International Moth Nationals at Saundersfoot Sailing Club

A super-lightweight International Moth at the Nationals © Nick Johns

Saundersfoot Sailing Club hosted the International Moth National Championships, an eleven race series over four days from July 25 to 28. First time race officer, Paul Griffiths and his team of helpers did a superb job getting a well disciplined fleet away fist time in every race and then moving marks to accommodate the changing wind directions as the races were under way. The competitors experienced a pretty evenly assorted spread of wind and wave conditions from a 4 or 5 mph drifter after a postponement, to several races in the Force two to three range, others in a Force four and ending up with a final race in a Force 5 and rising, resulting in the final scheduled race being abandoned to the relief of all as even many of the more experienced helms were stating to swim in the building waves.

One sailor, current National and European Champion, Ian Forsdike dominated the event. The fact that he listed only first places as his discards says it all! In race three, when Ian thought he was over the line and went back, thus starting last, it took him only half the race to haul in even the temporary race leader, Colin Newman to regain fist place, ending up 200 yards ahead of Colin by the finish.

The battle for the lesser places was won by the hard working Class Association Secretary, Mike Kerslake who posted four seconds and four thirds on the results sheet. Completing the trio of fit and skilful young men in their mid twenties who usually achieve success in this challenging boat to sail well, Martin Weatherstone sailed consistently to take third place, not dropping below sixth in any race. At the other end of the age range, Colin Newman who turned 60 last year, was best improver in the fleet, finishing fourth overall after his tenth place last year. He tied on points with Tim Ollerenshaw but had one more second place, to win both the tie break and retain the ‘Wings of Time’ Veterans Cup (best over 45) from three others in the fleet and gain for the first time the coveted ‘Masters National Champion’ title (best over 35) from seven others. Colin’s closest, long-term rival since they both started Moth sailing fifteen years ago, out of practice, recent father of twins, Russell Wheeler finished sixth overall, but still beat Colin in five of the ten races sailed. Symbolising their historic, friendly rivalry, at the final gibe of the final race they found themselves exchanging greetings whilst swimming side by side, though on this occasion it was Russ who was up and away again first. Both sailors were beaten in this race by Alan Watson who had been trying hard all weekend to catch them at least once, having taken up Moth sailing in his fifties, only last year when he finally hung up his shoes as a professional male ballet dancer.

Liz Pudney retained the Lady National Champion title finishing just one point behind Russ Wheeler. She peaked late in the event, impressing her male competitors by her skill and fitness when she finished third in the final race, sailed in force five winds and big seas, not capsizing once! Given a newer design of boat, young family and canine commitments permitting, she will be a rekindled force to be reckoned with.

Following the third day of racing, talk in the bar was of the courage and potential of sixteen year old, Philip Henry who won the Junior National Champion title finishing in 12th place overall. Driving an ultra-light, narrow, modern skiff Moth down hill through sizable waves in a Force 4 wind is an exhilarating and awesome, but also precarious, experience for even a 12 stone, experienced, erstwhile Fireball sailor such as Matt Larkin who won the ‘Best First Nationals’ trophy finishing a very creditable eighth after only a year in the boat. However, it is a remarkable and courageous achievement by a seven and a half stone, sixteen year-old, with a total of four years sailing experience, sailing his Moth on the sea for the first time. Philip Henry very deservedly was also awarded the ‘Triers Trophy’ having managed to finish all races to constitute a full series. He wisely sat out the final, mega-windy race as a ‘discard’ with other welcome new recruits to the class such as Wayne Hancox and Mike Ewart, along with the newly elected IMCA UK President, Paul Hignett. He was nursing a damaged hand whilst contemplating the repairs he had done to the hole he had earlier made in his new, self-built boat and the high-jinks of the previous night. Minor disasters follow this man from Scotland around like an albatross!

Tommi Nielsen, a boat builder by profession, won the prize for the First Wide Boat having dusted the cobwebs off his vintage, own design of International Moth in which he achieved much success many years ago. It was also good to see other wide boats and long standing members of the class such as Lyndon Beasley on the water, along with former President, Nigel Williams, albeit in his case in a rib, taking photographs whilst contemplating a return to the class following a back operation. Unfortunately, Doug Pybus could join in the racing only at the weekend so his impressive results could not be counted within the Nationals score sheet. He was the only sailor to beat Ian Forsdike on the water in one race! Affable newcomer, Andrew Howes had to accompany Doug home early, which was deemed by some as a blessing having witnessed his potential to become ‘Captain Chaos’ on the start line! Joking aside, it takes all sorts to sail a Moth and everyone is welcome in this most friendly and sporting of classes. Not a shout in anger or swear word at anyone but himself was heard during the event, though extroverted, Alan Watson who has taken on ‘publicity’ for the class gives himself a lot of audible stick!

Moth sailors become very committed once they have sampled the unique sailing experience offered by this challenging but, with practice and persistence, manageable machine. Few other Classes could make the authentic claim that just under half those in the Class Association were at the Nationals, even if not able to stay for every race. The Class may be small in the UK, but it is perfectly formed. At the AGM enthusiasts opined how more sailors, old, but especially young can be persuaded out of their existing boats to experience a new sensation of oneness between helmsman and boat, a breathtaking exhilaration, a synthesis of all that is most exciting in skiing, steeple-chasing, flying, motor-racing and bungee-jumping. The Moth requires fitness, agility, nerve and quick reflexes, but once initial skill has been achieved, you have a boat that can be played like a violin, worn like a pair of skis, driven like a Spitfire and loved like the wild mistress she is! Whatever your age, get one! Life is not a dress rehearsal but the real thing and you will have plenty of time to grow old later.

Overall Results: