Wetsuit Outlet UK Moth Nationals 2021 at Stokes Bay Sailing Club - Day 3

It was a long day on the water for the fleet at Stokes Bay in the Wetsuit Outlet UK Moth Nationals, with a brief pit-stop ashore, after the first race, while the wind took a break before a sea breeze filled in.

Four races were completed today, bringing the series back on track with nine now in the bag and the second discard now in play.

Day 3 of the Wetsuit Outlet UK Moth Nationals 2021 - photo © Mark Jardine / IMCA UK

Conditions were close to ideal some of the afternoon, with sunshine and just about enough breeze to keep foiling, but the odd hole in the wind was ready to catch out the sailors, leading to boats dropping off the foils accompanied by a loud - and sometimes unrepeatable - exclamation.

With no-one able to find consistency, not even 'Mr Consistent', Paul Gliddon, an intriguing final day is on the cards with the top five now separated by only six points.

With the discards taken into account David Hivey has moved into the lead on 20 points, followed by Dan Ward and Eddie Bridle tied on 22 points, Jim McMillan on 25 points and Paul Gliddon on 26 points. With three more races scheduled for the final day, this championship is most definitely going down to the wire!

David Hivey on day 3 of the Wetsuit Outlet UK Moth Nationals 2021 - photo © Mark Jardine / IMCA UK

Battles are being played out throughout the fleet, but the rivalry on the water is matched by the friendships ashore, and the sailors are spending the evening chatting through the day, mishaps on the water and developments within the class.

The wind will be stronger again on Sunday, maybe gusting 25 knots at times, which could make things interesting!

Dan Ward on day 3 of the Wetsuit Outlet UK Moth Nationals 2021 - photo © Mark Jardine / IMCA UK

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 - Since 2004, Wetsuit Outlet has grown from humble beginnings into Europe's largest supplier of watersports clothing and equipment. Last year Wetsuit Outlet celebrated shipping over 2 million orders since starting 16 years ago. How did they do it? By offering quality products at competitive prices whilst having the best customer service in the business. Wetsuit Outlet stock top brands including Zhik, Gill, Musto, Gul, Crewsaver and more!

• 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 beer and pasta during the event.

• Maguire Boats - Builders of the market leading Exocet Moth, Simon and the team will be on site for the whole event providing support for their four-time World Championship winning boats.

• Ronstan - From the outset of Foiling Moths, Ronstan have supplied light, strong and efficient hardware in the UK and Internationally to all level of sailors. With a range of blocks designed by sailors specifically for the class it is the choice of recent World Champions.

The class encourages Moth sailors to support our sponsors wherever possible, since they are so good at supporting us.

Find out more about the class on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MothClassUK

Provisional Results after Day 3: (nine races, 2 discards)