The International Moth World Championships on Perth’s Swan River delivered a stunning showcase of foiling talent, with America’s Cup stars commanding the leaderboard at Mounts Bay Sailing Club. The regatta offered a thrilling glimpse of the calibre of sailing set to feature when the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup heads to Naples in 2027.
France’s Enzo Balanger, sailing for La Roche-Posay Racing Team, was the standout performer, clinching the World Championship title with a dominant display that included seven race victories across the 14-race series. The defending champion was simply sensational, showcasing the speed, balance and precision that have established him as one of the most exciting young talents in international sailing. In a world-class fleet, Balanger’s ability to find another gear when it mattered most proved decisive.
Australia’s Ryan Littlechild finished second overall, reinforcing his growing reputation as a rising star within GB1, the Challenger of Record for the next America’s Cup. Littlechild pushed hard throughout the championship and underlined his credentials as one of the emerging talents of the America’s Cup generation.
Britain’s Hattie Rogers added another remarkable chapter to the regatta’s America’s Cup storyline. A trimmer for the British Women’s America’s Cup Team GB2, Rogers claimed the Women’s International Moth World Championship title with an impressive 20th place overall against a predominantly male fleet. Already recognised as one of the leading female foiling sailors in the world, the result was another significant milestone in a career that continues to build momentum.
The championship was a compelling demonstration of why the International Moth has become such a vital training ground for America’s Cup sailors. These extraordinary single-handed foiling dinghies demand exceptional athleticism, lightning-fast reactions and an instinctive understanding of flight control — skills that translate directly into the high-performance world of the AC75.
Perth’s notoriously challenging conditions played their part, with shifting breezes and variable pressure testing the fleet to the limit. The racing was relentless, delivering spectacular high-speed foiling, dramatic overtakes and the occasional breathtaking crash.
For Balanger, the victory further cements his reputation as a sailor capable of competing at the very highest level. For Littlechild and Rogers, their performances reinforced the remarkable depth of talent within the British America’s Cup programmes.
With the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup on the horizon, the connections between the International Moth class and the pinnacle of professional sailing have never been stronger. The boats may be smaller and the sailors competing alone, but the principles remain identical: speed, precision, tactical intelligence and an unwavering determination to win.
From the Swan River to the Bay of Naples, the next generation of America’s Cup stars is already making its mark. On this evidence, the future of foiling sailing looks exceptionally bright.
