Josh McKnight leads the 30 boat moth fleet at Gosford

Friday 3rd April

Josh McKnight from from the Royal Prince Alfred YC handled the 9 to 12 knot SSW wind best on day one of the NSW Moth State Championship at Gosford on Good Friday.

Josh, who was third in the World Moth Championship in January at Sorrento Vic, posted two firsts and a second place to the consistent Warren Sare’s  (Woollahra SC) three third places to lead going into the four race day Saturday.

Scott Babbage also from Woollahra is on third with two seconds and then a “went the wrong way” 6th in race 3.

Saturday 4th April

Leading lady Emma Spiers WSC cruising on Saturday

Josh McKnight continued his winning way on day 2 of the Moth State Championship with four straight bullets in a 16 knot SE breeze and lots of rain.

The leading moths were literally flying around the course covering the 1.5 Nautical Mile course in 6.5 minutes.

Scott Babbage moved into second place overall with three 2nd and one 3rd place today. There was some classic fast close racing between Josh and Scott. With little difference in straight line speed Josh just managed to make the breaks in each race with superior and consistent boat handling. A picture of perfection.

Warren Sare continued his good form despite one DNF and holds a comfortable third.

The series will conclude on Sunday with three races in hopefully dryer conditions.

Sunday 5th April

Scott Babbage looking for wind or inspiration in light wind heat 8

The Moth’s States ended with a lot of low flying and only one race completed on Sunday. As often happens at Easter the forecast was far better than the actual wind conditions. A test of everyone’s patience the race was delayed waiting for some sailable breeze.

When a 6 knot SE breeze eventuated the fleet was set off on a shortish two lap course. The race became a drifting competition however the top boats still came through with Scott Babbage winning in just under the maximum race time.

Josh McKnight’s 3rd behind Les Thorpe was easily enough to see him take the State title. Scott Babbage was runner up with Warren Sare third and first Master. Women’s winner was Emma Spiers who was a creditable 12th overall. Charlie Wyatt from RQYS was the first Junior and 7th overall.

Congratulations to all the sailors for a well sailed series in a challenging (both light and strong ) series.

The results for series are here.

You can see photos from Friday here from Saturday here and from Sunday including the prize presentation here.