With its roots in grassroots sailing and its future defined by cutting-edge hydrofoiling technology, the Moth class represents the pinnacle of dinghy racing.
The International Moth is a small, development-class sailing dinghy that has undergone remarkable evolution since its inception. Originally a fast, home-built craft designed to plane, the Moth has transformed into a sophisticated hydrofoiling machine capable of extraordinary speeds. Since the early 2000s, these boats have employed lifting hydrofoils on both the daggerboard and rudder, allowing the hull and sailor to rise above the water’s surface. This drastically reduces drag and enhances speed, with top speeds exceeding 36 knots (66.5 km/h).
The class achieved official World Sailing status in 1972, and the first recognised World Championship was held in 1973. Over the decades, Australian and British sailors have dominated the event, with occasional successes from other nations. New Zealand’s Peter Burling stands out as our local hero, claiming gold in 2015 and silver in 2017.
Situated on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, just 30 minutes north of Auckland City, the Manly Sailing Club offers an exceptional setting for the championships. Its location on the open waters of the Hibiscus Coast provides a variety of challenging wind and sea conditions. Three primary course areas will accommodate various wind directions, ensuring fair and exciting racing.
The 2024 Moth World Championships are preceded by the Oceania Moth Championships, which began on 30 December 2024 and conclude on 2 January 2025. The main event runs from 3 January to 9 January 2025. Key dates include:
3 January: Registration, measurement, and opening ceremony
4-6 January: Qualifying races
8-9 January: Finals
The courses will follow windward/leeward layouts. Notably, the Two-Turns penalty has been replaced by a 270-degree turn, adding a tactical dimension to the racing.
Preceding the 2024 Moth World Championships, the Oceania Championship featured 73 entries, including five female sailors, 23 youth competitors, and representatives from 15 countries. The wind was pretty gusty with showers rolling through the course. After eight races (with one discard), the top performers were:
First: Mattias Coutts (New Zealand): Youth category winner and overall champion. An observation from our videographer, Roger Mills: “It seams Mattias Coutts had an extra something to lead that race and lead the series overall after 8 races; 2 points clear of New Zealander Jacob Pye.”
Second: Jacob Pye (New Zealand): Second place, also in the Youth category.
Third: Riley Gibbs (USA): Third place, Open category.
Hattie Rogers (USA) was the top female sailor, finishing 34th overall. These results set the tone for the World Championships, highlighting emerging talent and fierce competition.
The 2024 field includes seasoned champions and rising stars. Returning medalists from recent years, such as Massimo Contessi (Argentina, 9th placed) and Iain Jensen (Australia, 18th placed), are among the favourites. New Zealand’s Mattias Coutts and Jacob Pye, fresh off their Oceania successes, carry local hopes. The absence of some past champions, including Tom Slingsby and Dylan Fletcher-Scott, opens opportunities for new names to shine.
The World Championship prizes include:
Male and Female World Champions (top overall performers).
Junior Champion (aged 23 or younger as of 1 June 2024).
Master Champion (aged 45 or older as of 1 June 2024).
Weather conditions play a pivotal role in the Moth class. The high-speed nature of hydrofoiling demands steady winds—enough to lift the boats on their foils but not so strong as to make racing hazardous. The Hibiscus Coast’s variable conditions will test sailors’ skill and adaptability.
As the International Moth World Championships return to New Zealand, the stage is set for an unforgettable week of racing. With cutting-edge technology, a storied history, and some of the world’s best sailors, this event exemplifies the spirit of competitive sailing. Whether you’re a fan, a competitor, or simply curious about the fastest dinghy class in the world, the 2024 championships promise to deliver excitement and inspiration.
Keep an eye out for our follow-up articles on the outcome of the International Moth World Championships.
