The 2006 PWA Aloha Classic presented by JP Australia
Officiel Press Release
Paia, Maui 11th October 2006
The 2006 PWA Aloha Classic presented by JP Australia
The PWA is pleased to announce its end of year wavesailing event, the 21st Aloha Classic, will be produced in association with JP Australia at the Mecca of world windsurfing, Ho’okipa Beach Park, Maui.
From 6th through 17th November the worlds finest wavesailors will assemble in Hawaii to stake their final claims on the coveted PWA World Wavesailing title. The Aloha Classic Amateur trials runs November 6-10th, alongside the Menehune, Junior and Grand Masters Divisions, and the Aloha Classic Pro event period covers November 10 through 17th
Today Martin Brandner, JP Brand Manager excitedly claimed “Our Slogan THE RIGHT STUFF FOR RADICAL ACTION matches perfectly with the image of Ho’okipa as one of the most radical wave spots on this planet. We are very proud that this is finally happening. And we look forward to see the best and most radical wave riders performing in this event.”
The PWA’s Tour Manager Rich Page gladly commented, “The Aloha Classic has been the landmark event in wave sailing since the earliest days of the sport. Traditionally, the event has been the conclusion to the competition season, and we’re very excited to see it once again take its rightful place as host to the World Tour Final. We are extremely grateful to the windsurfing industry for their continued support and in particular for the support of JP Australia with regard to this particular event.”
Event Director Marc Lefebvre of the Maui Windsurfing Association said “We welcome the PWA, JP Australia, and the world’s greatest sailors on Maui. This exciting news makes the 21st anniversary 2006 Aloha Classic extra special, combining the successfully run Aloha-style AM-event, including the hugely popular Menehune, Junior and Grand Masters divisions alongside the breathtaking competition of the top ranking athletes of the World Pro Tour. What better place than Maui for Champions to be crowned?” stated Lefebvre.
For a brave and lucky few, The Aloha Classic Amateur Open serves as the Qualifier into the Pro Division for men and women. The top 16 men and top 8 women from the Open Fleet will receive wildcard slots into the pro competition, and the chance to battle for the top prize money at this full world cup status event.
Extensive Worldwide coverage of the 2006 Aloha Classic is scheduled for Print, TV, Internet and radio, with a TV distribution to over 800 stations worldwide! The Aloha Classic will also be featured in a special feature in the November issue of STUFF magazine and its 1.3 million approx. circulation. Ex PWA pro sailor Tristan Boxford of Tropical Energy has brought a full service broadcast package, including MTV2, OLN, and full web 2.0, viral outreach via pod cast and blog-style mediums.
“For everyone around the world the Aloha Classic is well known as a fantastic and famous event”, says Inga Stracke, Aloha Classic PR and marketing Director, “Having this year’s 21st Aloha Classic become the final of the World Tour is truly exciting. We are thrilled to welcome the international media and sailors from around the globe this November at Ho’okipa Beach Park!”
After a journey that began back in Portugal in June, the showdown between the top players could be settled in no better place than the North shore’s massive fall swells. Despite its’ formidable global entry list, this event brings even more pressure on the elite competitors, in the form of the local legends of windsurfing’s spiritual home, and their specialist knowledge of Ho’okipa’s bone-crunching waves.
In an effort to honor past winners of the Aloha Classic for Men and Women, they will be given free entry into the amateur divisions at the event; from Alex Aguera in 1984 all the way up to PWA hotshot Alex Mussolini in 2005.
Aloha!
© PWA / Brian McDowell