Goodison wins 2016 Moth Worlds headlining an all British podium

Light winds dominated on the final day of racing at the 2016 YANMAR Moth Worlds, with just one race completed.

Paul Goodison (GBR) crossed the finish line in second place, which was more than enough to claim the World title by three points over Chris Rashley. Silver to Bashley and bronze to Robert Greenhalgh, who claimed the race win, but it was too late to close the points gap on his rivals.
 
38-year-old Goodison, 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medallist in the Laser Class, continued his steady racing and finished in one of the top three positions in 11 races out of 13. He won the battle with young Chris Rashley aiming for his first victory and Robert Greenhalgh who made a fantastic turnaround yesterday as he claimed the international Moth world championship title for the first time.

“Because Rob (Robert Greenhalgh, third place) won the first race today, I felt pressure a little before the second race start. After the race start, the wind dropped. When I heard the race was cancelled, I was not disappointed to be honest. Although I was a little bit underprepared to join the championships, I am very happy to win the title after racing under various sailing conditions,” said Goodison.
 
“If you are asking me which is more fun to sail with Laser (with which I won the gold Olympic medal) or International Moth, I would say Moth. Foiling boat attracts me very much since I can tune my race boat by sailing conditions. It is also great to race together with world top level sailors,” he added with a smile.

Behind the British top three, Australia’s Scott Babbage finished fourth.

The second race of the day got underway but was abandoned after the first windward mark, due to a dying breeze.

Kohei Kajimoto who finished eleventh was the best among Japanese participants. Wakako Tabata who finished 37th claimed the women’s world championship title among six female sailors.

Rob Gough from Australia finished seventh and won the over 45 master world championship title. Shinichiro Yano who joined in the championships supported by a special program to develop young sailors finished 43rd and won the under-18 junior world championship title.
 
The YANMAR Moth Worlds 2016 took place from 23-29 May in Hayama, Japan. The 2017 Moth World Championships will take place on Lake Garda, Italy in the summer 2017.

Result can be checked at http://www.mothworlds.org/hayama/result/
Official photos can be downloaded at http://www.mothworlds.org/hayama/category/gallery/
Official YouTube can be share at https://www.youtube.com/user/mothclass/videos