Day Six Report from PUMA International Moth Worlds

Simon Payne (GBR) still on top going into the final day

March 13, 2010- Three races were held today for the Puma Moth World Championships in more light winds off the coast of Dubai Offshore Sailing Club.  Along with most of the competition, UAE resident Glenn Raphael has been surprised by the light conditions this week.  "It's pretty testing out there.  Most of our training has been in the 12-15 knot range, and we've just had very little practice in these conditions," said Raphael. "Still, I'm having fun and that's what really matters."

With only one day remaining,  Simon Payne (GBR) tripled his three point lead from yesterday over Brad Funk (USA). "It's damned hard work, and I guess I've got a good lead but I can't seem to win a race out there," said Payne, regarding his performance.  "I'll look at the board, won't be doing anything differently, maybe have a few beers, read my book, then go to bed."

Funk, who earned two come-from-behind, first-place finishes for the day had a 13^th in the second race, making Payne's lead all-but untouchable barring catastrophe.

Andrew McDougall (AUS) continued his strong performance with a decisive victory in race two, lifting him over Arnaud Psarofaghis (SUI) for the final spot on the podium with just two races left in the 2010 championship.  Psarofaghis had a disappointing performance, his worst of the week, with a 17th and a 15th on Saturday.  

Amazingly, the first and third-place racers are among the oldest in the fleet.  Payne (45) explains that "age isn't a barrier unless you think it is.  You've got to stay fit and do your own thing and you can do well,”he said.  "Who says this is a young man's game?" said McDougall.  "Our average age is 50 years old, and we're not getting any slower either."  

After making major changes to his boat, top level pro sailor George “Bear” Peet (USA) had his best day of this championship with two solid top ten finishes, but he remained baffled by the conditions.  "There's no rhyme or reason to the wind.  You can sail 20 degrees higher and faster than a guy 10 feet away from you. It'll make you go crazy.” With so much experience in sailing other classes he explains that “Moth sailing requires every aspect of your sailing ability to be at the top if you want to do well in this class.  It's made me so much better in my other sailing."

In the women’s division, Emma Aspington (SWE) has opened up a 17 point lead over Kirsten Sommer (UAE). As the event has progressed both have gotten quite a bit faster. "This is one of the best regattas I've ever been to in any class.  The people are so nice and helpful but it is still extremely competitive,” said Aspinton. These women have been sailing impressively consistently finishing in the middle of the men’s fleet.

Two races are scheduled for Sunday, the final day of the 2010 Puma Moth World Championship. 

For images for editorial use please go to http://media.pumaoceanracing.com.  Daily videos are being uploaded to http://tinyurl.com/ybklc2w. Full race results are available at http://www.dosc.ae/moths-entry-list/results/puma-moth-worlds-2010.html

PUMA became involved with the Moth Class during the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009, having PUMA branded Moths sailed in port during each of the eleven stopovers around the world.  During the adventure around the world, PUMA's Moths were sailed by ISAF Rolex Sailor of the Year Anna Tunicliffe, US Laser sailor Brad Funk, former Moth World Champion Rohan Veal and Swiss Moth sailor Arnaud Psarofaghis.  Both the Moth Class and PUMA bring a new enthusiasm to sailing, attracting top sailors and non-sailing spectators.

PUMA has entered a new premium category for sailing and was the only Sportlifestyle company to participate in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009, where PUMA’s il mostro boat won an impressive 2^nd place finish.  Alongside PUMA’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race, PUMA launched a full range of marine clothing and apparel, from offshore sailing gear to onshore lifestyle fashion.  The PUMA Sailing Performance collection was developed and tested by the PUMA Ocean Racing team itself, and was worn by the team throughout the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009.  The PUMA Sailing Lifestyle collection takes inspiration from the sport.

For more information about the PUMA Moth World Championships and PUMA Sailing collections, please visit www.pumaoceanracing.com.