International Moth open meeting at Stokes Bay Sailing Club

The International Moth Class Opening Meeting at Stokes Bay Sailing Club marked a challenging continuation to the Moth racing season ahead of the 2023 Worlds in Weymouth early next month. The event witnessed fierce competition and showcased the exceptional skills of the participating sailors.

Stokes Bay Sailing Club, located on the scenic south coast of England, served as the perfect venue for the Opening Meeting. However, the sailors were greeted with particularly challenging weather conditions. The weekend brought about big shifts and unpredictable holes in the wind, making it a testing environment for the fleet.

The conditions demanded precise boat handling and tactical decision-making, with plenty of moments where sailors had to navigate off-foil. These conditions truly put the skills of the sailors to the test.

International Moth open meeting at Stokes Bay - photo © Peter Mackin / www.pdmphoto.co.uk

Despite the demanding conditions, the top sailors demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill throughout the races. Here are the highlights of the top performers:

Jason Belben - 1st Place

Jason emerged as the victor of the Opening Meeting, showcasing his exceptional sailing abilities and consistency throughout the races. Belben's ability to adapt swiftly to the challenging conditions and maintain a constant performance, even during periods of off-foil sailing, was truly impressive. His strategic decision-making and precise boat control allowed him to capitalize on the shifting winds and secure the top spot on the leaderboard.

Paul Gliddon - 2nd Place

Paul exhibited unwavering determination and skill in the trying conditions, securing a commendable second-place finish. Gliddon's ability to navigate the big shifts and holes in the wind with remarkable composure showcased his tactical acumen.

Mike Lennon - 3rd Place

Mike demonstrated great resilience and adaptability, clinching the third position in the fleet. Lennon's boat speed kept him in the frame despite some poor decisions and boat handling! He snagged the odd good shift which helped him secure a podium finish.

International Moth open meeting at Stokes Bay - photo © Peter Mackin / www.pdmphoto.co.uk

Race Management Challenges

The race management team, led by Derek Clarke, faced significant challenges in organizing the event due to the difficult weather conditions. The big shifts and holes in the wind posed a considerable obstacle in setting fair and competitive racecourses.

Despite these difficulties, the race team successfully managed to conduct four races on Saturday, providing the sailors with an opportunity to compete.

On Sunday, after a prolonged wait, they were able to conduct one race in a more consistent westerly breeze. Their perseverance and expertise in adapting to the challenging conditions ensured a fair and exciting competition for the sailors.

The event was a testament to the exceptional skills and resilience of the participating sailors. Congratulations to Jason Belben for his outstanding performance and securing the top position, as well as to Paul Gliddon and Mike Lennon for their perseverance.

The event demonstrated the true spirit of Moth racing, where competitors battled through tough conditions. The efforts of the race management team led by Derek Clarke ensured a successful event despite the challenging circumstances, setting the stage for an exciting season of Moth racing ahead.

Many thanks to the Stokes Bay members who as usual provide a friendly and challenging event.

International Moth open meeting at Stokes Bay - photo © Peter Mackin / www.pdmphoto.co.uk

Overall Results:

International Moth open meeting at Stokes Bay - photo © Peter Mackin / www.pdmphoto.co.uk