Description:

The International Moth Class (IMC) is the fastest one-person foiling dinghy that is raced in the world. Like America’s Cup boats, this foiling boat is constantly pushing the performance envelop.

Its design is restricted only by maximum rule measurements to the sail, the hull area and, to using mechanical systems. This makes the design open for many designers and boat builders’ interpretation which encourages a highly competitive market.

The Mackay Bieker Moth is one of many IMC boat brands available to Moth sailors. Founded on a no-compromise performance philosophy, the Mackay Bieker Moth aims to deliver the fastest sailing experience possible through constantly exploring ways to improve on performance.

It is now into its third generation (V3), with earlier Mackay Bieker Moth models notching up notable success, taking out World Championship titles and National Championship titles around the world.

Arriving at this latest model was done through user feedback, observations, and applying the latest thinking on aerodynamics, composite engineering, and boat-building skills.

The Mackay Bieker Moth’s sleek, stealth-looking composite hull is designed to foil above the water at speeds of between 24 to 35 knots (45 to 67kms). These high speeds exert very high loads on the boat’s hull however through FEA analysis, the hull has been built to an optimal strength-to-weight ratio to the point where a sailor can lift the hull with a single hand.

Unlike other brands, next to nothing protrudes on the Mackay Bieker Moth V3's deck or wing. All mechanical connections and control lines, normally exposed on a standard Moth deck, operate under the deck. This innovative feature minimises windage which is critical to performance for a boat that foils. Many prototypes were developed to ensure the control lines have no unwanted movement as this means sailors can make precise changes to “manual” control settings. Easy access to these controls has been achieved through a custom-made carbon cleat plate that is the exit point for the control lines on the wing. This cleat plate, which is another point of difference from competitor brands, sits near flush on the wing to keep windage down.

The Mackay Bieker Moth V3's composite wings are one continuous, smooth form, where all joins sit flush. This further optimises aerodynamics and encourages airflow which is very important for high speeds. An optimal wing angle to the hull has been designed to allow the sailor to extend further out from the boat as full body extension positively impacts performance.

When it comes to the boat’s handling performance, the Mackay Bieker Moth V3 is designed to encourage faster, freer, manoeuvrability for the sailor. This has been achieved by designing moulded hiking strap mounts on the wing along with indents into the composite wings. These two features together, allow a sailor to hook into the hiking straps very quickly and resume sailing after changing course.

The Mackay Bieker Moth is built in New Zealand. Manufacture of this third-generation boat commenced in mid-2023. It is now raced in five continents. In early January 2025, the IMC World Championships will be held in New Zealand which will see over half the fleet racing Mackay Bieker Moths.