YANMAR Moth Worlds 2016 was held from May 23rd to May 29th in Hayama, Japan. On the last race day, May 29, only one race was held. Paul Goodison from UK kept his lead and became the new champion.
38-year-old Goodison, 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medalist 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 and 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.
UK champion, Rashley finished second and EU champion, Greenhalgh is third. Sailors from Great Britain showed outstanding performances in the championships.
Kohei Kajimoto who finished eleventh is the best among Japanese participants. Wakako Tabata who finished thirty-seventh claimed the women’s world championship title among 6 female sailors.
Rob Gough from Australia finished seventh 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 forty-third and won the under 18 junior world championship title.
Olympic medalists dominate the international Moth world championship title over three consecutive championships. Nathan Outteridge, 2012 London Olympic gold medalist in the 49er Class won the title in 2014, Peter Burling, 2012 London Olympic silver medalist in the 49er Class won the title in 2015, and Goodison won this year.
International Moth Class attracts many top sailors. “Super sailors who experienced Olympic games, Volvo Ocean Race and the America’s Cup joined in the championships. However, everyone casually exchange his or her own knowledge and skills in very friendly ambiance. It is environment of Moth Class,” said Rashley in the second place.
68 sailors from 11 countries participated in YANMAR Moth World Championships 2016. The next year world competition will be held in Lake Garda, Italy during summer.
Results: http://www.mothworlds.org/hayama/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Moth_world_result_day5_05291350.pdf
