Foil Gybers anonymous

The latest from Mar Menor and Moth Fest

Day 4 of the Pro-Vela Moth Fest dawned with perfect foiling conditions for the 40 Europeans assembled at the Mar Menor once more.

The morning coaching session was 'Foil Gybers anonymous' and focussed on the issues of foiling transitions. On the water practice ensued around a downwind slalom course which finally turned into a full on who blinks first test as the racing got serious.

With the smart sailors backing off into the first mark it was left to the tunnel visioned to send it into the turn having to trust the 15 or so simultaneous gybers that no-one was going to stack it. The local launderette will be busy tonight. Richie Lovering held his nerve to take line honours.

After a brief break it was down to the serious business of the Round the Island race. A northeasterly 10-12 knots dished up a perfect hiking fest for the fleet as they reached at max speed towards the distant Isla de Perdiguera. Both Mike Lennon and Ricky Tagg paused for a spot of fishing on the outward leg which allowed Barton and Lovering to break clear. The fleet were undecided as they avoided the straight line approach and split into the high and low approaches. Negotiating the back of the island and keeping clear of the wind shadow as they rounded to starboard the fleet race back home, safe in the knowledge that it was going to hurt and he (or she) who hiked hardest would win.

With 50m to the line Lovering was cruising. Controlling Barton through the final phase of the race he had one last look over his shoulder to confirm his victory when a choke vortex induced black hole opened up before his main foil and sent his victory to oblivion.

Despite his best efforts to recover, a delirious Barton sailed over the top of him just pipping him at the line and finishing in a time of only 28 minutes 11 secs. According to the factory fitted Velociteks the fleet were averaging speeds in excess of 17 knots around the course. Switzerlands Martin Zah attaining the best 10 second average of 22.67 knots and winning the Balls of Steel with Frenchman Yann Andrillon a close second on 22.55. Top lady was Katherine Knight finishing in a creditable 7th place with a time of 32 mins 38 seconds.

Daily prizes by sponsors CTM, Bolle, Marlow, Harken, and of course our clothing supplier Magic Marine.