Moth (dinghy)

Encyclopedia : M : MO : MOT : Moth (dinghy)

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Specifications Under Current Rules
Number of crew 1 LOA 3355mm 11ft Beam int/classic 2250mm 7ft 2in 1524mm 60in Hull weight (with fittings) Unrestricted (Typical 26kgs 57lbs) Sail Area of total of Main 8m² ?? ft²

The Moth Class is the name for three different classes, although all three have similar boats. The differences between the classes are due to their origins and futures. The International Moth stems from Australia while the Classic Moth and Modern Moth are both American. The Classic Moth has the most restrictions while the other two opt to have looser rules for different class developments.

Moth Beginnings

The Moth class has two different origins. Len Morris of Australia built a small, cat-rigged, scow in 1928. The boat was 11ft flat bottomed scow with 80 feet² of sail. After three boats were built, Morris and some friends began the Inverloch Yacht Club which had one sailing class, the “Inverloch 11fter class.”

In America, around the same time, captain Van Sant of Atlantic City was building a similar boat which was called the ‘Moth.’ Hearing of this, the Inverloch 11ft class subsequently changed its name to the ‘Moth class.’ The Moth Class changed rapidly and frequently often depending on location.

Current classes

The older US version is known as the "Classic Moth". There are few restrictions to builders when building their Classic Moth's hull but the rig is one-design and no hiking wings are permitted. The "Modern Moth" is allows for modifications to both the hull and the rig. This has brought in design improvements such as hiking wings, different sail shape and hydrafoils. There has been talk in the class of bring in spinnakers too. There is also a British Moth class.

External Links

• [Mothboat.com]
• [International Moth Sailing]