Setting Up!
The University of Sheffield sails into the SuMoth Challenge for the first time! South Yorkshire now has its own student-led SuMoth team, Sheffield Performance Foiling, and they are preparing to make waves all the way to Italy. With 28 enthusiastic members divided into specialized sub-teams, the crew is ready to leave their mark on the Challenge.
Meet the Team
Sheffield Performance Foiling brings together a diverse group of students from engineering and other disciplines, all eager to combine innovation with sailing performance. Some team members have extensive racing experience, while others are new to sailing but excited to apply their skills in engineering, design, and sustainability.
Together, the team is organized into sub-teams focusing on Naval Architecture & Hydrodynamics, Structure & Composites, and Systems & Rigging, collaborating to design and build a competitive and sustainable Moth dinghy.
The team has also created a bold new logo—purple and white, featuring a moth skimming the waves—representing both Sheffield University and their ambitions in the SuMoth Challenge.
Learning on the Water
It’s not all design and theory. Recently, the team visited a family of Moth sailors near York. Over tea, biscuits, and grandma’s famous oatmeal raisin cookies, the Sheffield crew gained practical insights into how Moths perform in real conditions—a perfect mix of hands-on experience and sweet treats.
Why Sheffield Joined the SuMoth Challenge
Sheffield may be landlocked, but it is home to several sailing clubs and a dedicated university sailing team. Team Captain Adam Auret, a mechanical engineering student, brought the Challenge to Sheffield with support from Dr Julia Carrell.
Adam explains the team’s motivation: “What’s the point if we destroy the world in doing so?” Their goal is to pioneer sustainable methods in sailing engineering, combining competitive performance with environmental responsibility. Sheffield, as a hub for advanced materials and manufacturing research, offers the perfect environment for innovation, with access to expertise from companies across Northern England.
Plans for 2026
The team is focusing on Stage 1: the design stage. Sub-teams for Naval Architecture & Hydrodynamics, Structure & Composites, and Systems & Rigging are working hard to complete design milestones. Looking ahead, Sheffield Performance Foiling aims to:
- Start manufacturing by the end of 2026
- Race on Lake Garda in the 2027 SuMoth Challenge
Additionally, the team has engaged 3rd-year engineering students to design a hydrofoiling craft to test foil shapes and control mechanisms. This initiative allows members to earn academic credit while contributing to the SuMoth Challenge.
Follow Their Journey
Sheffield Performance Foiling is ready to make a big splash—on and off the water. Keep up with their progress on their team website and Instagram, and watch as they combine sustainability, high-performance sailing, and student innovation.
