VRsport.tv International Moth UK Nationals at the WPNSA - Day 2

Robert Greenhalgh on day 2 of the VRsport.tv International Moth UK Nationals in Weymouth © Mark Jardine / IMCA UK

Dylan Fletcher and David Hivey mid gybe on day 2 of the VRsport.tv International Moth UK Nationals in Weymouth © Mark Jardine / IMCA UK

In was a wet and windy start to the day in Weymouth with gusts up to 29 knots coursing across Portland Harbour. Principal Race Officer Bryan Drake and his team went out early to scout the course area, but the wind strength and the considerable chop that had built up led to a postponement, waiting for the forecast drop in wind.

At 2pm the fleet were released from the shore and blasted down to the course area at over 20 knots to start a superb day of action with four high speed 3-lap races. Each race went away cleanly on a very even line with most of the fleet going left to catch the lift near Portland. Battles were tight throughout the fleet with adversaries rounding the leeward mark in packs.

David Hivey and Robert Greenhalgh picked up where they left off after yesterday's single race, taking the top two places in every race. It's Greenhalgh who holds a slight advantage going into day 3 with a one point lead thanks to his 3 bullets today.

We spoke to Robert after the racing, "As expected I had very close racing with Dave Hivey who's obviously going very fast - I just had the better of him today. I was pretty happy with how I was going. In the windy stuff he seems to be going well and he just got away from me in the second race today.

"It's all super-close, Dylan's right there as well and conditions are changing on Monday and Tuesday with lighter air so we'll be using big foils and stiff masts. It's all to play for."

Robert commented on the tight battle with David, who's he done some training with, "We did a bunch down in Garda a month or so ago and he was going really fast - I think we both got a bit quicker down there and I think that's pushed us a step ahead."

On today's racing Robert said, "Four good races. I think we probably could have got out a bit earlier as I didn't think it was overly windy, but everyone got round so it was probably the right decision."

David, who is just a point behind after the day said, "I think I sailed pretty well. Rob was the same speed as me but I let him get away on 3 of the first beats, but it's pretty hard to keep that guy behind you anyway!"

David Hivey on day 2 of the VRsport.tv International Moth UK Nationals in Weymouth - photo © Mark Jardine / IMCA UK

David quickly sailed ashore before the final race today and switched to a larger foil. We asked him his thinking on the change, "My weakness is sailing when the breeze drops off on the smaller foils. I'm a bit heavier than most of the sailors so I tend to drop off the foils faster than everybody else so I made the choice to come in. It almost worked - if it had dropped off a knot or two I don't think Rob would have made the last windward mark on the foils and I would have got him - I was happy with my choice anyway."

Upwind on day 2 of the VRsport.tv International Moth UK Nationals in Weymouth - photo © Mark Jardine / IMCA UK

Dylan Fletcher, fresh from his 49er exploits in Rio, was hot on their heels in every race, but couldn't quite break the leading pair's lock-out of the top two positions, so far stringing together all 3rd place results. We asked him how he was going to break into the top two, "I don't really know to be honest! Today I was trying everything, I was trying to be more aggressive but it didn't seem to make a difference and they were just a tiny bit faster. I'm going to have a look at the boat this evening and make a few modifications, but ultimately I think it's what happens when you don't do any development work for a year and other people do."

Dylan Fletcher on day 2 of the VRsport.tv International Moth UK Nationals in Weymouth - photo © Mark Jardine / IMCA UK

"I felt like I was sailing really well today, I was starting well and I was getting everything right. They're both about 10 kilos bigger than me and that's probably got a little bit to do with it. I was trying to hike harder but my legs didn't want to hear that."

On coming straight from Rio and back into the UK Moth circuit Dylan said, "It's good fun. I'm still broken from Rio - both physically and mentally - but I wouldn't miss the Moth Nationals at my home club for anything... apart from the actual Olympics! It's great to be here with mates and sailing around your home waters in a wicked boat."

Dylan is one of four Olympians sailing at the event. We spoke to relative newcomer to the fleet Stu Bithell, silver medallist in the 470 class at London 2012, about the draw of the International Moth class.

"They're exciting boats. The sport of sailing in my opinion is going foiling and the Moth is probably one of the most developed classes in that area. Also living down here in Weymouth we've got this amazing arena to go out and play - the flat water in Portland Harbour is perfect."

Stu Bithell on day 2 of the VRsport.tv International Moth UK Nationals in Weymouth - photo © Mark Jardine / IMCA UK

On whether it's the competition or the boat itself that draws him to the class, Stu said, "Both; the boats are amazing but the class attracts the best sailors in the world. If you want to improve your sailing and racing skills then racing against the best guys in the world is the place to be. The boat itself is cool to sail - good fun."

On his performance today and whether he can challenge for a race win Stu said, "I'm really happy with how I sailed today. I got some good starts and some solid top ten results but the guys at the front are quite a long way down the line on the boat speed, but hey - never say never! I'm getting the buzz and feel for it and will give it all I've got."

Simon Hiscocks, silver medallist in the 49er class at Sydney 2000, agreed with Stu on the draw of the International Moth, "I think it is the most exciting boat that is available to sail, full stop. That's the draw within itself, whether you've got a past competitive sailing background or not, but then when you look at the fleet and who currently sails them then the other people draw you there as well because the competition is excellent. There are very few classes where you can race against the likes of Rob Greenhalgh, Nathan Outteridge, Pete Burling on as near as you can get to a level playing field."

Simon Hiscocks on day 1 of the VRsport.tv International Moth UK Nationals in Weymouth - photo © Mark Jardine / IMCA UK

The forecast for Monday and Tuesday is for lighter winds and sunshine which could mix things up. Watch this space!

Results after Day 2:

Ricky Tagg on day 2 of the VRsport.tv International Moth UK Nationals in Weymouth - photo © Mark Jardine / IMCA UK