We speak to Swedish foiling moth racer Martin Gravare about crashing into anchored boats, kamikaze fish, South African wine and more!

What exactly is 'bladeriding' (foil moth racing)?

It is similar to dinghy sailing but the fact that you actually lift out of the water and "fly" on your foils makes it faster and extremely exciting!

Do you only compete in open water (ocean)?

No, we do a lot of racing on lakes and rivers too. All you need is minimum 1.5m water depth and at least 5 knots of wind

How do the races work? Are there different classifications, distances etc?

Most racing is done on windward leeward courses. That is we sail three laps starting upwind and finishing downwind. Most races are over a 1-1.5-mile course taking about 30 minutes to finish.

There are senior, junior and female classes. There are also a number of races run over slalom courses in a short race format with each race taking only about 3 minutes to complete

When did you start competing in this sport?

I started last year. I am learning fast and at the moment I am focusing a lot on getting stronger as I found that one weakness I have is pure and simple strength in my arms and shoulders.

What is your best bladeriding experience?

Definitely sailing in Black Rock, Australia in 25 knots of wind and big waves and for the first time managing to go in 25 knots downwind without crashing!

Also, I will never forget the first time I was foiling and everything just went quiet and the boat was accelerating constantly.

What is your least favourite bladeriding experience?

Crashing into an anchored boat in Sandringham in Australia! I just got a bit overconfident and thought I was invincible, which I wasn’t. It hurt and was expensive too.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen while bladeriding?

Without any doubt seeing a competitor getting thrown off his boat while going full speed at the World Championships held on Lake Garda, Italy last year! The boat continued without him for at least 300 meters…

Any problem with sharks or other sea predators?

I haven’t seen any… yet. And I hope I never do! Some people have problems hitting fish when sailing in lakes and that can damage the boat. But I think the fish are probably more scared of us.

How popular is bladeriding globally?

There are about 200 sailors all over the world. There are Bladeriders on all continents now.

Who are the strongest countries in terms of representation at the top level?

Australia and UK. Germany and Switzerland are not bad either. The American sailors are coming on well lately and we expect them to very strong at the World Championship in Portland, Oregon USA next year.

How do South African racers compare to international racers?

We don’t know yet. The sailors I have met here in Cape Town whilst we have been sailing the PUMA Bladriders during the Volvo Ocean Race stopovers seem very good but they have a bit to learn still. We haven’t really seen them on the circuit yet as it is still pretty new here.

What type of training do you do for the sport?

Running, biking and general fitness plus a lot of upper body strength training.

Is it an expensive to get involved in?

It depends on your references I guess. It is not cheap but compared with many other sailing sports it is about the same. And you get a hell of a lot more of speed for you money compared to big yachts!

What have you been getting up to during your time in South Africa?

Mostly sailing. I managed to see a little bit of the surrounding area of Cape Town. I want to go to Cape Point before I leave, just because it is there and the Cape of Good Hope is quite mythical amongst sailors.

Have you been left with a good impression of the country?

It is fantastic, people are nice and wine is good!

What has been your favourite experience in the country?

Seeing Table Mountain nestled in the clouds when I have been out on the water. Also, the wildlife in the sea here, we saw dolphins, seals and penguins within just five minutes of hitting the water. You don't get that in many places.


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