Great Britain cover the top three positions at the YANMAR Moth World Championships 2016

The first race of the YANMAR Moth Worlds 2016 held from May 23rd to May 29th in Hayama, Japan was full of excitement for the competing sailors.

After the practice race on Day 1, the serious competitions were started on Day 2. In the morning the sailors were preparing their boats looking very serious and no smiles could be seen but showed their passion and enthusiasm for the races.
 
The winds were southerly at 5-10 knots and when the first race was started, the winds were not so strong. However later, the winds got stronger and in the second and third races we could enjoy the exciting full speed of the Moth making the most of its hydrofoil.
 
Robert Greenhalgh of Great Britain is currently leading the competition. The European Champion arrived in Hayama one week before the World Championships started to get in some proper training and then returned to the UK. He came back to Japan yesterday and joined the races.
 
“Since I just arrived in Japan yesterday, I am still suffering from jet lag a little. But I am satisfied with the today’s races and I believe I will have good night sleep. I expect to keep going this for tomorrow races” said Greenhalgh.
 
Paul Goodison, the Beijing Olympic Game Gold medalist who achieved the second positions in all races follows after Greenhalgh. The third position is young British sailor, Chris Rashley. British sailors occupy the top three on the first day beating strong competitors from Australian.
 
For the home Japanese sailors, Hiroki Goto achieved ninth and Kohei Kajimoto tenth. But keep paying attention to these two sailors’ competition as the week progresses.
 
According to the weather forecast, winds will get stronger and waves will be high on Day 3. It will be challenging for leading sailors and for others, it will be a very stressful day. Another three races are scheduled for Day 3.