British Moth class at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show
by BMBA Publicity 3 Mar 2011 10:23 GMT
Stand E8, 5-6 March 2011
The unique and ever-young British Moth class will be 80 years old in 2012.
Innovation and rule changes have seen the class develop into a lightweight, exhilarating sailing machine whilst still recognizing the original intent and virtues of the class. With a one-design hull that does permit some scope within the tolerances for slight variation, the deck layout is open to almost any personal preference and there are endless possibilities within the foil design and rig/sail controls for the more serious thinking, technically minded helm.
Highly maneuverable and very responsive, this endearing little boat is an ideal platform for beginners whilst still providing a challenge for the all out racer. Its tall rig and generous sail plan make it an ideal boat for restricted waters but, increasingly, these eager-to-plane boats are seen on more open waters.
There will be two British Moths on display at this year's show.
"X-Moth" [Sail No. 881] is an all-wood build by Severn Sailboats with hull lines by Phil Morrison.
Featuring gorgeously rolled decks in a beautiful veneer, the construction of X-Moth is very precise and renders an extremely strong hull. The innovative deck/cockpit is part modular constructed, adding further to the boat's overall stiffness as well as making for a very comfortable boat to sail. A new lightweight, "wrap-around" laminated veneer rudder stock is also featured on the Boat. X-Moth will have an all-carbon rig by Severn Sailboats with a new Speed Aeroweb Laminate Sail and the mast construction using a clever design by Graham Pope that allows some adjustment for stiffness/bend.
The second boat [Sail No. 878] is a composite sandwich construction boat and has been built by John Claridge Composites Ltd with no apologies for the hull colour!
Hull lines are by Mervyn Cook/John Claridge and the cockpit has a self-draining layout.
The hull lines are now well proven as current National Champion Roger Witts and 3rd placed Mark "New Boy" Wiltshire both used Claridge Hulls in 2010.
John Claridge's "keep it clean, simple and functional" approach to the build and layout is very visible in this long cockpit layout version. A characteristically inset transom, nice gently curved decks and great attention to detail result in a really good layout and an overall stiff build.
Foils are by John Claridge, as is the Carbon Mast which will have a Banks Mylar Sail.
With Severn Sailboats, John Claridge Composites, Godfrey Clark and the BMBA's own FRP Hull [available as an option for self or professional completion] there is a wide choice of builders available. Likewise, a wide choice of spars [Alloy and Carbon] and newly developed sails by a range of sail-makers abound.
Second-hand Boats are currently available; as ever the class website is the best place to start a search.
With the 2011 Open Meeting season [for the Somerville Trophy] soon to start at MWYC [Leamington] on April 9th, the Programme has a total of 12 events across 10 venues.
The Class returns to Northampton in August for the 2011 National Championships. Northampton Sailing Club being a regular Championship venue for British Moths in recent years… is very popular with the Class, it almost seems like “home”.
2011 entries are expected to be in the mid to high 30's with the 80th Anniversary Championships hopefully higher still.
Come and see us, you will always be guaranteed a warm welcome!