2026 Australian International Moth Open National Championships at McCrae Yacht Club - Day 3
by Shane Baker 7 Jan 22:08 NZDT
5-10 January 2026
It was one of those days on the water — the kind where the forecast shrugs its shoulders and says, "You're on your own."
The theory doing the rounds early was that the breeze would amount to precisely nothing. Zilch. Nada. Instead, a sneaky little NE breeze decided to make an appearance, tip-toeing along the shoreline at anything from 5 to 12 knots — just enough to keep everyone guessing and constantly second-guessing their sail choices.
A mid-morning race was scheduled close to shore, which made for exceptional entertainment for beachgoers wandering to and from the Yacht Club. Nothing like high-performance sailing as a backdrop to your morning stroll — especially when it comes with the occasional "ooh" and "ahh" moment.
What was planned as a race turned into a full-blown four-hour water adventure. Between waiting for the breeze to settle, repositioning, and wrestling with conditions that refused to make up their mind, it felt less like a race day and more like an endurance event with bonus sun exposure.
Despite the challenges, three races were successfully completed for both the low riders and the foilers — a solid effort given the conditions and a testament to some determined sailors and patient race management. Plenty more racing is scheduled for tomorrow, with fingers crossed the breeze decides to be a little more cooperative.
Of course, it wasn't without drama. A broken mast saw foiler Will Sargent suddenly budgeting for a very expensive carbon souvenir, while a patrol boat also decided it had done enough for the day. Add in variable breeze, a truly horrible washing-machine sea state, and you had a recipe for plenty of hero-to-zero moments — sometimes within the same leg.
Both low riders and foilers were well and truly tested. The water was noticeably cooler than ashore, which was a small mercy given the 40.6-degree heat, blazing sunshine, and picture-perfect beach conditions. Awesome day to be on the sand... character-building day to be on the water.
All in all, a long, challenging, unpredictable, slightly chaotic day — the kind that reminds everyone why sailing is never boring and why "easy race day" is always just a rumour.
Current Division Standings: (top three)
Foilers
1. Jack Ferguson
2. Scott Babbage
3. Sam Street
Low Riders
1. Jonathan Pulham
2. Nigel Ferguson
3. Ian Clazie
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