Showdown at Moth Worlds

The Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club (SSCBC) has received a record 165 entries for the McDougall + McConaghy 2015 International Moth World Championship due to be sailed in the popular seaside town of Sorrento from January 9-16, on Port Phillip.

Among the entries is defending world champion Nathan Outteridge. The NSW 2012 Olympic 49er gold medallist and America’s Cup skipper for Artemis Racing will attempt to defend his title and in the process become one of the first world champions in the New Year.

Outteridge is well aware those he will race against are just as credentialed. Concentrating on his 2016 Olympic 49er campaign in Rio and the Worlds in Santander, he has also been flat out in his role as skipper for Artemis Racing in San Francisco. 

"I actually haven't sailed my Moth at all since the 2014 Worlds in Hayling Island back in July," said the multi-skilled sailor. 

"I've been watching all the videos of the Oracle boys sailing at my home club in Wangi Wangi (on the NSW Central Coast). I'm good mates with a lot of them, especially Tom Slingsby," he says of the Oracle strategist and 2012 Olympic Laser gold medallist.

"It’s great to see such a huge entry list. I believe the biggest ever. I can see a battle between the AC teams developing; there could be some good banter," he said.

Almost entire America’s Cup teams will be represented by Oracle Team USA, Emirates Team New Zealand and some from Artemis Racing. So it will be a double edged sword, as fellow America’s Cup and Olympic crew members go head-to-head for the title. 

With regards to the major threats in defending his title: "Where do I start?" Outteridge questions.

"Probably Boar (Bora Gulari, 2013) and Josh (Josh McKnight, 2012), who have won Moth World titles before will be tough to beat. They’ve been training really hard all year.

"Then there are the fulltime Moth sailors who for the past few years have populated the top ten; like Scott Babbage, Chris Rashly (GBR), Ben Paton (GBR), Dave Lister, Anthony Kotoun (USA), Rob Gough and Amac (Andrew McDougall, also co-sponsor of the Worlds).

"They may not be pro sailors, but they are dedicated to their Moth sailing and would love nothing more than to take the title.

"And let’s not forget the America’s Cup sailors, many who were key in the 2013 America's Cup and are new to the class: Tom Slingsby, Kyle Langford and Rome Kirby from Oracle; Chris Draper from Luna Rossa and Peter Burling, Blair Tuke, Glenn Ashby, Ray Davies and Dean Barker from Emirates Team New Zealand."

Outteridge will also be joined by a small group of sailors from Artemis Racing; Iain Jensen, Paul Goodison BR), Freddy Loof and Loick Peyron.

Victorian Garry Hosie steps into the role of Principal Race Officer for the Moth Worlds, filling the big shoes of Peter Moor whose recent illness has stopped him from continuing on.

Those keen to go on the water to view the Worlds can register their interest with Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club.

All information on official website: www.mothworlds.org/sorrento/

Photos: Thierry Martinez