Flying Over the Costa Brava: L’Escala to Host 2026 Moth Class European Championship
The Mediterranean waters of the Costa Brava are preparing for a high-speed invasion this summer. From June 7 to June 13, 2026, L’Escala will become the center of the sailing world as it hosts the Moth Class European Championship 2026.
Known as the “flying boats,” the International Moth class represents the cutting edge of lightweight sailing. These vessels don’t just glide through the water—they lift above it, using innovative foiling technology to slash friction and reach blistering speeds. For spectators and sailors alike, the result is a surreal sensation of flight across the sea.
The Science of Flight: What is a Moth?
To the uninitiated, the Moth class might look like a futuristic experiment. The boats utilize hydrofoils—wing-like structures beneath the hull—that create lift as the boat accelerates. Once a certain speed is reached, the hull leaves the water entirely, leaving only the foils and the rudder submerged.
This design allows the boats to maintain incredible velocity even in light winds. While the technology feels modern, the Moth class has deep roots, with the type of sailing craft originating in Australia and the United States around 1930. Today, it has evolved into one of the most technological and fastest disciplines in international lightweight sailing.
L’Escala: A Proven Hub for Elite Sailing
The event is being organized by the Club Nàutic l’Escala, in coordination with the Moth Class and the International Moth European Championship. This isn’t the club’s first foray into top-tier competition; the 2026 regatta will mark the fourth European championship organized by the venue.
The road to this event wasn’t without hurdles. According to local reports, organizers attempted to stage the championship two years ago to coincide with the America’s Cup, but the timing did not materialize. Now, the club is fully committed to making the June event a landmark experience for both the athletes and the local population.
Xavi López, the sports director, has emphasized that the club is working tirelessly to ensure the championship provides a unique experience for the residents of L’Escala and visitors to the region.
A Global Gathering on the Costa Brava
The championship is expected to attract approximately 70 sailors from across the globe. The reach of the Moth class is truly international, with participants expected to travel from as far as Australia and the United States to compete in Spanish waters.
The initiative was driven forward by sailors Marc Verdaguer and Gerard Marín, who acted as the primary catalysts for bringing this specific discipline to the region. Their efforts have ensured that the spectacular waters of the Costa Brava will serve as the backdrop for some of the best Moth sailors in the world.
Event Quick Facts
- Dates: June 7–13, 2026
- Venue: Club Nàutic l’Escala, Spain
- Expected Fleet: Approximately 70 sailors
- Key Technology: Hydrofoiling (lifting the hull above water)
- Organizers: Club Nàutic l’Escala, International Moth European Championship, and Moth Class
What to Expect During Race Week
For those visiting L’Escala in June, the spectacle will be as much about the technology as the competition. Because the boats “fly,” the racing is visually distinct from traditional sailing, with hulls skimming the surface at high speeds.
The event will follow a European championship format, testing the sailors’ ability to manage the temperamental winds of the Mediterranean and the precise balance required to keep a Moth on its foils. For the local community, We see an opportunity to witness a sport that blends athletic skill with aerospace-grade engineering.
Registration for the event is already open, signaling the start of a countdown for the international fleet heading toward the shores of Catalonia.
The next major milestone for the event will be the arrival of the international fleet in early June. Stay tuned for updated standings and race results as the competition unfolds.
Will the “flying boats” live up to the hype on the Costa Brava? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or share this story with a sailing enthusiast.
