Big results for Simon Payne (Mach 2) at Zhik Int Moth Aust Nationals

by Cameron McTavish on 24 Jan 2009
Simon Payne and Mach2 nailed down another two wins and a third place in the Zhik International Moth Australian Championships yesterday further strengthening his standing.

Race five was held in unsettled and shifty winds making this race 'all about getting the wind right'. Nathan Outteridge, Paynes closest competition sailed well, picking the winds correctly and holding Payne off for most of the race but his lead ended in an exciting last rounding when Payne managed to get between Outteridge and the mark while throwing his Mach2 into overdrive to win race five of this epic ten race series. '

It was Paynes tenacity and Mach2’s boat speed that kept him in the game in race five' comments designer Andrew McDougall.

Unsettled wind caused the 2 o’clock gun for race six to be delayed eventually sending the fleet back to shore. Between races McDougall, was coy saying that 'this is the Mach2’s second big race, the first was getting her designed, built and delivered in time for this week’s Nationals. She’s proven to be everything we had hoped - strong, light, fast and trouble free right out of the box.' 'McConaghy Boats have outdone themselves yet again!'

Leading up to the race, the Mach2 had a scant three days between delivery and the first gun, barely enough time for sea-trials and tuning. 'She was indescribable on the water, it was a terrific feeling to ride this thoroughbred, she just wanted to get up and go. She handles like a go cart compared to the other boats we’ve sailed.' When asked about the prerace prep McDougall said that Simon Payne and he spent the better part of three days learning how to sail her and fine tune the wand and to date, haven’t needed to adjust her once, 'she foils perfectly and the next step is to learn how to sail the Mach2 to her maximum potential'.

The Mach2 was clocked at 25.8 knots and the McConaghy / McDougall team naturally have their eye on the Moth speed record of 28.7 knots. I think we can get another 15% out of her once we learn how to sail her perfectly' comments McDougall.

'She’s a rocket ship!' When asked about the Mach2’s reliability McDougall pointed out that they haven’t had to repair or adjust the Mach2 since the start. The second boat that they brought hasn’t been touched, 'she’s still in the box!'

Racing resumed at 17:00 in a steady 16 knot breeze. Despite another impressive start a weed patch slowed Payne down resulting in a third place finish in race six. 'They’re just not easy to spot at 24 knots of boat speed'. Nathan Outteridge placed second behind Payne in Race seven with Scott Babbage finishing third. They currently hold the same ranking in the series.

Racing resumes at 14:00 on Saturday followed by a 'Dash for Cash' at 18:00 at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club. A demonstration event where Moth sailors compete in sprints for the right to grab $500 from the outstretched hand of the race committee while passing the finish line.