British Moth class Medley Moth Bowl 2023 at Medley Sailing Club

British Moth class Medley Moth Bowl © Nick Huggett

Fourteen British Moths hotly contested the Medley Moth Bowl on 10 June. Four races were sailed in wonderful conditions, with plenty of wind from the North East, i.e. off Port Meadow. This gave exciting sailing to say the least.

Race 1 featured an angled line at 45 degrees to the river banks. Although the Meadow end seemed favoured a big bunch formed there, allowing Amy Scott to fly off the middle of the line and build a lead, which she held for the first lap. The fleet gradually pulled her back, and the race was finally won by Tim Davison with Toby Smith and Rob Paynter taking second and third.

Race 2 again had the angled line and visitor Gary Hogan made a picture-perfect start at the pin end. He held the lead until buoy 3, when the wind shifted to make it a beat down the Perch reach. Tim played the windshifts and passed him, but Gary held second to the finish. Rob finished a creditable third.

Race 3. The wind veered considerably during the lunch break and the committee moved the start to the long reach, to give a windward start. The line could only just be laid on starboard, but boats taking advantage at the pin end soon needed to call for water on the Meadow bank. Very interesting! At the start the home trio emerged in the now familiar order of Tim, Toby and Rob and those positions were held till the finish.

Race 4 was for the Bossom's Cup and all the usual suspects were clear of the fleet until a huge thundercloud moved across the course. The wind dropped to nothing and the rain pelted down. Toby moved into the lead followed by Rob, leaving Tim wallowing - with his burgee going round in circles! Visitor Andrew Perrott handled the conditions well to finish fourth. The rest of the fleet had the good sense to retire.

Moth Bowl:

1. Tim Davison 1,1,1 (3)
2. Toby Smith 1,2,2 (4)
3. Rob Paynter 2,3,3 (3)

Bossom's Cup:

1. Toby Smith
2. Rob Paynter
3. Tim Davison

Ladies Trophy:

1. Amy Scott
2. Georgina Ferry
3. Vanessa Moir

British Moth class Medley Moth Bowl - photo © Arnaud Desitter