It’s time for my 2cents on the 07-08 Moth Nationals, and who I think will win it.
Andrew “Amac” McDougall
Last time out, Amac and the Bladerider boys handed a huge case of whip ass to the
rest of the fleet. Their eleventh hour tweaks (0.9 degrees angle of attack increase,
and removing control rod slop) transformed their already quick boats, combined with
awesomely superior steering and boat handling in waves was enough to walk away with
the title. Has the package evolved since then ? How will the MSL13 perform ?
When it comes to a regatta, Amac historically has started well but dropped a couple
of heats towards the end of the regatta due to equipment failure. The early foil failures
of the Bladerider are well behind them now, so don’t expect any issues here.
Speed 9, reliability 8, overall 9
Luka
Since Garda, Luka has definitely been playing catch up trying to improve his package
that was way off the pace in Garda. No area has been left untouched, with wand, foils,
and rig all getting changes to try and claw back some of the missing pace. Importantly
this is the first title in a long time where Luka has not jumped on a new, unsorted
boat days before a title.
The prowler has proven itself over the years to be rock solid, other that the spreaders
and the gantries. If there is going to be a breakage, it will be in one of these two
areas.
Overall with so many miles under their belts,I don’t expect either Luka or Amac to
have issues here.
Speed 8.5, reliability 9, overall 9
Les
Les Thorpe’s Sector-7G is a prime example of how long a well treated moth can last.
His boat handling in a blow is exceptional, however I expect him to be a bit behind
in overall speed compared to Amac and Luka. I would rate him a 10 for reliability
except that I have recently seen a converted Hungry Tiger in two pieces due to foiling
loads.
Speed 7, reliability 9.5, overall 8
Chris Dey
Chris is always quick at a regatta, however using a borrowed prowler and minimal on
water time this season will reduce his chances against the semi-pros of Amac and Luka.
An out of the box Prowler simply can’t compete at the top end of the fleet anymore,
without a significant amount of setup tweaking.
Speed 7, reliability 9, overall 8
Steve Donovan
Steve has all the right boxes ticked when it comes to his package, brand new Prowler,
super fit, and plenty of time in the boat. At least that is what he will have next
year. His Prowler Mk. V arrives direct to Wallaroo, on invitation day. The lack of
boat has meant that he has had less time in a boat than me, and that’s not much. The
speed of the new boat, with updated foils is completely unknown at this point.
Speed 6.5, reliability 8.5, overall 7
Summary
With Rohan, Scott and Robbo not going this year, it looks like the moth nationals
are shaping up to be a two horse race. Both Luka and Amac are hungrier than ever to
try and come away with the national crown. I think boat speed will be everything at
this Regatta, and if Luka and Amac are close, then it will come down to boat handling.
Just as Rohan and Simon Nelson are tipping along team lines, so will I. Every time
Luka and Amac have raced so far, Luka has beaten Amac. I think that Luka should be
able to come away with the title, and I am hoping he does.
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Original post by Bruce McLeod and software by Elliott Back
