Victorian Moth State XChampionships 2011 were held over the 12th, 13th and 14th March at Mornington Yacht Club in conjunction with the Victorian Musto and Optimist State Titles. With most of the fleet having just competed in the recent world titles at Lake Macquarie the standard of racing was high.
The weekend started in an anti climactic fashion with Saturday providing no wind leaving the Moth fleet grounded on the beach.
Sunday was looking similar for most of the morning until 5-10 knots began to fill in from the southwest. The postponement flag was taken down and the fleet left the beach to find a 10-15 knot breeze, perfect for foiling.
Moments before the start it became apparent there were some pretty dark clouds rolling in and within minutes the fleet of Mustos and Moths were flattened by a 25-35 knot south westerly front moving across Port Philip Bay. There were a few breakages, but for the most part the boats stood up well and everyone made it back to the beach safely.
Monday saw some fantastic condition and even better racing. A 10-20 knot southeasterly greeted the fleet as they sailed five races back to back. The racing was exceptionally close in the shifty conditions, with four individual races winners. In typical Moth fashion extended margins were closed down in a matter of seconds, depending on who was in the pressure.
The eventual winner was Lochy Byrne who took the title from the defending champion and pre regatta favourite Andrew McDougall, with Sam England rounding out the top three. Sam also collected the Women’s trophy and Kyle Ross claimed the Junior trophy.
James Owen Smith - Did well to keep sailing after breaking a tramp early on in the day Photo - Mark Dunstan - Mark Dunstan Click Here to view large photo
Richard Jackson - Mornington local managed some amazing starts including one foiling off the pin on port while the rest of the fleet was trying to get foiling on starboard - Mark Dunstan Click Here to view large photo
The Victorian fleet is looking forward to hosting the National Moth Titles in January 2012 at Mornington Yacht Club. We hope to get a good turn out, as Mornington can provide some amazing conditions for Moth sailing.
A special thankyou has to go to Mornington Yacht Club and Sport Philip Marine for supporting the 2011 Victorian Moth State Titles
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