US Moth Class announces 11th Hour Racing sponsorship

by Matthew Knowles on 14 May 2013 Sailing sponsorships are often about using high-profile regattas and athletes to sell products and services to a target audience. However, today the International Moth United States Class Association announces a very different kind of sponsorship arrangement. The class has entered into a partnership with 11th Hour Racing to develop and share innovative strategies for protecting and improving the environment, one degree at a time.

The International Moth is the fastest sailing dinghy on the planet, and the athletes who race in the Moth have achieved success across disciplines and at all levels of the sport. 11th Hour Racing seeks to establish a dynamic new platform for public education emphasizing the responsible use of energy and resources in the context of sailing, an exciting recreational and competitive sport. Through sponsorship of winning sailing teams and regattas, advanced sailing and production practices, 11th Hour Racing improve the energy profile and performance of racing boats, and increase the personal investment of sailors in the health of our waters. Together, the two organizations will work to develop new practices to protect the oceans and the environment as a whole.

The class association has been renamed the 'International Moth Class Association Presented by 11th Hour Racing.' Together with 11th Hour Racing and its ambassadors, class members will work to spread the message that sailors have a special responsibility to protect the natural resources upon which our sport relies.

Members of the class will brand their Moths with 11th Hour Racing livery, and class members racing at major regattas will be sporting 11th Hour Racing rash guards. But the partnership goes far beyond branding. 'We are absolutely thrilled about this new relationship,' said class president Matthew Knowles. 'Our sailors’ values are closely aligned with those of 11th Hour Racing, and we can’t think of a better organization to partner with. We are excited about the new programs and strategies we will be developing together over the next few months. You’ll be hearing a lot more from us soon!'

11th Hour Racing’s Program Manager Kate Neubauer shared the sentiment. '11th Hour Racing is proudly teaming up with the Moth Class to increase their environmental profile and find new approaches to demonstrate stewardship. These sailors exemplify the symbiotic relationship between sailboat racing and environmental sustainability.'