International Moth Grand Prix at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy

by Richard Mason 4 Sep 2017 08:15 BST 2-3 September 2017

Weymouth International Moth Grand Prix podium (l-r) Kyle Stoneham (2nd), Simon Hiscocks (1st), Richard Mason (3rd) © IMCA UK

High peak speed for Kyle Stoneham during the Weymouth International Moth Grand Prix © Kyle Stoneham

A very dodgy forecast and a closed A1 kept many people away from the Moth GP in Weymouth this weekend. However, those 18 who did take a punt were rewarded with a full series of six races.

On Saturday, in stunning Costa del Portland sunshine, the fleet launched into a young and fickle sea breeze. Race one was started in very marginal conditions with less than half the fleet foiling at the gun. As the race progressed the wind established itself and gradually the whole fleet were up and going.

Throughout the day, full blown shouting turned to minor cussing on the edges of the race course as it became easier to keep the boats in the sky through the manoeuvres. The wind gradually built to 12kts.

A gentleman's agreement at the morning briefing allowed for four races to be sailed since Sunday's forecast looked marginal at best.

It was decided the Dorset Burger Company would be the best place to refuel that evening. Almost the entire fleet descended on the restaurant, which was conveniently close to the hen party-filled bars of Weymouth town centre.

Sunday was the polar opposite of the day before. The forecast rain and wind had arrived. The fleet of 18 had already turned to 15 as some fled the boat park Saturday night claiming; "I don't actually own my boat so I don't want to break it" and "my boat is too new to be torn apart by 35 knot gusts".

Some big winds during the Weymouth International Moth Grand Prix - photo © IMCA UK

People converged in the canteen for a 'big breakfast' and it was generally agreed that we much preferred the water under our boats rather than falling from the sky. A nervous-looking race officer showed up and asked whether we actually wanted to go out. A few more decided not to go sailing.

Launch time came and news that a 30 knot gust had just been recorded on the wall sent a shock wave through the fleet. In the end, 7 boats launched into what Simon Hiscocks admitted was the "windiest moth racing he'd ever done".

Two races were sailed with the wind peaking at 37kts in the second. The 30kt boat speed barrier was smashed left, right and centre. Kyle 'Biceps' Stoneham winning the fastest recorded peak of the day at 31.3kts. Sam 'Eitherbraveorstupid' Barker gets a special mention for completing both races with no bowsprit or adjustable wand.

Overall Results:

Pos	Sail No	Helm	Club	R1	R2	R3	R4	R5	R6	Pts
1st	4050	Simon Hiscocks		1	1	1	2	2	‑3	7
2nd	4442	Kyle Stoneham	TBYC	‑8	6	6	3	1	1	17
3rd	4439	Richard Mason	WPNSA	5	3	‑8	4	4	2	18
4th	4499	Dominic Hutton	Stokes Bay SC	2	5	7	‑8	5	4	23
5th	3980	Alex Adams	Castle Cove SC	9	‑10	5	5	3	5	27
6th	10	David Hivey		10	2	2	1	(DNC)	DNC	34
7th	2	Jim McMillan	Stokes Bay SC	3	7	3	6	(DNC)	DNC	38
8th	4010	Sam Barker	Castle Cove SC	4	12	‑13	11	7	6	40
9th	4214	Michael Barnes	WWSC	11	9	12	9	6	(RET)	47
10th	4438	Matthew Lea	RSC	12	13	4	7	(DNC)	DNC	55
11th	4208	Tom Lambert	Wilsonian SC	7	8	10	12	(DNC)	DNC	56
12th	4350	David Smithwhite	Hayling Island SC	6	4	9	(DNS)	DNC	DNC	57
13th	4136	Ed Redfearn		15	11	11	10	(DNC)	DNC	66
14th	4525	Alex Hayman	Lymington Town SC	13	16	16	14	(DNC)	DNC	78
15th	4033	Adam Golding	Hayling Island SC	14	14	15	(RET)	DNC	DNC	81
16th	4100	Chris White	Restronguet SC	17	15	14	(RET)	DNC	DNC	84
17th	3870	Eddie Gatehouse	Hayling Island SC	(DNF)	17	17	13	DNC	DNC	85
18th	372	Charlie Coulborn	Netley SC	16	18	18	15	(DNC)	DNC	86

The top 3 boats won new goose-necks courtesy of Shock Sailing which confused the safety boat crews attending the prize giving. They wondered why they weren't shiny, or shaped like cups.

A big thanks to WPNSA who did an excellent job to get a full series in.

Next event is the Irish Nationals www.nyc.ie/2017/08/irish-moth-nationals-2017