International Moth UK Championship 2024

We are excited in 2024 to continue our partnership with the International Moth UK Championship, hosted at the picturesque Restronguet Sailing Club.

The event has brought together some of the best foiling Moth sailors, and we've experienced exciting races, challenges, and moments of sailing brilliance.

Here's a day-by-day run down of the action.

Day 1: Competitive Kickoff

 

The first day kicked off with 33 foiling Moths setting the stage for a competitive event. The North Westerly wind direction provided ideal conditions for the Carrick Roads, with a short sail from shore to the race start area.

Unfortunately, the day began with a dramatic collision between Gareth Davies and Mike Lennon, resulting in Gareth being taken to the hospital and Mike's boat suffering severe damage.

Despite the initial setback, the Restronguet SC safety team swiftly handled the situation, and the first race commenced with only a ten-minute delay. Under the expert guidance of David Campbell-James, the race team managed to conduct four races.

The gusty conditions created a challenging but exhilarating environment for the sailors.

Eddie Bridle emerged as the standout performer, quickly establishing his dominance with two race wins, followed by a second and a third place finish. His strategy of finding channels in the breeze and avoiding tacking in light patches paid off.

Kyle Stoneham also had a remarkable day, showing significant improvement in lighter winds, which he attributed to rigorous training and a well-tuned setup.

Defending champion Simon Hiscocks had a mixed day but finished strong with a race win, while Jack Wetherell showed promise with consistent top-three finishes until a challenging final race. Alex Adams achieved a unique consistency by finishing fifth in every race, navigating the tricky conditions with aplomb.

The forecast for the following day was mixed, with potential for various weather conditions. Sailors and organisers hoped the storm clouds would stay away to allow for more exciting racing.

Day 2: Strategic Sailing

 

The weather forecast for Friday had been bleak, predicting rain, hail, thunder, and lightning.

However, the day turned out to be perfect for foiling Moth sailing, the North Westerly breeze allowed for a well-set windward-leeward course, and the sailors enjoyed more consistent wind compared to the previous day.

David Campbell-James responded to the fleet's request and successfully held five races, concluding the day by 3 pm.

The top sailors, including Eddie Bridle, Jack Wetherell, Kyle Stoneham, and Simon Hiscocks, continued to dominate, with all race wins coming from this elite group.

Jack Wetherell secured victories in races five and six, demonstrating excellent upwind speed and strategic execution.

Eddie Bridle maintained his overall lead, focusing on consistent top-three finishes and avoiding major mistakes. The day showcased intense competition, with sailors pushing their Moths to the limit, hiking hard both upwind and downwind to gain extra speed.

Alex Barone, sailing an older boat, relished the improved conditions and flat water, while Andrew Friend, competing in a self-designed boat, enjoyed the tactical racing.

The day ended dramatically with a thunderstorm, but the fleet managed to complete nine races in total, putting the event ahead of schedule.

Day 3: Weather Challenges

 

Day 3 of the Wetsuit Outlet International Moth UK Championship brought a new challenge: waiting for wind. Moth sailing needs about 6 knots to foil, and the day began with sailors on standby.

Despite brief optimism around 2 pm when the wind hit 10 knots, it quickly faltered, forcing the fleet back ashore and leading to the abandonment of racing for the day.

Although disappointed, sailors made the most of the downtime, sharing tips and stories. The evening's AGM and barbecue lifted spirits, keeping the camaraderie strong.

Optimism remains for the final day, with hopes that the forecasted breeze will return for a fitting conclusion to the championship.

Day 4: Championship Conclusion

 

Sunday’s forecast predicted no wind, and unfortunately, it proved accurate. Race Officer David Campbell-James consulted with the competitors near midday, and it was decided to call it a day. The event was concluded based on the nine races completed on Thursday and Friday.

Eddie Bridle emerged as the worthy champion, showing exceptional boatspeed, tactics, and starts. He finished with 12 points, six points ahead of Jack Wetherell. Kyle Stoneham secured third place, narrowly beating defending champion Simon Hiscocks.

Eddie reflected on his win: "I'm obviously very happy. I've been doing it a while now, so it's great to come away with the win as it has been eating away at me!"

Eddie encourages others to join the Moth class, emphasising the fun and accessibility of the boats. "The boats are built really, really well these days.

You can also pick one up for a price comparable with many dinghies, but I think you'll have a lot more fun sailing a Moth. I think it's just a great opportunity for people to get involved."

Josie Gliddon, the sole female competitor this year, hopes to see more women in the fleet. "We've had more women in the past obviously, and hopefully we'll have more in the future.

Everybody who knows me as a sailor knows that I do it to be the best I possibly can be."

She highlighted the supportive community within the Moth class, debunking myths about the boats being difficult to repair. "Everyone is super-friendly and helpful, and that will always continue to be the way as it's such a good community."

Despite the lack of wind on the final day, the championship was a resounding success, showcasing the thrill of Moth sailing and the strong sense of community within the class. Many sailors left with great memories and a keen interest in returning to Restronguet for future events.

The Moth class continues to attract sailors with its thrilling racing and strong community spirit. The Wetsuit Outlet International Moth UK Championship was a testament to this, and we look forward to seeing more exciting events in the future.

The Wetsuit Outlet International Moth UK Championship at Restronguet Sailing Club was a testament to the skill and passion of the Moth sailing community. Eddie Bridle's victory, along with the impressive performances of Jack Wetherell, Kyle Stoneham, and Simon Hiscocks, highlighted the competitive edge and camaraderie of the fleet.

Despite unpredictable weather, the event showcased the spirit of Moth sailing, from the enthusiastic participation of sailors to the dedicated support of volunteers. The championship not only celebrated top-tier racing but also strengthened the sense of community within the class.

We’re already looking forward to next year's championship, eager to see more thrilling races and the continued growth of the Moth sailing community.

 

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All images are by Mark Jardine.