cornwall. Although the surf was big at the first location, it was slightly onshore, so the decision was made to move up the coast to The Bluff. There, competitors were met with excellent head-high to almost mast-high side-offshore conditions, ideal for the pro rounds.One amateur heat was run first to determine which two sailors would qualify into the pro division, creating a strong 18-man pro fleet. The line up featured an impressive age range, from sailors in their 50s to under-18 competitors, highlighting the depth and diversity of the field.The action was outstanding, with quality down-the-line wave sailing and some waves opening up for rides of up to 100 metres, featuring aerials and powerful turns.Phil Horrocks delivered what were arguably the best rail turns of the event, showcasing a beautiful surfing style. However, he struggled with wave selection in the final and was beaten by Andy King, who claimed what is believed to be his first Cornwall victory.King sealed the win with massive aerials and impressive outgoing manoeuvres, including push loops and back loops, despite jumps not being a scoring requirement in the final. It was a well-deserved victory.Seventeen-year-old Max Metcalf secured third place, beating Lucas Meldrum, marking himself as a serious talent for the future. The West Wittering-based sailor has a promising path ahead if he chooses to pursue it and could be one to watch on the British tour this season.In the womens division, Sarah Hilder, a mother of two who continues to train in Tenerife during the summer months, claimed the win with strong all-round sailing.Izzy Adcock, a regular podium finisher, secured second place, while Caitlin Boothroyd, recently promoted from the top amateur ranks into the pro division, earned an impressive third.Corey McFarlane, known for having one of the best styles in the fleet, was pushed into fourth after struggling to find the waves that opened up, despite executing strong individual turns.The women experienced varied conditions across the two days, including windy jumping conditions on day one and classic down-the-line wave sailing to finish.In the youth division, Sam Wade stood out as a promising name for the future, taking the win. Eddie McLean, son of Scotlands Willie Angus, claimed second in the kids division, with both young sailors showing impressive potential.The Masters division also delivered standout performances. Tim Watson posted some of the highest scores across the amateur and masters fleets during the early rounds, particularly in his quarterfinal and semi-final heats, where he was sailing exceptionally well.However, competition luck and possibly limited port-tack jumping due to a reported injury prevented him from reaching the final. Jan Sleigh, an ex-pro, demonstrated strong turns and aerial manoeuvres, while Nick Moffatt returned to competition with some excellent waves, proving he still belongs in the draw.Chris Murray was another major highlight, finishing equal fifth in the pros but delivering some of the most powerful sailing seen in recent years. He attacked the lip with authority and looked sharper than he has in a long time, arguably even stronger than during his early pro career. His performance was widely praised and his equipment, including his borrowed Simmer board, appeared to be working exceptionally well for him.Overall, the Cornish Cold Water Classic delivered two days of varied but quality conditions, strong fleet depth across all age groups, and standout performances from both seasoned competitors and rising stars.ANDY KINGI was down at the beach yesterday and had quite a lot of fun playing around in the stronger wind. Coming into today, we were just waiting to see what the conditions would deliver. We knew there was going to be swell and initially we looked at Uptons, but I think it was a good call by Duncan to move to the Bluff because it gave us a bit more side to side-off. It was lighter wind wave riding to start with and that paid off. As the day went on the wind filled in a bit and veered slightly, so we could move around more and be more selective with the waves we took. Earlier on you just had to take what you found as you sort of wallowed in. The conditions got more fun as the tide came in a fraction, and for the final we had to reposition further down the beach.I do, believe it or not, really like wave riding. I just perversely love jumping and still enjoy trying to go for the big moves even when they dont count in the competition. We get plenty of wave riding conditions down here and I live here all year round, so Im doing a lot of itit just doesnt get seen because we dont have cameras on us. I sail with the local guys and they absolutely rip, Ian Black, Andrew and so many othersso the level is always high. Sometimes at events I probably struggle to show my wave riding because I get distracted or lose motivation in softer conditions, but when the waves have a bit more power like today, I can really get into it.I never turn up expecting to win. Ive had enough experience to know you cant expect anything in competition. It comes down to wave selection and timing. Any one of the pro fleet is capable of taking a heat if theyre in sync with the waves. Today I just managed to find a bit of rhythm and did what I could with the waves that came through.I obviously ride for Goya and Ive been supported by them for years, so Im really grateful theyve stuck with me. They could probably have got rid of me a long time ago, but theyve always been supportive. Their equipment is just plug and play for meits almost like being on autopilot. Im sure theres loads of great gear out there, but for me this just works, and without them I wouldnt have achieved what I did today. Im eternally grateful to Goya, the whole team Bubble (Andy Chambers), and everyone in the UK and internationally whos supported me. I would also like to thank Flymountthey give me accessories as a key training tool for progression and have supported me for years. Im just glad I finally got a result that does their support justice.This year Ive swapped to a slightly smaller board, which I think has helped me ride a bit more aggressively. I was on a 94L with a 5.3, riding the Guru Xand it really is, like I say, plug and play. I can almost forget about the gear because I trust that wherever I put it, its going to respond and help me out. That plays a big part in having a successful day.Im 49 and 10 monthstwo months off 50, but age shouldnt be a barrier to anyone. Its about getting out there, keeping the same mindset of just going for it and making the most of the opportunities we have. Were very fortunate to be able to do this. Im really grateful to the people who run the event because weve got the easy partwe just turn up and sail. Its Duotone supporting it, the local guys running it, Willie organising the whole series, and every competitor who shows up. Only one person gets lucky enough to finish on top, but everyone else has made the effort and has support from brands that bring us all together.Every dog has his day, and today was mine. Next time itll hopefully be someone elses. Thats what keeps it interesting and adds excitement and unpredictability. Ive been doing this for nearly 30 years and doing pretty much every contest unless work stops me and if you stick at it, theres reward at the end.PHIL HORROCKSIm happy with second place. It was difficult conditions, especially in the final. At the beginning there werent many sets coming through and when youve got four of the best guys out there and not many spare waves, it makes it pretty tricky.The older boys seemed to pick out the best waves in the end.I had a couple of turns on the last wave or two, managed to get a bit of tail slide in there and link a few turns together, which felt really nice.I didnt get the biggest waves, but I just did all I could with what I had.MAX METCLAFEYeah, it was pretty sick, I was really stoked to be fair. It was fun, really good conditions. Ive sailed quite a bit in that sort of port tack down-the-line setup before, so I felt comfortable in it.I definitely wasnt expecting to make the final, but Im really glad I did. It was amazing to be sailing with all the top Brits. I managed to hit a few big aerials, maybe some of my biggest ever, Im not sure, well have to see the pictures later. But it felt great out there.The final was actually one of my most fun heats of the whole event, to be honest. And yeah, Im definitely going to celebrate tonight.SARAH HILDERIm absolutely stoked to take the win. After breaking my foot in Tenerife last year, just being back competing at full strength means a lotlet alone coming away with first. As a mum of two, juggling everything isnt always easy, so days like this feel extra special. Ive been riding my Simmer 63L custom Flywave board with K4 fins and its been working so well for me in the windier conditions along with my Simmer Blacktip sails, I felt like I could just sail consistently and focus on linking my turns and choosing the right waves without being thrown around by the chop.Its always such a great vibe at this event. Im really proud to be part of the windsurfing community here with such great conditions. Everyone pushes each other, and thats what makes it so rewarding. I have lots to work on coming away from the competition, it really motivates me and that is what competition is about! Well done to all the other competitors and a huge thank you to the organisers and sponsors for putting on such a great weekend!Thanks to Duotone for sponsoring the event!DUOTONE Windsurfing | High-end equipment, lifestyle & moreRESULTSPRO MEN1: ANDY KING2: PHIL HORROCKS3: MAX METCALFE4: LUCAS MELDRUMPRO WOMEN1: SARAH HILDER2: IZZY ADCOCK3: C BOOTHROYD4: C MCFARLANECORNISH COLDWATER CLASSIC 2026 MENS AMS DINGLE1: SAM WADE2: EDDIE MACLEAN3: ROSS MAURITZEN4: JOE ORMRODMENS MASTERS1: ALEX ROADS2: ROBERT MCALLISTER3: JOHN MCLAWRENCE4: LAURENCE GRAYCORNISH COLDWATER CLASSIC 2026 YOUTH DINGLE1: SAM WADE2: M MACLEAN3: F RAMUS4: R WEALTHYCornish Coldwater Classic 2026 Womens Ams1: Jenna Pettit2: Kate Hatcher3: Mimi DunnThe post COLD WATER CLASSIC: EVENT WRAP UP appeared first on Windsurf Magazine Online.