International Moth Inland Championship at Grafham Water Sailing Club

International Moth Inland Championship at Grafham Water Sailing Club © Paul Sanwell / OPP

Despite a forecast predicting light winds, a total of fourteen Foiling Moths entered the Inlands at Graham Water Sailing Club.

On Saturday, a little more wind than was forecast showed up, popping Alex Adams onto the foils for a brief moment, which drew a few more Moths out on the water for an attempt to get foiling, but alas the wind gave up, and shortly after so did the sailors. Heading for shore before any racing could be started, they were greeted by those who had already hit the beers and, for some, a long list of boat work, hoping for a bit more breeze on Sunday.

Keen to make the most of the slightly improved forecast on Sunday, the fleet launched after a short AP into bright sunny conditions. With just enough wind registering on the water and every boat getting up on the foils at least once, we got racing. The conditions continued to be marginal, and some of the attempts at foiling led people astray from the race course, but a surprisingly tense race one got under way. Alex Adams and Matt Lea were clean while lowriding and efficient with their moments of Foiling to lead the pack around 2 laps, with Alex Barone, Jeremy Hartley, Andrew Jarvis and John Evans all completing both laps. Further back both of Joe Wellerd's toestraps broke proving that no amount of boat work on shore can outpace testing on the water.

Race 2 got under way with a spectacular start from Phil Bevan who was the only boat both foiling and on time, and he sailed clean over everyone, his joy was audible across the lake. Matt was cleanest up the beat though and rounded the top mark first for what was setup to be a 1 lap race with a big puff of wind approaching. Unfortunately for Matt, the wind struck Alex Adams and Andrew first, leaving Matt in a hole. After a series of gybes to catch the last of the gust as it faded over the finish line, Andrew squeaked into first place shortly followed by Alex. With the wind proving fickle and the rest of the fleet gently finishing off the lap, it was decided that 2 races were all we were going to get and we set off for shore. Alex Adams claimed the title of Inland Champion with Matt securing second and Andrew in third.

International Moth Inland Championship at Grafham Water Sailing Club - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

Despite the gentle wind, the racing was tactical, tiring, and entertaining. Many thanks to Graham Water Sailing Club and the race organisers who were very accommodating, and did a great job to get some racing out of the conditions.

Overall Results: