Blustery start for the PredictWind Moth World Championships in New Zealand
It was touch and go with the PredictWind forecast for the first official day of racing for the PredictWind Moth World Championships on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula north of Auckland today. However, the conditions subsided enough, and within the class guidelines for the two courses to get racing underway.
The conditions were at the top end, with plenty of action at the mark roundings keeping the competitors, and the race committee on edge.
On Alpha Course (yellow), which was located off Orewa Beach, two races were completed, however, the results only showcase one, as the Bravo Course (blue) was only able to complete a single race.
The conditions the competitors faced were challenging, the same names were at the top of the leaderboard after one race a piece.
Mattias Coutts (NZL / yellow), who took out the PredictWind Moth Oceania Pre-Worlds, is once again sitting pretty at the top, equal with Jacob “Jake” Pye (NZL – blue), who won his race on the Bravo Course. Both of these sailors, aged 19 years, have spent hours training on the worlds race course, which just happens to be their backyard with both locals of the host club, Manly Sailing Club.
Richard Didham (USA / yellow) and Harry Melges (USA / blue) are in second, both second across the line on their respective courses. Enzo Balanger (FRA / yellow) and Sam Street (NZL / blue) are in third.
Rolex World Sailor of the Year Diego Bottin (ESP) won the second race on the Alpha Course (yellow). Those results can’t be provided until the Bravo Course (blue) catches up.
AP over H raised
The conditions were at the top range for the fleet, and when readings of 26 knots were being seen, the race committees raised AP over H, sending both fleets home. After many discussions back on shore, the decision was made to call time on the opening day races to give the sailors a chance to rebuild ahead of Day 2. The race management team and class representatives had a robust discussion post-racing, putting plans in place moving forward, given the conditions that the sailors will likely be dealt with for the remainder of the regatta.
The PredictWind forecast for Day 2 predicts another day of south westerlies, ranging from 15 knots, with gusts potentially reaching 26 knots.
There has been a change in the schedule for Day 2, with the Bravo Course (blue) now starting at 1100 hours. The Alpha Course (yellow) starting at 1130 hours.
Bring it on!
Words: Suellen Hurling for Live Sail Die & PredictWind
Photos: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die
Video: Sam Thom
Important Links
- CLICK HERE for results
- CLICK HERE to download images (contact Suellen for additional images)
- CLICK HERE for video
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mothworlds/
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/mothworlds/
PredictWind Moth World Championships – Schedule
Friday 3 January – Briefing & Opening Ceremony
Saturday 4 January – Qualifying
Sunday 5 January – Qualifying
Monday 6 January – Qualifying
Tuesday 7 January – Reserve Day
Wednesday 8 January – Finals
Thursday 9 January – Finals
Host Club:
Manly Sailing Club, Whagaparoa, New Zealand
Facebook: @livesaildie.official
Instagram: #livesildie
