Flying Moth development
by Hyde Sails 7 Apr 2009 09:06 BST
The new Hyde International Moth mainsail in action at Parkstone © Rod Harris
Hyde’s new foiling International Moth mainsail proves a winner
The Hyde Sails design team has been working hard on a new Moth sail design over the winter months, with a return to a radial panel layout, revised leech profile to promote pointing ability and a slightly bigger top. The sail also sports the suspended cam system for fast rotation during manoeuvres as developed on last year’s sail.
A keen Moth sailor himself, Hyde Sails’ Technical Director Mike Lennon explains: “Revised cloth layout and seam shape distribution allows the head to go “floppy” when you really go for it on the cunningham.”
The sail has one less batten than most and is made almost entirely of ODL04 (2.8 OZ Technora by DP). Only the sleeve and window panel are from other materials. The result is a sail of less than 3kg in weight as opposed to the usual Moth mainsail weight of around 4kg.
Mike comments: “This is an all-round design but requires a strong cunningham system to get the most out of it in 14 knots and above.” The sail (order code 2A 2009) is available from Hyde’s online shop, www.hydeshop.com
Parkstone Open
The Moth class had its first class open of the year at Parkstone. Some 15 boats entered the event, which saw four 20-minute races were run in Saturday’s 12-18 knot breeze. Hyde’s Mike Lennon won every race on the water, suffering an OCS in the last race. Unfortunately Sunday’s racing was cancelled due to no wind.
Foiling Moth ace Simon Payne had been favourite to win after stealing the show at the recent Australian Nationals with the debut of his new Mach 2 design, but gear failure stopped him from getting started. Mike takes delivery of a new Mach 2 any time soon, so combined with the power of the new mainsail, he should be a force to be reckoned with.
Moth accessories
Hyde has also introduced a range of covers and foil bags for the Moth class. For details on these and any other International Moth products see www.hydesails.com or go direct to the Hyde Sails Moth page.