Angry weather for start of Moth Worlds

Hampshire, UK (July 19, 2014) – After a single day’s break following the UK Nationals, which was won by Michael Lennon (GBR), the International Moths started the World Championships in earnest. A record-breaking 138 helms from 18 countries are taking part in the event, so the fleet is split into two groups of 69 boats.

The thunderstorms which have been plaguing the UK in recent days led to a 2 hour postponement ashore. The helms were released at midday with the first race started in 13 knots of wind at 13.15.

Course setting was made very tricky with the wind swinging through around 90 degrees and ranging from 3 to 14 knots. Getting races away was proving nearly impossible, but still Yellow fleet have managed two races and Blue fleet have sailed one. A second race was started for Blue fleet, but no-one had reached the windward mark within the 20 minute time limit. The same happened for Yellow fleet’s third race.

Of the favourites, Nathan Outteridge (AUS) missed race 1 due to gear failure on his way to the start and had to go in for repairs. He managed to get out just in time for the second Yellow fleet race and skilfully sailed his way through the fleet to finish 3rd.

Current leader overall is Chris Rashley (GBR) who finished with a 1st and 2nd in Yellow fleet’s two races. The leader board is of course biased as Blue fleet have only completed the one race. Rob Gough (AUS) won Blue fleet’s only race and Robert Greenhalgh won Yellow fleet’s second race.

The fleet returned to shore at 16.15 in a dying breeze with just the three races completed between the 2 flights. No sooner had they crossed West Pole Sands, a lovely force 4 filled in. The helms were held on the beach with the possibility of going back out to the racecourse, but there just wasn’t enough time to get the racing restarted.

Sunday will see Blue fleet heading out first to get a race in before both fleets race again to decide the split into Gold and Silver fleets for the remainder of the event.

Results: http://www.hisc.co.uk/sailing-racing/open-events/moth-worlds-2014/moth-race-results/
Event website: http://www.mothworlds.org/hayling/

Report by Mark Jardine, Yachts and Yachting

Video and photo by Beau Outteridge