Triple Play by Sailing Anarchy

We spent all week anxiously awaiting the finish of the Puma Moth Worlds so we could pick one of the three female competitors as Sailor Chick of the Week.  And now that it is over, we simply can't do it.  Copout? Sure.  But after having the pleasure of their company on the Arabian Gulf for so many days, we're ok with that, and for all three of them to so openly embrace what is seen by many as the ultimate in extreme sailing designs is just awesome.  And for all three to get on camera and tell women everywhere how easy it is to get started and how worthwhile to persevere, even better. None of these girls are dinghy rock stars, none are teenagers with no fear - just ordinary girls with perhaps larger-than-ordinary balls - metaphorically speaking. 

Seattle's Lindsey Bergan has the most experience of the three, and was by far the most consistent throughout the week, except for a little issue after Race 1 that cost her six DNCs when she pulled a muscle in her lower back.  But she hung around and relaxed and got right back into it as soon as she could, earning a 35th for her toughness.  Check out Lindsey in our pre-event intro.

Kerstin Sommer was the girl having maybe the most fun.  While the rest of the racers were chilling in between races, Kerstin was frequently blasting around with a smile on her face, and she spent hours babying and prepping her boat on the beach in a little bikini to the joy of the many admirers of the seriously hot ink on her shoulder.  Sommer scored 30th, and you can see her interview (plus bikini and tattoos) here. 

Emma Aspington took the women's division trophy, on one race nearly getting a finish in the teens and her overall 27th place being 3 spots ahead of her goal.  The Stockholm-based racer's love for sailing has been reinvigorated by the moth, and she can't wait to see more of it happening up where the summer sun always shines.  See Emma's interview here.

Payne, McDougall and Funk take 1, 2, 3.

March 14, 2010- Today was the final day of 2010 PUMA Moth Worlds.  The Race Committee was forced with an early onshore postponement for lack of wind.  After a morning on shore, the breeze in Dubai filled in nicely to get Race 13 off at 12:45 local with a reported wind of 11 knots.   

Simon Payne led the fleet going into the day. Being the last day of racing, with everything on the line, we saw an aggressive start from the fleet; it appeared that a slew of boats could have been over but only one recorded OCS.

Day seven showed the fleet the biggest breeze of the event. Bora Gulari (2009 World Champion, USA) won the pin at the start, showing he still has what it takes.  Gulari’s start resulted in him winning the first race of the day. Simon Payne (GBR) had a disappointing first race, opening the narrow gap for Brad Funk (USA) or Andrew McDougall (AUS) to make something happen in the final race, Race 14.  Going into race 14 with a bad race, Payne felt the pressure.  “When it dawned on me that I hadn't actually won, I put the hammer down” said Payne

Race 14 brought a steady 10 knots of breeze. Fighting a battle for the top spot, Payne was able to stay in the top five, clinching the 2010 PUMA Moth World Championship.  Payne’s victory was more than he expected from the event; “I didn't think I had a chance here, I just came to see my mates.”

McDougall, with his experience, knew what he needed to accomplish to bump him into the number two spot.  Winning race 14, McDougall put six boats in between himself and Brad Funk, who was second on the leader board.  “In many races I made small mistakes,” sail McDougall, “but in the last one I put it all together, I knew I had to get a first in the last race to break the tie with Brad.”  The distance was enough to create a tie at 42 points, and having won the final race McDougall won the tiebreaker with five first place finishes in the regatta.

“As a laser sailor the moth is the most exciting class to jump into,” said Funk.  “You can sail the Moth for a lifetime and never get it all perfected, there are just so many little things you can change and tweak.”   Funk, who is relatively new to the Moth class improved on his 2009 eighth place world finish.

PRO David Campbell-James has been impressed and challenged by the Moth class.  “The grand prix style racing was fantastic and exciting,” said Campbell-James.   "The difference in speed between the boats creates a challenge as how to be a good PRO and create fair racing for all.  I have been impressed with our gracious host the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club and all they have organized here for us and all the sailors, including a slew of volunteers."

The top five finishers for 2010 PUMA Moth Worlds are:

1. Simon Payne (GBR)

2. Andrew “Amac” McDougall (AUS)

3. Brad Funk (USA)

4. Arnaud Psarofaghis (SUI)

5. Dalton Bergan (USA)

Moth Worlds 2011 will be held in Belmont Bay, Australia in February 2011. 

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.

Photo accredited to T.Martinez

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.

March 10, 2010 – Andrew "Amac" McDougall’s nine point lead evaporated today in the difficult patchy Dubai breeze of the third day of the PUMA International Moth World Championship. The first race of the day, race five of the prestigious event, was a carbon copy of the final race yesterday, with US Laser sailor Brad Funk scoring a bullet.  European Moth Champ Arnaud Psarofaghis (SUI) scored a second on the same race, and at the end of the day Psarofaghis moved into third place.  "Today I lost a few positions I shouldn't have, but overall I was going pretty fast in some difficult conditions," the Swiss racer said.  Simon Payne captured third in the race.

Seattle, USA skiff sailor Dalton Bergan pulled off the move of the regatta at the exciting start of race six, when he port-tacked the entire fleet – a sailor’s dream at a World Championship.  The manuver payed off and guaranteed victory for Bergan.  Australian Scott Babbage grabbed second place, with Funk again scoring big with a third.  Payne continued his strong performance with a fourth and 2009 World Champ Bora Gulari rounded out the top five. 

The last race of the day started in a lighter and dying breeze, with Psarofaghis edging out Brad Funk for the race win after Funk broke his boom vang.  Funk also lost a sail control called a camber inducer, greatly reducing the power in his rig.  The gear failure cost Brad one point, leaving his just two points from race leader Payne, whose consistency has proved his biggest advantage.  "I was good but not great today, not quite as fast as yesterday just before I broke my mast, but then the conditions weren't quite the same so you have to take that into account," explained Payne. 

Tomorrow is a lay day for the fleet. 

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.

photo credits: Thierry. Martinez

March 9, 2010 – Day Two of PUMA International Moth Worlds got to a late start as a foggy haze and light winds lead to a 30 minute postponement onshore.  Today was really a pressure game- those who stayed in the pressure were able to get up on their foils and make gains.  The fleet had three races today, bringing the total for the event up to four.  Races two and three saw light winds and tough foiling conditions.  The breeze filled in a bit for race four, allowing the fleet to really get up and moving.  The leader board remains relativity unchanged, with Andrew "Amac" McDougall still in the number one spot.  After day two, the top five are: 

1. Andrew McDougall (AUS) 
2. Michael Lennon (GBR) 
3. Brad Funk (USA) 
4. Scott Babbage (AUS) 
5. Chris Graham (UAE) 

For images for editorial use please go to http://media.pumaoceanracing.com.  Daily videos are being uploaded to http://tinyurl.com/ybklc2w.

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.

photo credits: T.Martinez

Andrew “Amac” McDougall leads the fleet going into Day 2 March 8, 2010

With Day One of PUMA International Moth Worlds coming to a completion, the event is shaping up to be a battle of wits, weather and worldliness.  With a forecast that is fairly typical- light to moderate breeze, generally flat water and the likelihood of at least a few low-riding (off the foils) races, time will prove interesting results over the course of this week.

The fleet sailed one race today, the course being a standard windward leeward course, three times around, each leg a mile in length.  The conditions on day one were calm waters with 6-8 knots of breeze, a bit light for the moths.  The light wind speed made it difficult for sailors to get up, and stay up on their foils.  Andrew “Amac” McDougall (AUS) lead the first beat and finished Race 1 with a bullet.  Michael Lennon (GBR), Brad Funk (USA), Chris Graham (UAE) and Simon Payne (GBR) rounded out the 44-boat fleet.

PUMA has teamed up with On-The-Water Anarchy (OTWA) to get daily text, video and photos.  PUMA and OTWA will be bringing you all the latest information.  A full schedule of where and when to find all the news will be on http://www.pumaoceanracing.com later today.

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.

photo credit: Meredith Block

32 International Moths are currently dominating the scenery at Dubai Offshore Sailing Club with a total number of 46 due to grace the Dubai waters at the start of the week, when the World Championships kick off.

Friday’s racing saw a westerly 15 – 20 knots blow across the shores of Jumeirah, with choppy waves adding to the excitement of the first day of official racing.

Just 15 starters took to the water for race 1, while many of the international sailors took the time to fine tune their boats and acclimatize themselves to the balmy conditions of the UAE.

Current World Number 3; Arnaud Psarofaghis took line honors is race 1 with locally based sailor Chris Graham following in second and Rob Gough from Australia in third.

The second race hosted only 9 starters.  Many pulling out due to kick failure or after a high speed crash.  Again Arnaud Psarofaghis of Switzerland took first place, second place was taken by Scott Babbage of Australia and World Number 7; Rob Gough took third.

The standings after day 1 of the UAE National Championships are;

First Place –          Arnaud Psarofaghis         SUI 3

Second Place –     Chris Graham                  UAE 3679

Third Place -         Rob Gough                     AUS 9

The Puma 2010 Moth International World Championships kicks off on 8^th March. “The Moth Class is delighted to have PUMA sponsoring the 2010 Moth International World Championships in Dubai,” said event organizer and Moth sailor Chris Graham.  “The Moth class is growing so fast, attracting the best dinghy sailors in the world and putting them in one boat against each other. Along with PUMA’s entry into the world of sailing, we feel that the synergy between Moth sailors and PUMA is a perfect fit.   Both PUMA and Moths share a love for fast, exciting and very high caliber sailing matched with a sense of fun an friendliness off the water.” 

To watch the racing come down to the beach at Jumeirah … and sit back and enjoy this fast paced, exciting innovative sport.

For more information log on www.dosc.ae

November 30, 2009 – The Sportlifestyle company PUMA continues their love of extreme sailing and signed on to be the title sponsor of the International Moth Worlds 2010.  PUMA 2010 International Moth Worlds will be held March 8-15, 2010 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  The event will be held at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club.

PUMA 2010 International Moth Worlds is expecting between 50-70 boats to compete, all branded with the signature PUMA cat.  Many as 15 of the world’s top Moth sailors slated to participate in the event.  The Moth Class draws sailors of Olympic and America’s Cup caliber and is quickly becoming a premier dinghy class.

“During each stopover along the Volvo Ocean Race route last year, the PUMA Moths drew so much attention because of their agility and speed, they became a great addition to the PUMA Ocean Racing team. ” said Antonio Bertone, PUMA Chief Marketing Officer.  “We are proud to continue our partnership with one of the fastest growing small boat classes in sailing.  The Moth’s require extreme skill to sail but also bring a sense of fun to the sport, something that is a perfect fit for the PUMA brand.” 

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.

“The Moth Class is delighted to have PUMA sponsoring the 2010 Moth World Championships in Dubai,” said event organizer and Moth sailor Chris Graham.  “The Moth class is growing so fast, attracting the best dinghy sailors in the world and putting them in one boat against each other. Along with PUMA’s entry into the world of sailing, we feel that the synergy between Moth sailors and PUMA is a perfect fit.   Both PUMA and Moths share a love for fast, exciting and very high caliber sailing matched with a sense of fun an friendliness off the water.” 

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.