Four more pilots gain their Mothwings
by Moth Class 13 Jul 2013 12:26 BST
8 July 2013
What better way to spend a baking hot July afternoon than to fly a sailboat for the first time? Four wannabe flyers pitched up full of anticipation for their first flying sensations.
First up was Tim Knight representing the Tasar and Laser classes. Tim showed great handling and demonstrated why the Laser is actually a great feeder class to the Moth as it practises the similarities of mainsheet and tiller control, balance and hiking technique.
Next out was YachtsandYachting.com's very own Mark Jardine, out to gain his wings on the eve of a significant birthday. There was no need to hurry as regular Moth sailing helps you wind back the clock. Once flying Mark was flabbergasted by how well mannered the boat was at speed. With pressure in the sail and water passing at speed over the foils the balance and trim was no issue. That myth was thereby dispelled. Mark notched up an impressive 17.2kn in the light winds.
Representing the local XOD fleet came Karl Thorne. After initial low riding handling issues Karl took control and booted his steed into the air. Whilst the GPS says otherwise the still photo of Karl foiling clearly indicates that he was the fastest of the day by far, and that is what counts – that one photo. There lies the beauty of stills over video!
Last up was Chris Feibusch representing the 'RS800 crews union'. Chris jumped in and from the outset he looked like a natural Mothie. Nice low riding balance, 2 pumps for take off, a slight windward heel when at speed - there was no faulting him. In his first 3 minutes he had joined the 20 knot club with a 20.7kn max speed on a close reach. That is quite impressive in about 12 knots of wind!
Pete Conway also joined in the bonanza with his own boat and generously lent it allowing everyone more flying time. Once again, on this historic day, Pete increased his own world record as (probably) the most senior Moth foiler worldwide, being within a year of his 'four score'. He built his foils himself and fitted them to a 'low rider' a few years ago. Pete was UK National Champion in 1976 in the 'Womble' design that he designed and built himself.
In summary an incredibly fun day was had by all. The light/medium breeze was perfect for an initial outing and it is testament to how the Moths have progressed in their robustness and easy of control that with reasonably tidy sailing there were very few wipe outs and no wear or damage to report to either the boat nor the newbie pilots!