2026 Australian International Moth Open National Championships at McCrae Yacht Club - Day 2
by Shane Baker 7 Jan 00:11 NZDT
5-10 January 2026
After an exciting opening day of racing, day two decided to keep everyone guessing. While the sun was shining and temperatures sat at a very agreeable 25 degrees, the wind clearly hadn't read the race schedule and failed to show up on time.
Racing was postponed while the race team waited patiently (and not-so-patiently) for a suitable breeze and direction to make an appearance.
The first start wasn't achieved until mid-afternoon, when a marginal but surprisingly well-behaved south-westerly of around 8 knots finally wandered onto the course. This provided just enough pressure for the foilers to stay airborne—any less and they may have needed oars.
Both the Foilers and Low Riders managed to squeeze in one race before the wind completely clocked off for the day, forcing another postponement. As the breeze disappeared, several foilers were left parked firmly in the middle of the racecourse, requiring a tow home and plenty of time to reflect on their life choices.
A glimmer of hope appeared from the east as the water darkened—surely this was it? Sadly, it turned out to be nothing more than a shy 5-knot easterly that flirted briefly and then vanished without commitment.
The Low Riders made the most of the conditions and managed to complete a second race, giving them two for the day. The Foilers weren't so lucky, finishing with just one, while the Nikki class quietly went about their business and completed two races.
Current Division Standings:
Foilers
- Jack Ferguson
- Scott Babbage
- Will Sargent
Low Riders
- Jonathan Pulham
- Ian Clazie
- Nigel Ferguson
Nikki
- Finley Gleeson
- Josh Bacon
- Liam Dixon
- Bibi Stigter
Onshore, morale was quickly restored as the catering team once again delivered the goods with a homemade lasagne, salad, garlic bread, and some very sneaky after-dinner strawberries that may or may not have been performance enhancing.
With a scorching 40 degrees forecast for Day 3, sunscreen stocks are low, hydration plans are critical, and the wind has been formally requested to cooperate. Stay tuned to see what happens next.