International Moth Open at Rutland Sailing Club

International Moth Open at Rutland Sailing Club © IMCA UK

Ten International Moths, a Switch and a menacing forecast turned up to a spectacular weekend of racing at Rutland Sailing Club.

Friday saw a small group of three sailors take to the water for training in sunshine and a shifty 10-16 knots, setting the stage for what was to come.

Saturday’s forecast looked big, and after the committee’s on water wind reading showing averages up to 29 knots gusting 35, the decision was made to call off racing. Despite this, the fleet made the most of the conditions: some took to the water on wings and windsurfers, while others opted for a more relaxed walk around the reservoir’s nature reserve.

With a building breeze forecast on Sunday, the sailors were up for an early start. By 9:30AM the Class flag was out and the wind was a chilly (2°c) 12-15 knots. As sailors settled into the first upwind, Kyle Stoneham quickly established control and led from the outset. Behind him, Alex, Simon, and Callum battled closely, eventually consolidating into that order.

Race two began shortly after, with a slightly reduced breeze and an efficient turnaround by the race committee. By now, sailors had identified key patterns on the course: a preference for the left side off the start, followed by tactical positioning around the windward mark beneath Hambleton Peninsula. This area proved particularly demanding, with boats converging on port and shifts, gusts, and lulls disrupting approaches. On the second beat, the right side of the course became favoured, offering both pressure and a cleaner approach to the mark. Kyle once again navigated the conditions best, holding off Simon in the Switch to take another win.

The breeze built to 16–22 knots for race three, bringing more intensity. Kyle, starting late, relinquished his early dominance, opening the door for Simon to capitalise and take the win in the Switch. Alex followed closely, his steel foils showing strong pace, particularly downwind, while Callum’s port-tack start left him playing catch-up. Despite this, he showed impressive consistency and boat handling to close the gap over the two-lap race.

In the fourth and final race, with conditions easing slightly to 12–20 knots, Kyle returned to form. A strong start combined with superior boat speed in his V3 Bieker allowed him to control the race from the front, securing the event with three race wins. Behind him, Simon and Alex continued their close contest for second, with Alex narrowly coming out ahead. Callum added late drama at the finish, recovering from an overstayed line to fend off a charging Alex H with well-timed gybes in building chop.

After a shifty sail back ashore, the fleet regrouped in the clubhouse for food and a warm prize-giving, rounding off a memorable weekend of racing.

A busy few weeks await the Moth fleet with the Inland Championships hosted by Graham Water Sailing club at the end of the month. Preceded by pop up events and in the very near future entry open for the National Championship. Watch out for details on the class social media channels.

Overall Results: