Going full circle - Zhik is back with the foiling International Moth Class
by Liz Rushall 12 Aug 2021 17:30 AEST
2017 Moth World Championship © Martina Orsini
Kicking off at the Moth Worlds in Lake Garda in August, Zhik are back as the new Exclusive Apparel Partner to the International Moth Class Association (IMCA). Following on from recently announcing a number of offshore and Olympic team partnerships, this three-year agreement revitalises a long-standing connection and includes being the Exclusive Apparel Partner of the Moth Worlds and European events.
Fast and furious, the spectacular foiling Moth racing attracts the cream of World Class sailors from Olympic, America's Cup and Ocean Race pedigree, who sign up to sharpen their race skills and challenge for this much coverted personal World Championship title. An impressive line up of past World Champions includes Tom Slingsby, Paul Goodison, Peter Burling, Nathan Outteridge and Bora Gulari all who are current or former Zhik Team sailors.
Luca Rizzotti, President of IMCA comments, "Zhik was the first ever title sponsor, so we are excited they are back with the International Moth Class. We feel there is such a close relationship with the Worlds top class sailors, these top class boats that push the limits of innovation and the best performance technical gear. We already have some great sailors registered for the Worlds, including Diego Botin, Jean Baptiste Bernaz, Philiip Buhl, Ruggero Tita and Jo Aleh, and are expecting some more big names after the current Olympic Games."
Since those early days, Zhik has gone on to support many top sailors in international and Olympic level sailing for both dinghy and yachting disciplines. The partnership for the 2021 Moth World Championships brings Zhik full circle back to its roots.
"The International Moth Class holds a close bond with the team at Zhik - it's part of our DNA." adds Piet Poelmann, CEO of Zhik. "We were involved right when the foiling Moth racing started and our mutual association has helped put each other on the global sailing map. If feels great to be back. Many of our top-level sailors have cut their teeth in the Moth class - and played a significant role in the development of our gear for elite, fast-paced racing right on the edge. With this new partnership we intend to keep that focus going for future generations."
A development for the 2021 Moth Worlds event includes the top three sailors daily wearing colour-coded Zhik 'Leaders Vests', yellow jersey style, so they stand out in the fleet and symbolise the sailors' achievement as an inspiration to others.
Triple Moth World Champion Paul Goodison comments, "I can't think of a better match. As a sailor, getting to the top of the Moth class stretches you to the limits perfecting your boat and your technique. Having worn Zhik for many years, I know there's a huge parallel with their gear development - making it so reliable at enhancing your performance at incredible speeds and under the huge high pressure moments."
For more information visit www.zhik.com
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