2025 International Moth Worlds at Fraglia Vela Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy - Day 2
by Francesca Frazza 9 Jul 2025 17:51 BST
6-13 July 2025
The second day of racing at the 2025 Moth World Championship began with high hopes: as early as 10:00 a.m., a promising southerly breeze began to build on Lake Garda, hinting at ideal conditions for a full day on the water. At 12:15, the Delta flag was raised for the Blue fleet, which had not yet raced and was scheduled for three races today.
However, around 1:00 p.m., just as the first warning signal was expected, the wind began to shift right and settled at around 5-6 knots, weakening further as the afternoon progressed. The conditions did not allow for fair racing: AP was hoisted for the teams already on the water, who were then sent back ashore.
Conditions failed to improve throughout the afternoon, and around 4:35 p.m., AP over A was displayed for the Yellow fleet—scheduled to sail only one race today—signaling the end of racing for them. Shortly after, the same signal was given for the Blue fleet. So far, only the Yellow fleet has managed to complete two races, both held yesterday. The Blue fleet remains without a race on the board.
New Zealand's Henry Haslett, a rising star in the foiling scene, commented: "Day two of the Moth Worlds turned out to be a classic boat park day—unfortunately not much action out there. We didn't race today, but we'll see what happens tomorrow. It's still incredible to be here: the level of the fleet is so high, and being able to train and learn from such amazing sailors is truly invaluable. The setting is insane—sailing in epic conditions surrounded by mountains... it's a special place. I can't wait to get back on the water tomorrow. Yesterday was a tough one for the Yellow fleet; hopefully tomorrow the wind will be more stable and we can get more races in."
Victoria Schultheis, a promising Maltese sailor, also shared her thoughts: "Today was a long wait. We were supposed to start at 1:00 p.m., we went out, waited, but unfortunately the wind dropped. Yesterday we had two races—it was a tough day, but I'm happy with how I sailed and how things are going so far. I've been spending a lot of time here on Lake Garda, and I really hope it returns to its usual conditions over the next few days."
The day wrapped up at 7:30 p.m. with the regatta dinner hosted by Speck Stube, giving sailors a chance to unwind and reconnect after a long day of waiting.
Tomorrow's schedule calls for racing to begin at 8:30 AM with two races for the Blue fleet, taking advantage of the morning wind. As per the weather forecast, a drop in the breeze is expected later in the day, allowing for a break and the reorganization of the fleets. In the afternoon, with the arrival of the typical southern breeze, the "Ora," three races are planned for each fleet.
The 2025 Moth World Championship is made possible thanks to the vital support of sponsors and partners who believe in the value of this sporting and regional initiative. Special thanks go to UniCredit, title sponsor of the event, and to Falconeri, Zhik, Funivie Malcesine-Monte Baldo, Frantoi Redoro, Birrerie Stiegl, Distilleria Marzadro, Cantine Tinazzi, and Speck Stube.
The event is held under the patronage of the Veneto Region and the Municipality of Malcesine.
Event website: www.fragliavela.org/en/regatta/2025-moth-world-championship