Because of the diversity of classic moths now racing, there are often three divisions or fleets in our more largely attend events. They are:
- Vintage
- Generation I (Gen I)
- Generation II (Gen II)
These divisions approximately reflect performance bands of designs. Generally, but not always, the members of each division are designs grouped around a time period. This is because the development in the moth class tended to be static or slow for some periods with occasional breakthroughs, which resulted in large performance improvements.The Vintage division primarily encompasses Moth boats designed and built before 1953. The Gen I division generally includes Moth boats designed between 1953 and 1965 as well as new designs which have the same sort of performance potential. The Gen II division includes Moth boats designed for maximum performance under the current restrictions of the classic moth boat rules. Boats originally having only Gen I performance levels, which have been modified significantly to improve performance, may also be classified as Gen II. The characteristics of boats in each division are further described in the following paragraphs. Special additions to classic moth boat rules are also included. The members of each division will have significant input as to the inclusion of designs or specific boats within their division. All divisions normally participate in the National Championship and qualify to race for the National Championship. Separate awards are granted for the Vintage, Gen 1, and Gen II fleet at the National Championships. Other Moth boat regattas may, at their discretion, also provide separate trophies for the Vintage and Gen 1 fleets.
The Vintage fleet has members from the “Golden Age” of moth boating in the US. These boats were typically homebuilt or built by limited production. They were most often of wood construction with a hull weight of around 100 pounds. Hull designs were usually of displacement characteristics, but could plane under ideal conditions. Typical hull designs/builders included Dorr Willey, Ventnor, Abbott and Connecticut designs. A key provision is that the hulls must be originally built prior to 1953, or a new hull of a qualifying design can be built by the original builder. Spars must be wooden. Sails shall be of white single woven ply with the exception of sail reinforcements, batten pockets, windows, stiffening, tablings, attachments and identification marks. Battens are limited to a maximum total length of 92 inches and cannot be within 6 inches of any spar. Loose footed sails are prohibited. Hulls must be restored, not reproductions.
The Generation I fleet mostly contains designs which incorporated lighter weight materials, aluminum spars, and planning technology. Many of these boats have survived from the 50’s and 60’s and are restored to racing condition with a minimum of effort. Conversions of other boats of that performance level are also included. Current designs typically found include Mint, Florida Moth (Cates), Challenger, Shelly, Titan, and Mach 1. Hulls that are reproductions of Vintage designs, and hulls fashioned from original Laser hulls (designated Masers) are also included. Current consensus is to include stock Europe Dinghys in this division if a CMBA legal sail is used.
The Generation II fleet includes designs which feature both weight reductions to the minimum allowed by the CMBA and significant wet surface reduction technology which improves performance in both displacement and planing modes. These designs appeared in the late 1960’s and are the most modern examples included as Classic Moths. Hull designs include Skol, Duflos, Mistral, and modified Mistrals. Europe Dinghys that have been modified to include improved sails, foils, and possibly weight reductions are currently included in Gen II by consensus. New designs that display similar characteristics can be expected to be assigned to Gen II.
Specific boat designation of Race Divisions can be found in the Constitution and By-Laws.