Unbelievably we got yet another session in yesterday (27th) with a wind/temperature window which allowed the Stokes moths to fly once more and probably for the last time in 2011. Current forecasts have the winds hovering between 23 – 40 knots for the next week solid so it’s unlikely that we’ll get another chance this year.

The order of play today had Chris down as task master who coached us through several races. It was all very tight as the standard has improved so much between us all. The only way to win was to minimise errors. We had another good turnout with the notable return of Jonnie Hutchcroft. He had a few set up issues and a broken boom but hopefully it won’t be long before he’s turning up regularly for the training.

I still think it’s crazy that we were sailing today considering last year this time it was so cold that december was pretty much a write off for all but the hardiest/ craziest.

This session brought 2011 to close for me and looking back it (from a moth perspective) it was full of lots of highs and lows.

The high points were:  at the Nationals was being inside the top ten at the windward mark on experimental foils getting a glimpse of their potential, getting a podium finish at the Thorpe Bay open, seeing Chris become European champion having seen all of the effort he put in, sending my wands worldwide and finally getting my boat set up well.

My wish to see the beginner end of the fleet grow and improve has become a reality thanks to the hard work and efforts of the UK committee who are continuing to push and improve the training sessions which are now a permanent addition to the main racing circuit. Event attendance was much improved in 2011 and if the trend continues, will only get better in 2012.

Thanks to the vast amount of information and technology available, sailing and setting up the boats has never been more accessible.

My predictions for 2012 are that the class will be bigger and better with more new comers entering the class. The standard will inevitably improve and I think there will be a good few more individuals entering the 30 knot club.

Following Pete Barton’s rise to fame as the fastest man in the northern hemisphere and 2nd fastest in the world, I put forward the idea of running speed events to the UK committee where pretty much anyone can turn up with minimal effort and cost. Simply pay for the host club day sailing fee and perhaps a little extra to contribute to class costs and all you need are the skills to sail the boat in a straight line and a GPS. The scoring system would be easy too.. top three results from the day are the prize winners. The best thing is that the events wouldn’t be wind dependant. If the winds have record breaking potential then that would be an added bonus.

It would be great for beginners as the skill levels required are far less than those required for course racing. Also results would be based more on ‘balls’ (or the female equivalent… what would that be?) than equipment. It makes sense considering we sail the fastest dinghy on the planet so speed is a big selling point and it would also be a brilliant showcase for the moth class worldwide so whatever country you are in… start getting it organised for next year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR and see you in 2012.