Gill International Moth Inlands at Grafham Water Sailing Club

Gill International Moth Inlands at Grafham Water © Paul Sanwell / OPP

25 boats were entered for the 2023 Gill International Moth Inlands at Grafham. Amongst the entries were a host of regulars with new boats. Given the proximity in time of the world championships in Weymouth, then this would be one of the last chances for people to test their pace in competition before the big event.

The forecast for Saturday afternoon wasn't too promising, and out on the racecourse conditions were less than marginal, with only the odd puff of breeze promoting foiling. After a couple of abondonments race 1 was completed. Jason Belben led around lap one with Doug Pybus in second and Dave Smithwhite in third, Emily Nagel in fourth and Alex Adams in fifth. It was a real game of snakes and ladders, and those who could stay on the foils in manoeuvres or alternatively could take off the earliest had the advantage. Jason showed off his light wind skills and led around the course with the minimum of lowriding. Emily Nagel picked her way through to second and Eddie Bridle took third after a bad start, getting past Doug on the last run.

Gill International Moth Inlands at Grafham Water - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

Race 2 got off to a similar start with few boats foiling. Andrew Jarvis and Gareth Davies led after lap one, with Jason, Alex Barone and Eddie following. Staying on the foils and finding the breeze wasn't getting any easier though, and by the time the race was shortened after two laps, Jason had again made his way to the front, with Alex, Eddie, Doug and Dave Hivey making up the top five.

Saturday night much of the fleet retired to the Wheatsheaf for some well earned refreshment. Heads were unexpectedly clear the next morning, and with a reasonable breeze the race officer was keen to get things under way on time.

Gill International Moth Inlands at Grafham Water - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

The prompt start to race 3 caught ought a few who had taken too long over breakfast. Ronan Wallace, Alex A, Jason, Alex B, Gareth made it around the first lap in the lead. Alex A moved into the lead on lap two, with Alex A, Jason, Ronan, Andy and Gareth coming in next in what was a largely foiling race.

The latecomers were in the starting area for race 4, and with the breeze hanging in most of the boats were foiling off the startline for a change, with Alex A, James Phare, Alex B, Ronan and Jason making the early running. The breeze didn't last however, and the snakes and ladders soon resumed. Only 7 boats completed the full three laps, with Jason, Doug, Alex B, Eddie, Emily taking the top 5 spots.

Gill International Moth Inlands at Grafham Water - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

Race 5 and those starting on starboard were largely caught out lowriding, whilst a group of 5 or 6 boats came slicing through the line on port tack, some only just making it through the gaps. Eddie led Jason around the first lap, with Gareth, Doug and Emily following. Jason got past Eddie and Alex A made his way through to third on the second lap. These three gained managed to stay in the breeze and were the only boats to finish the full three laps, with Andy and Doug the best of the two-lappers.

Race 6 continued in the same vein, however this time Jason and Alex were the only boats flying at start time. The fleet generally went right up the beat, however Ronan had better ideas and hit the left corner having been early to the line and having to go around. Ronan led the first lap from Jason, Alex A, Doug and Eddie. Jason got past Ronan on lap two and that's how it finished, with Alex A and Doug following, and Emily coming through to fifth.

Gill International Moth Inlands at Grafham Water - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

Congratulations to Jason Belben, who was the clear winner for an outstanding display of light wind technique. Alex Adams took a well deserved second place, and was the only person to take a bullet from Jason. Doug Pybus completed the podium.

Thanks to Grafham Water Sailing Club for putting on a great event for us as usual, and to our event sponsor Gill Marine.

Gill International Moth Inlands at Grafham Water - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

Our next event is Round 3 of the UK Moth Grand Prix at Stokes Bay Sailing Club on 13th and 14th May before we head to Weymouth in June where 150 boats will compete for the world championships.

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