Pro-Vela Mar Menor Moth Fest 2010 - Day 1
by Amy Grealish 17 May 2010 15:24 BST
Pro-Vela Moth Fest day 1 © Pro Vela
The opening Day of the Pro-Vela Moth Fest saw the English wondering what was happening in the world. Beating the Aussies at cricket and seeing the sun come out all in the same day.
The sailors who made it out of the CAR Infanta Cristina were soon given a dose of reality as the chop kicked up by the 15 knot south easterly, which made the down wind excursion a wet one. Fortunately, Moth World Champion Si Payne was on hand to diagnose boat set up errors and reduce the number of riders going over the handlebars.
Payne commented that “It is just great to see the sailors so receptive to the feedback on equipment and technique we are giving them, it looks like this week of relaxed training and competition will really raise the level of their sailing”.
On the race track Mike Lennon was proving tough to beat but a fast charging Gareth Davies looks like he might be among those challenging for the golden wings towards the end of the week. With the French and German contingent now in situ the fleet of 22 Moths will be taking flight to the class room and the warm waters of the Mar Menor as top coaches and great conditions look to ensure Moth Fest will be a great success.
Event founder Alan Hillman was delighted with the turn out, “It is amazing the response we have had from sailors and sponsors alike. Everyone has come on board to support the event which is based on having a great time sailing and awesome boats whilst trying to get better. With Moth sailing now becoming more main stream the event can only continue to grow in the Future.”