The Parkstone Yacht Club Moth Open

A Flying start to the Parkstone Yacht club Moth Open
or

A Heady Brew

– in case you’ve read the reports and thought it was about results…

Never was so much talent, distilled in so few, cast into the melting pot of Poole Harbour to form the most headiest, unsteadiest, glorious brew.

It all started on a cold dark night, when Norman the psychodog bounded through the air to greet Squadron leader May. Next cartoon man, they call him Booner, with a hangover and more wine. And still on the highway like a bat out of a hell, chap of the right stuff Wingman Rover Feltacious Gary Ireson the First. “There can only be one”. He was late, doing a ton with a trailer, kmh of course, and got pulled by a girl in a uniform on the A34. “Can I see in the back of your truck” she said, trying her luck. But he hadn’t got time to rhyme.

So when the posse finally met, the cook was inebriated. You remember how to prepare for an important event and then you forget at the last minute. In the early hours the night ended in with a Wii bit of tennis.

The cock crew and Rod roused the rabble “off blocks, on socks”. A few bacon butties later they were down the club. “ooh its right chilly” said Gary, as he’s hard.

Then apparently some serious sailing took place… Mikey Pascall and a great bunch of highly
skilled crews did a brilliant job of getting the mothies cleanly away.

So with hissing, ventilating foils we flew our way round. 21.4 kts and I still got lapped! The talent in attendance was legendary. Jason Belben was on blistering form and took most bullets. Adam May it look stylishly effortless but was hampered with a low powered sail. Gary and Booner were quick and shook some trees.

I never really got to see Mike Lennon as he was well ahead; really a speedster who’ll go faster still. Si was rapid but his magic wand left in Oz, the wizard was pressed and searching for Zen. With more quality bath-time tank-testing he’s got his form to come. Mr Tagg smoked it round when not totally on fire.

Alex K on 1st generation foils and a hull mimicking "Das Boot", kept pushing till the end, while Tommy "legend” Whicherman was bedding in his new axiom. And all after haring 24hrs across Europe to get to the event – Dix points. And me Maxi Rod? - Well I was revelling in it, knackered, hungover, cramped, slow off the line – yep that’s me towards the back, but I’ll live to fight another day. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger – no gym for me - more pain less brain. Time to get off the pies and spend more time on the water.

So after a big day we all went out for a big curry and beer. Then crumpets at the crack of dawn and off we go again. Marginal winds and technical early foiling ruled the day. The pros and the young pretenders showed their metal. And three great races later it was all over.

Well that was the start of the Poole Parkstone Moth season. Interest in the class grows and we’ll be arranging a “try it and fly it” day for all you wise ones who are keen to have a go and thinking of joining this friendly, helpful, skilled and enthusiastic group of sailors.

A Big Cheers to you all, and a serious Thank You to the team at Parkstone Yacht Club for their encouragement and help to get the event off the ground.

The Foiling is indeed awesome.

All the best

Rod