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Editors note: Bradley Funk Is the sole USA sailor in a field of 70 but is representing his country well,
residing in 2nd place in a talented field of Mothies, most all GBR sailors
Wetsuit Outlet UK Moth Nationals at the WPNSA Day 1 – 69 in Weymouth, as team-mates
battle it out at the top
After a slow start to Monday as the forecast wind filled in as predicted, the UK Moth fleet
took to the water for an event many thought would never happen. It’s not the Worlds that
was scheduled, and the majority of the overseas entries haven’t been able to make it due to
quarantine restrictions, but it is the sailing event of 2020.
Three races were held on the opening day starting light, both in terms of sunshine and wind,
and ending up with a cracking 15 knot wind, albeit with an overcast sky. Can’t have
everything I suppose…
Defending champion Dylan Fletcher has started the event with the clear intent to defend his
title. Quick off the marks, he reeled off two bullets in the opening races with extraordinary
pace on the downwind legs.
“I’ve been working quite hard as obviously we expected this to be the Worlds,” said Dylan.
“It’s great to be racing and I had a brilliant day! I’m a bit lighter than I was last year and
seeing people like Tommy (Slingsby) go really well, I’ve made a few changes – flattening the
sail, a softer mast and trying to go smaller on foils – I still think it’s not enough and that
physics is hard to beat, but I’m working on it!
“The boat’s set up really well for downwind and I think being a bit lighter helps. It was pretty
loose at times, but that’s what we like! Upwind I was hitting 18 knots and downwind around
25.”
The final race of the day saw Dylan’s great friend and 49er crew Stuart Bithell get one over
on his helm, taking the bullet.
“It felt like I bedded into the day a bit! A little bit rusty and nervous to start with, having not
raced for a while in these boats, and I gained more confidence as the day went on,”
explained Stu. “I gave it a nudge in the final race, got a good start, a good first beat and just
tried to hold on from there. On the final run to the finish I just got settled in the groove and
thought ‘Just get the layline right!’, tried to forget about Dylan breathing down my neck and
just about held him off. It’s pretty cool to be out there racing to be honest.”
Dylan echoed his thoughts about their friendly rivalry: “Stuey nicked me in the last race but I
think I’ll let him have that! There was a lot of shouting and whooping, egging each other on
so yes, it was a lot of fun, we have a good rivalry and great relationship.”
One sailor returning to the fleet after a five year lay-off, with his time usually being taken up
on the professional racing circuit, is Alister Richardson. Sailing his 2016 home-build Moth
which was stored in his garage, he’d only had a day’s practice in the boat, but loved every
minute of it:
“It’s excellent isn’t it? I was a late entry and managed to jag my way in. I was laying in bed
on Thursday thinking ‘Hmmm, it’s not looking too windy, I haven’t sailed my Moth in four
years and I’m not doing too much else, why not?’ and it’s been good fun! I finished all three
races and didn’t break anything, which is always a bonus in a Moth. I’ve only got big foils but
my best result was in the last race with the highest wind so I’m steadily improving!
“It’s such great fun to go racing. My boat may not be up to date, but it’s better than being
sat at home on the sofa. There’s no point being precious about not doing too well – it’s just
about trying to race the best you can with what you’ve got!”
One of the class regulars and a member of the Rutland foiling squad is Matthew Lea, who
enthused about the first day and getting back to racing:
“Absolutely glamour conditions, loving my Rocket, it was a great day. Results-wise I got two
in the teens and one in the top ten so I’m very happy. Please book in these conditions for
the rest of the event!”
So, a great start to the racing and a favourable forecast for the rest of the week. The foiling
Moth class is back in style!
RESULTS
IMCA UK would like to say a massive thank-you to the event sponsors, who have been so
good to the Moth class, especially during these times.
Wetsuit Outlet - title sponsor for 2nd year in a row, they are experiencing a record
year partly due to the huge amount of stock they hold on-site ready for next day
delivery.
Noble Marine - continued support has allowed IMCA to subsidise entry fees for this
year’s championship, the support we receive is directly linked to the policies they
provide Moth sailors with a discount for class members.
Blueteq - as well as hosting the online entry system, they are sponsoring an evening
meal during the event.
Allen – over the past few seasons have become the preferred manufacturer for
many high load applications, they have their finger on the pulse with the Moth and
continue to support our nationals for the 3 rd successive year.
Maguire Boats – Simon and the team will be on site for the whole week providing
support for their four-time World Championship winning boats.
Provela – the home of winter foiling in Mar Menor are putting on #FoilFest
weekends throughout the off season, together with transport arrangements for your
boat.
The class encourage Moth sailors to support our sponsors wherever possible, since they are
so good at supporting us.
