Race the best - International Moth class is returning to the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show
by Andrew Friend 15 Feb 20:53 NZDT
22-23 February 2025
Jeremy Hartley on Day 2 of the Wetsuit Outlet International Moth UK Nationals © Mark Jardine / IMCAUK
After a decade or so's absence the International Moth Class association is returning to the Dinghy Show. Exhibiting under the theme 'Race the best' the class aim to dispel some of the misconceptions about the original, fastest and most competitive foiling singlehander on the planet and encourage a wider audience to #getamoth and join the fleet.
The stand will be hosted by a full cross section of the fleet, from long time class stalwarts, to home builders and engineers, and a certain Olympic champion, AC and Sail GP helmsman (and past moth world champion) all happy to share their enthusiasm for the original and best foiling dinghy.
The class demo 'Exocet' kindly prepared by Maguire Boats will be on display with anyone interested in trying the boat out, invited to come and say hi to find out more details. We also will be taking orders for an exclusive 'Race the best' merchandise collab between London based design studio Very Very Far Away and Portland's South Coast Embroidery.
Misconception no.1
Moths are horrendously expensive and if I want to race I will need to sell a kidney to keep up. Moths can be expensive, but most are not. A second hand Moth with all of the gear to get competitively flying can be bought now for less than any of the one design foilers on the market and it will be significantly more enjoyable to sail!
Misconception no.2
The Moth class is just for pros - Yes, the pros sail the boat (because it's great!) but it is an amateur fleet, where else can anyone line up on the start / share a beer in the boat park after sailing with the biggest names in the sport (past, present and future) who are all there for the fun of it.
Misconception no.3
In order to race I need to have the newest gear - the competitive depth across the whole fleet is one of the strengths of the class, regardless of the equipment you have there will be others to race across the board. Also the beauty here is that every boat has its day and there are few things as satisfying as taking races off much newer pricier designs in the right conditions.
Misconception no.4
Moths are too fragile for everyday sailing. Gone are the days of 3mm plywood construction (thank goodness) the last decade's worth of designs are professionally built to very exacting standards and will take you out to sea at 30+knots - and importantly, get you back in again - and to the bar without having to crack open the epoxy and get your hands sticky.
Misconception no.5
I am new to the boat and not ready to come to events - the UK class is one of the most welcoming and friendly groups who are all there to share their enthusiasm for sailing the Moth, the amount you progress and learn by sailing with others is huge - come and get involved!
With this year's Garda worlds looming and a full packed schedule of open meetings and training sessions for all levels and ages of boat there is no better time to dust off the Moth in your garage, resurrect the boat growing a bramble bush in your club's dinghy park or make some enquiries on the second-hand market and #getamoth to come and race the best.