Countdown to the Wetsuit Outlet and Zhik 2023 Moth Worlds
by UK Moth Class 24 Apr 2023 19:51 AEST
7-18 June 2023
Race 13 Start on Day 4 of the 2022 Wetsuit Outlet UK Moth Class Nationals at the WPNSA © Mark Jardine / IMCA UK
In 45 days the UK will be host to the Wetsuit Outlet and Zhik 2023 Moth Worlds, held at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.
It has been nine years since the International Moth Class World Championship was last held on UK shores at Hayling Island, and 15 years since the flat water paradise of Portland Harbour hosted what was then, the largest fleet of foiling boats with a 99 boat entry in 2008. Now in June 2023, we look forward to welcoming a fleet of 150 skippers from 22 countries, in what is shaping to be one of the most closely contested contests in recent times.
This year's entry has attracted some of the biggest names in high performance sailing. Competing will be Olympic Medallists, Sail GP and America's Cup team members, World and National class champions from many varying disciplines across the sport. Add to that mix a hardcore diverse number of Mothies that wouldn't swap the class for anything, and there is plenty to look forward to.
For the Open Championship honours, Dylan Fletcher (GBR) will be looking defend his World title won in 2022 in Argentina. Those expected to put the challenge to Fletcher include Tom Burton (AUS), Ruggi Tita (ITA), Massimo Contessi (ARG), Nicolai Jacobson (NOR), Simon Hiscocks (GBR), Simone Salva (ITA), Brad Funk (USA), Philipp Buhl (GER), Jake Pye (NZL), Rob Greenhalgh (AUS), Richard Didham (USA), Jack Wetherell (GBR), Mattias Coutts (NZL) and David Hivey (GBR). Of course we could keep adding more big names, but you get the picture.
Of equally significant interest will be the battle for the Women's Championship trophy competed within the Open Championship. We can expect a strong battle between past winners Josie Gliddon (GBR), Franziska Mage (GER) and European Champion Lisa Schweigert (GER). Others looking to shine will be Emily Nagel (GBR), Isabella Bertold (CAN), Vanessa Ampelas (FRA) and Hattie Rogers (GBR).
Other prizes within the fleet include first placing in each of the Master, Grand Master, Super Grand Master, Under 25, Corinthian and Home Builder divisions.
Follow the action to see who comes out on top...
Our Sponsors and Supporters
We are hugely grateful to the companies that have joined with us to support this championship. Through their generosity, competitors can expect a good number of prizes for not only the racing winners but across the fleet.
A big thank you to Zhik, Westsuit Outlet, Quantaum Sails, Marlow Ropes, Allen Brothers, Maguire Boats, Shock Sailing, Blueteq and CST Composites.
YachtsandYachting.com is the official media partner and will be producing daily reports from the event. Reports will be complimented with David Simmonds Media videos.
Dates
The Wetsuit Outlet and Zhik 2023 Moth Worlds takes place between 12-18 June and are preceded by the UK Open 8-9 June.