Yanmar Moth Worlds – New Brit is the frontrunner - Day 2 + Video
by Panos Marinopoulos on 26 May 2016
2016 Yanmar Moth World Championships – Day 2 Junichi Hirai/ Bulkhead magazine
http://www.bulkhead.jp/
As the breeze increased on race day two at the Yanmar Moth Worlds 2016 in Hayama, Japan, so were the demands on consistency for the 66 sailors in the running for leaderboard glory.
Today's sailing conditions kicked off with strong southerly winds, not quite what some of the less experienced racers were hoping for, forcing several to stay away from the race track for the day. Many of the non-racers opted to watch the racing from safety boats, to offer support and learn from the best.
Great Britain’s Chris Rashley, one of the new generation of Moth sailors, proved his class to break away from the pack and score one, one ,two, and leapfrog into the lead over Paul Goodison (GBR). Goodison, 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medallist in the Laser Class, raced another credible day to sit just two points behind, with Australia's Scott Babbage in third.
For overnight leader, Rob Greenhalgh (GBR), the day got worse before it got better. Greenhalgh was forced to retire from race four, did not compete in race five, but then escalated his performance with a win in race six to clamber back up to 16th overall.
Among the Japanese participants, Kohei Kajimoto, reigning Japanese Moth National Champion is setting the pace in seventh overall.
'I usually sail in high waves and strong winds for training. So I look forward to tomorrow’s races,' said a confident Kajimoto.
Another Japanese sailor targeting a top 10 finish is Hiroki Goto, who is hoping his experience here on home waters will give him the advantage to fight upwards from his 11th place standing.
Sixty-six sailors from 10 countries are participating in the Yanmar Moth Worlds 2016. Joining the 33 sailors from the host nation, the biggest turnouts come from Australia and Great Britain, fielding 17 and 10 sailors respectively. Amongst the furthest travelled are three sailors from Argentina.
The weather forecast for Thursday’s race day three is set to be similar, with more breeze and big waves, and three races scheduled.
The Yanmar Moth Worlds 2016 are taking place from 23-29 May in Hayama, Japan.
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