National sailing titles set for Saratoga

The Scow and Lowrider Moth Dinghy National Titles will be hosted by the Saratoga Sailing Club on the beautiful Brisbane Water from January 6-11.

Thirty historical 11 foot (3.5m) dinghies from as far away as Western Australia will compete at the event.

Although the Moth fleet has been continuously active for many years, recently through the foiling Moth fleet – which sees competitions with some world’s best known sailors participating at National and World titles – the more historic scow and lowriding skiffs have only made sporadic appearances.

Over the past two years there has been a marked revival in the scow and lowrider fleets across Australia and also internationally.

Saratoga sailor Tony Arends said the revitalisation of the scow and lowrider moth fleet has come from a few key “characters” looking to rekindle their memories of the “good old times”.

“Through social media and old friendships, momentum has been building over the last couple of years,” he said.

“We now have active fleets sailing in Western Australia, NSW and Queensland, with growing interest from Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the ACT.

“It will be great to welcome fellow competitors from across Australia to our beautiful waterway and friendly club.”

The event will involve a series of up to 10 races across the week.

The fleet will showcase the diversity of this class of dinghy, with some boats ranging from some almost 60 years old through to recent builds to historical designs competing for scratch and handicap prizes.

The sailors will also range in age, from those in their 70s to several youth sailors.

Many of the sailors have been on a journey over the last six months building or renovating their own boats to get to this nationals series.

In a time where sailing could be seen as becoming too complex, too competitive and too expensive, the scow and lowrider sailors, in conjunction with Saratoga Sailing Club, have invited the Firebug dinghy fleet to also compete as part of the regatta.

The Firebug is a junior sailing dinghy that is undergoing a revival as part of an initiative by several sailing clubs to commence having junior sailors build and then sail their own boats.