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.