Extreme Moths fly into Sail Mooloolaba

by Holly Kenny on 17 May 2011
The world’s fastest single-handed, monohull sailing boats will contest their State Championships in conjunction with Sail Mooloolaba over the weekend of June 4-5th 2011.

The International Moth class, sailing’s answer to Formula One, has never before competed on the Sunshine Coast.

Known for high performance and extreme speed, the moth ‘hydrofoilers’, which for the most part ‘fly’ up to a metre above the water, are still a development class allowing sailors the chance to use evolving technology.

The Association’s Queensland President Brent Pearson said today that Sail Mooloolaba had created a rare opportunity for the international class.

'The moth foilers primarily like to choose lake venues with flat waters,' Mr Pearson said. 'It will be great to get out and race in the ocean with a bit of swell. With 17 other classes in action over the weekend, it certainly won’t be boring out there!'

Capable of speeds up to and over 32 knots (60 kms per hour), the moths will provide spectacular viewing from the Mooloolaba coastline.

Recently crowned World Junior Champion, 15 year-old Jack Sherring from Southport Yacht Club, will be looking to strip the more experienced Brent Pearson of his Queensland title. Sherring’s father Steve is also tipped to be a top contender for the state crown.

The high-tech dinghies are constructed out of pre-impregnated carbon fibre and built for a high strength-to-weight ratio. Fully rigged with tee foiled centreboard and rudder, they weigh just 30kgs.

Registration for the regatta, which marks the start of Sail Mooloolaba’s week-long ‘celebration of sailing’, will open on Friday June 3rd at 12 noon for both Dinghy and Open divisions.

There will be three separate adrenalin-fuelled off-shore courses, and a fourth in-shore race course on the Mooloolah River for the green fleet. Racing starts on Saturday from 11.30am and on Sunday from 10am.

Sail Mooloolaba is proudly supported by the Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd (regional tourism entity) and the Sunshine coast Council, and Events Queensland.

Further information contact Holly Kenny, Media Manager E: hollykenny(at)bigpond.com T: 5443 3436 M: 0431 186511

Get on board for Sail Mooloolaba 2011 here