The Moth class, known for its technical demands and foiling speeds, has increasingly become the domain of youth sailors. Reflexes, physical fitness, and a natural affinity for adapting to cutting-edge technology give younger competitors a distinct edge. These factors were evident as the top seven positions in the Gold Fleet were all claimed by youth sailors, with New Zealand’s Mattias Coutts leading the charge.
For sailors like Coutts, Jacob Pye, and Australia’s Otto Henry, the Moth Worlds are not just a competition but a stepping stone to elite sailing. The class’ emphasis on innovation and skill-building translates seamlessly to professional circuits like the America’s Cup and SailGP. With his father, Sir Russell Coutts, a sailing legend and SailGP CEO, Mattias is continuing a family legacy, showcasing that the next generation of sailing talent is thriving.
After nine qualifying races and eight finals races, the Gold Fleet saw the 37 best sailors in the championship battle for the podium. Despite a rocky start in the finals with a Did Not Finish (DNF) in the first race, Mattias Coutts dominated the series with nine wins across qualifiers and finals, securing the championship with 25 Nett points.
Jacob Pye, another Kiwi standout and Coutts’ training partner, gave a strong performance to take second place with 38 Nett points, including seven race wins. Australia’s Otto Henry rounded out the podium, finishing just ahead of Seb Menzies after a tiebreaker on 69 Nett points.
Among the fleet, Great Britain’s Hattie Rogers stood out as the only female competitor in the Gold Fleet, finishing 36th overall. Her determination and skill were inspiring, setting an example for aspiring female sailors worldwide. In the Silver Fleet, Spain’s Nicole Van der Velden Vizcaya and Australia’s Wakako Kajimoto also made their mark, showing that women are steadily making strides in the Moth class.
New Zealand sailors dominated the top 10, with three Kiwis securing leading positions. The international makeup of the competition, featuring sailors from Australia, the USA, Malta, and France, reinforced the global appeal of the Moth Worlds. For New Zealand, hosting such a prestigious event further cements its reputation as a hub for high-performance sailing.
The final day’s racing showcased the Manly Sailing Club’s expertise in managing world-class events. With the course stretching between Orewa and Waiwera, the building breeze allowed competitors to demonstrate their full range of skills. Spectators were treated to a spectacular display of foiling mastery, and the event concluded on a high note.
As the 2024 Moth World Championships conclude, the future of sailing looks bright. Youth sailors like Mattias Coutts and Jacob Pye are not only dominating the present but also shaping the sport’s future. The Moth Worlds remain a crucible for talent, proving that this high-performance class is where tomorrow’s champions are forged.
