Bermuda Set To Host 2018 Moth World Event
The International Moth Class Association [IMCA] has announced that Bermuda will be host to the 2018 Moth World Championship, which is slated for May of that year.
Following the inaugural MS Amlin International Moth Regatta in December 2015, Bermuda was encouraged to bid for the 2018 World Championships and edged out rivals Argentina and Australia in the bidding process.
Highlights of day #1 of the Moth Regatta held in Bermuda last year
Andy Cox, chairman of the Regatta on behalf of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, said, “This is fantastic news not only for Bermuda, but we know that the sailors are all keen to sail on the waters in the Great Sound, which is fast becoming known as one of the pre-eminent sailing locations in the World.”
A spokesperson said, “The second MS Amlin International Moth Regatta will also be returning this December [3rd – 9th] and a stellar line up will include top ranked sailors along with members of Oracle Team USA, Artemis Racing and SoftBank Team Japan.
“Rob Greenhalgh [GBR] is back to defend his title as too is the newly crowned 2016 Moth World Champion Paul Goodison [GBR] of Artemis Racing. A fleet of around 75 will challenge for the title of champion sailor and will be aiming to take home a part of the $10,000 purse.
“Organised and hosted by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, it will give sailors an opportunity to battle it out on the Great Sound, the venue for the 35th America’s Cup in 2017.”
Mr. Cox said, “Last year’s Regatta was such a success that everyone wanted a repeat and that has now become a reality thanks to our sponsors. Bermudian hospitality and our sailing conditions make this a unique venue for these high performing foiling boats.”
“MS Amlin will once again be title sponsor, The Bermuda Tourism Authority host sponsor and Gosling’s the official Rum of the Regatta.”
This is wonderful news for Bermuda- we are benefiting from all the efforts to reconnect with our sailing roots.
Congratulations to everyone involved. Just watch our Hamilton Harbour this week as it fills up with boats and sailors of all shapes and sizes.
Securing these kinds of foil events is clearly propelling us into the 21st century and beyond. When these sailors have a wonderful experience in Bermuda they will be back if we spend the money.
Sailing is also shifting our corporate philanthropy and sponsorship to events that benefit our economy first and hopefully our people and environment as well. It is early days and I encourage everyone to adopt measurements that show how these investments benefits all of Bermuda – not the traditional select few.
As we know from 400 years of experience, unless you are a family member of the select few, trickle down economics is a false promise when you are seeking flow through economics.