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Moth and Switch Grand Prix at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy
An impressive turnout of 32 boats arrived in Portland for the final Grand Prix of the season. The pre-event build-up was all about the three separate fleets within this event and this proved to be a great success.
Such a turnout has only been eclipsed by the National Championships and must make a statement of intent for the premier foiling class in the country. Indeed, it is the class that the majority of America’s Cup helms cut their teeth in, and continue to use to fine-tune their sailing skills.
With the main Moth fleet boosted by the late appearance of National Champion Eddie Briddle, it looked like this event could be a foregone conclusion. With decent wind all Saturday morning, there was high expectation for a cracking day of racing.
However, this proved to be wishful optimism. Following a half-hour postponement, race 1 got underway, and immediately it looked dubious with a large group of boats not foiling at the start. The leaders, however, were making their way up a rather long upwind leg only to slowly but surely take it in turns to land back on terra aqua.
This does bring us to a good question: what is the term for a landing on water, maybe a waiting? Certainly, the fleet was waiting for the abandonment which duly arrived.
Prior to this, however, were some notable performances. Eddie Bridle was not on the foil, and Alex Adams was completing every tack to lead at the windward mark. Closely followed by star of the day Duncan Gregor who in the Maguire demo boat was flying in the lightest of wind. A non-deck-sweeper Exocet with large foils might be a number of knots slower in average conditions, but its sweet spot is in the lightest of winds and for that, it still remains the benchmark.
Four boats electing to race in the older boat division suggest that this will remain a feature into the future. Another topical point is the inclusion of the new Switch one design, with six boats on the start line they were seen to be mixing it up throughout the fleet and look to add a valuable contribution to the Moth class events next year.
Sadly, the wind gods did not materialize in sufficient form to run any more races. In typical fashion hoist an AP over A and bingo the wind fills in. There was just enough to get on the foil, and a significant number of the fleet went out for a sail after racing was cancelled for the day. Marginal if there was enough to race, it didn’t matter, enthusiasm was high despite a constant drizzle of rain.
Sentiment on coming ashore was, “that was as much fun as racing would have been,” there is certainly more to a Moth event than the race itself with a boat that is simply ‘fun’ to sail. Sadly, Sunday dawned, and remained, windless for most of the day. Despite the lack of racing, what stood out was the fun that was had and a relaxed environment with flexibility around sailing times it didn’t feel like a wasted time for anyone.
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Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.
