Rising Together: Team USA’s Progress at the Moth Worlds

Championships are made of great sailors, magnificent boats, at incredible venues.  Each World Championship is indeed unique every year, but the 2025 edition of the Moth Worlds may go down in the history books as one of the most talented fleets ever assembled (in any class!). Review the results to recognize competitors from: America’s Cups, SailGP,  Olympic Medalists, TP52 Champions, 49er, 470, multi-class super-stars; and indeed, blooming new young talent in today’s evolving Moth ranks.

2024 Defending Moth World champion Mattias Coutts, crowned only 6 months ago came determined, as did Frenchman Enzo Balanger who has perhaps redefined the days, effort, and standard that this class has arrived at.

Foiling and technology are “in”, and the “race” to excel lives within - you must admit what you know (and what you don’t), and be open to the clever equipment opportunities evolving from each corner of the globe.  

The USA Moth team that attended the “2024” January NZL Worlds, were happy to be supported by A1R’s focus group,  and we mutually agreed to keep the foot on the gas, scheduling multiple training sessions in Pensacola and Long Beach, CA, and continue the power of group training and collective minds. Charlie Mckee, Leandro Spina, Tom Burnham, and Luther Carpenter rotated through training camps,  each envisioning the race course in Malcesine, and assessing the current skills, and “what we need to achieve”.

14 USA Moths competed on Lake Garda, most of which arrived as early as May. The lead up schedule gave the squad a read on the improvements at home, racing in the Foiling Week,  as well as the Pre-Worlds Regatta.  And of course with endless hours “on the maintenance racks”,  there were countless hours of sailing between the practice events.

The encouraging news was that our squad was very competitive with the top of the fleet,  and we kept a balanced approach on speed, boathandling, geographical “hot-spots” on the course, starting, and consistency over the Worlds regatta.  Malcesine is a spot that receives a North Wind in the mornings, and a South wind in the afternoon.  So you need to be well versed on the builds/eases of each local system, and adapt to change as it’s developing.

Brad Funk, Riley Gibbs, and Ben Rosenberg, sailed through the qualifying series impressively,  positioning themselves in the top ten as we progressed into Gold Fleet racing.  The gold fleet racing was as expected: start well, manage transitions, shifts, and boathandling at the marks; and be rewarded with single digits.

As the coach in Malcesine, I think that perhaps the most remarkable story to report about this USA group,  is the focus and maturity of their approach to this “top-gun” game.  This class takes a true commitment both in investment, focus, time, and physical output.  It’s no joke - the people playing this game are here for the real deal,  and are pushing themselves further than they’ve ever gone before. This is top-end sailing today. A1R is glad to partner with these fine athletes, and help them achieve their cutting edge. Congratulations to an amazing squad and accomplishment at the 2025 Moth Worlds.

https://www.fragliavela.org/en/regatta/2025-moth-world-champions

About America One Racing:  America One Racing (A1R) is dedicated to developing high-potential sailors and preparing them for success on the world stage. A1R provides athletes with elite coaching, performance planning, and cutting-edge resources to compete in top international events, including the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, and Youth World Championships. A1R’s commitment to youth development takes place through its Foiling Platform and squad training.  

This mission is made possible through the generous support of key partners—including the Sailing Foundation of New York, the Schoonmaker Foundation, and American Magic/Quantum Racing—whose shared commitment to excellence is helping elevate American sailing on the global stage.

Building on America One’s 25-year legacy of advancing sailing in the U.S., A1R continues to shape the future of the sport, ensuring American sailors have the tools to reach the podium. For more information, visit www.americaoneracing.us.