International Moth Winter Championships after 4 events

Jason Belben during the 40th Bloody Mary © Alex Irwin Photography

Robert Greenhalgh wins the 40th Bloody Mary © Alex Irwin Photography

International Moths during the Tiger Trophy at Rutland Water © John Willams

It seems along time since the Draycote Dash in November, that saw a wild 35 knot storm pass over the UK during the night. This gave the Draycote Dash a great weather window allowing for all the races to be completed.

Next, the Moths moved on to the Christmas Cracker at Hayling Island, but due to very high winds it had to be cancelled. But, in true sprit of being a mothie (it's never over until it's over), the committee decided to include the Hayling Island Perisher.

The Moths then moved over to London for the Bloody Mary and the Moths took the top three places.

Next it was time to head back up the country to Rutland for the Tiger Trophy. The first day was 3 average lap races which saw gusts of 30 knots screaming across the lake and with a wind chill of -2 degrees celcius. All the Moths that took part in this event were already winners. The one thing that did amaze many sailors in the fleet was that a Moth can now be sailed hard for 3 races in 30 knot gusts and not break, a real credit to Moth designs and the way they have leapt forward in the last few years.

The Championship headed back south to Hayling island for the Perisher. Once again the wind gods did not play ball at Hayling island so no Moths entered due to light winds.

There is now only one round left in this year's Winter Championship which is the Steve Nicholson held at Northampton.

Winter Championship Results: (after 4 events)