British Moth Open at Leamington Spa Sailing Club

The first British Moth Open Meeting of 2025 took place at Leamington Spa Sailing Clun On 5th April. The day started dull but breezy, the cloud soon cleared & wall to wall blue skies an a blustery breeze made for an exciting day on the water.

Race 1 got underway soon after 11am but not before the first casualty of the day retired, Jeremy Gorbold (Burghfield) capsized at the pontoon & then suffered a terminal tiler breakage. Toby Cooper (Broxbourne) was looking on form & lead pretty much from the start with Tim Davison (Medley) & James Clancy (Desborough) in hot pursuit with James claiming second & Tim third place. The rest of the fleet was scattered across the course with several backmarkers being lapped.

British Moth Open at Leamington Spa Sailing Club - photo © Jayne Whigham

Race 2 got underway Immediately after the first race Peter Angwin (Severn) decided that discretion was the better part of valour & called it a day which was probably a good decision! First victim of the strong, unpredictable gusts was Toby who exited backwards & had to be rescued & this allowed Tim & James to battle it out for line honours until Tim & Andrew Parsons became the next two victims of the wind, this looked like the chance Elaine Laverty (Leamington Spa) needed to pounce & take second place until she became victim number four in the carnage! Tim self rescued & took second place & Gary Hogan (Emberton Park) sailed a good race to take third.

British Moth Open at Leamington Spa Sailing Club - photo © Jayne Whigham

Boats were pulled off the water & the washing line erected to allow the sailors to dry off and have lunch.

Race 3 saw a depleted fleet take to the water. Toby & James were battling at the front until they both capsized, Toby injured himself in the process & retired leaving it clear for James to take the win meanwhile Gary sailed a strong race for second & Steve Baker (Leamington Spa) looked like he would be third until pipped on the line by Elaine.

British Moth Open at Leamington Spa Sailing Club - photo © Jayne Whigham

Special mention must be made of Janet Smith who sailed all three races with her Mini-Moth sail & who’s persistence gave her sixth place in the event

Boats were quickly packed away, cake was eaten, prizes given & all those who helped run the event thanked.

Overall Results:

British Moth Open at Leamington Spa Sailing Club - photo © Jayne Whigham