Over the years I have sailed at about 70 venues in the UK and another 10 or so abroad. I have to agree with Mike, Portland Harbour is the best location for a Moth event anywhere in the UK. Other venues I have sailed at like Pwllheli which was to be the venue for the sailing had Manchester won its bid to host the Olympic Games some years ago, ticks most of the boxes. You launch from a wide sandy beach into a lagoon, then sail out into the open water. The downside, as with Abersoch further down the same coast is that in a blow you can get some very difficult, short, steep waves. Other places like we saw in Saundersfoot can be difficult for launching from an exposed beach. I have not sailed at Restronguet but it sounds great. The Fireballs are holding their Nationals there this year. The travelling distance to deepest Cornwall and some of the excellent and most welcoming venues in Scotland do however mitigate against a big turn out. Portland Harbour does indeed tick all the boxes. My first Moth Nationals (and first Nationals in any boat) was in 1992 at Saundersfoot when 45 competitors attended (Jason Belbin finished third) so the class is almost back to its heyday in terms of numbers. Pick a popular venue and the class could easily make the 50+ Club, possibly for the first time?

Colin Newman

Just one omission, was the big thank you to ‘Harken’, who apart from being the key hardware manufacturer were one of title sponsors, whose rash vest and wet/dry bags went down a treat as prizes. (no apologies for the big logo though!)

My learning curve rose as sharply as Niagra Falls by the week end, such that I can really enjoy the boat to its full. The coaching and open discussion with others proved to be the essential Etchasketch tool for the newcomer Moth brain!

Moth fest – it’s the field of dreams, Alan built it, we came, we loved it!