Australian International Moth Association

The International Moth is a single handed development class boat that has its origins  from 1928 when Len Morris built a hard chined scow to sail on Lake Inverloch in Victoria. Based on the old measurement system, the boat was 11ft long with an 80sq-ft sail. The craft was named “Olive” after his wife.  “Olive’s” performance was so outstanding, that a similar boat “Whoopee” was built. Len Morris then sold “Olive”, and built another boat called “Flutterby”, and with those three boats, the Inverloch Yacht Club was formed. Restrictions for the class known as the Inverloch Eleven Footer class were then drawn up, with the distinguishing characteristic that of being not a one-design boat but rather that of a boat permitting development within the set of design parameters. For more information on the history of the moth, have a look at our historical pages. 

The modern moth still holds the base concepts of Len Morris boat as its core. The class rules have remained open, with updates focussed on keeping development within the intent of the class.

The modern Moth fits in to a box rule that is effectively

• 3.355m in length
• 2.25m wide (fun fact -this is actually based on an old measurement of what was the maximum trailerable width in Victoria.)
• Maximum sail area of 8.25m-sq.
• No catamarans or windsurfers
• One crew - boats can be optimised for crew weights from 60kg to 100kg - like all boats the lighter guys are better in light marginal conditions, but the heavy guys are quick when it is windy. We also have mothies ranging from the ages of 16 right through to over 70.
  
• No restrictions on materials, construction methods and no minimum weight limit. Though too light and you wont finish a race.
  

The race starts at 2pm on Sunday.

All up its a craft that rewards you like no other, punishes you like no other and gains interest on the beach like no other. It will reignite an interest in sailing that has been longing for more than just plodding around a course in a one design. This is a chance to put your ideas into practice, to sail with the elite of sailing.

We understand that not everyone will enjoy Moth sailing as much as we do, as it requires the right amount of determination, skill and persistence in a person. So we have summarised the type of qualities in a person that we see are suitable to our class:

• Keen to get out there and give it a go not matter what other people say.
• Not worried about tipping over at least 20 times everytime you go sailing in the first few months.
• Understanding that it could take a few months before you complete a race & then feeling like it's your greatest achievement.
• Realise that age is no boundary to do anything.
• Have mastered and got bored in other classes.
• Are reasonably active and energetic. (Although we have active foiling mothies who saw 60 some time ago.)
  
• Are good with your hands and like to make things.
• Are more keen to learn than to win races.
• Sick of lifting heavy boats in and out of the water to go sailing.
• Are unhappy with the unfriendly and bitching nature of your class.
• Realising that sailing upwind can be just as good as sailing downwind.
• Believe there is more to sailing than wind shifts, tactics and technique.
• Like to experiment with and improve your boat and not be worried if someone is going to protest you for breaking class rules.
• Tired of going slow and getting passed by skiffs all the time.
• Are up for one of the biggest challenges that you have ever faced.

If you think you have enough of these qualities, then you probably should give a Moth a go. You might just want to contact one of our state

focal points to discuss your options. Otherwise if you know that there is no other class that even compares and just want to buy one, the buy and sell options below might just help you out.

Moth Rule Number 1

It is also worth pointing out Moth Rule Number 1. Championed by class stalwart Les Thorpe. Never lift anything heavier than you. For this reason Moths are still built like and often carried to the water by just one person, and they have been seen to be walked down the footpath backpack style on more than one occasion. So if you really hate lifting heavy boats, then the moth is a great option.