SuMoth Challenge 2027
The ninth edition returns to Fraglia Vela Malcesine on Lake Garda. Registration intentions are open now; the formal registration and full rulebook follow. This is a year-long campaign, from concept design to racing, and it starts the moment your team decides to commit.
From decision to race day.
A SuMoth campaign runs across the year in parallel stages. Here is the shape of it, from registration to the event on Lake Garda. Exact dates are confirmed closer to the edition.
- 7 Sep 2026 – 15 Oct 2026Registration intentionChallengerRegistration
Teams present their project's foundation, objectives, and experience, ahead of being accepted into the formal Team Declaration phase.
- 14 Sep 2026 – 26 Oct 2026AGATE A screening periodDeadlineCommitteeGates
Committee screening period. All Registration intentions that comply to the form will receive an answer.
- 21 Sep 2026 – 31 Oct 2026Team DeclarationChallengerRegistration
The Team Captain submits the full Team Declaration on the SuMoth Team Space, with all four Team Leaders registered for it to count. The Committee scores every declaration and shortlists teams for the Screening Interview.
- 30 Sep 2026 – 10 Nov 2026BGATE B – Declaration evaluationDeadlineCommitteeGates
The committee reviews every Team Declaration submitted at Gate A and decides who moves forward to the screening interview.
- 9 Nov 2026 – 11 Dec 2026Screening InterviewChallengerRegistration
- 30 Nov 2026 – 31 Dec 2026CGATE C – Screening InterviewDeadlineCommitteeGates
A 20-minute video call between the Committee and the team's leaders, checking commitment and capacity. The Team Manager and Team Captain must attend.
- 1 Jan 2027 – 1 Mar 2027DGATE D – SuStruct Design evaluation (top 5)DeadlineCommitteeGates
Jury defines the top 5 SuStruct designs get to access the manufacturing phase.
- 31 Mar 2027 – 19 Apr 2027EGATE E – Proof of functionalityDeadlineChallengerGates
Teams demonstrate their boat actually works: on the water, structurally sound, before the final push to race week, ideally foiling.
- 1 Jul 2027 – 8 Jul 20272026 SuMoth Challenge EventChallenger + CommitteeEvent
On-Site event with up to 25 Challenger Teams
Rules & documents.
The Notice of Race, rulebook and official documents for the 2027 edition. Read these before submitting your registration.
Questions about the rules.
The most common questions about the 2027 rulebook and how the Challenge is scored. Still unsure? Get in touch.
Stage S3 (Racing & On-Water)
What insurance are teams required to have?
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Personal Health Insurance
Teams must upload the following documentation for every member participating in the event:
- EU Teams: A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Non-EU Teams with an EU Healthcare Agreement: Proof of such agreement by citing the official legal source (including a link to the document issued by the relevant Ministry or national department) along with personal documentation guaranteeing medical coverage for the team member (e.g., the national health card of their country of origin).
- Non-EU Teams without an EU Healthcare Agreement: A personal health insurance policy providing a minimum coverage of €30,000, in accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (EU Visa Code). For these teams, the skipper’s policy must explicitly include coverage for injuries/damages sustained during high-risk or hazardous sports activities.
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Team Civil Liability Insurance
A third-party liability insurance policy with a minimum coverage limit of €1,500,000, incorporating the following specific requirements:
- Coverage for Non-Third Parties: Extension of coverage to individuals who might not strictly qualify as third parties (such as fellow competitors and event participants) during the course of the event;
- Coverage for Hazardous Activities: Explicit coverage for high-risk activities involving the use or operation of prototype vessels/craft.
What kind of Team Structure can a team have?
Each participating team shall be constituted under one of the following two modalities:
- Independent University Team (IUT):
A team constituted as an independent legal entity recognized by its governing jurisdiction.
The Team Manager shall be a professor at the affiliated university.
The Team Leader may act as president of the association. - University Team (UT):
A team constituted pursuant to a research project under the responsibility of the Team Manager. The Team Manager shall be a professor at the affiliated university.
Who is responsible if somebody gets hurt during sailing?
Liability for personal injury shall be determined on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the applicable legal framework and organizational structure. For IUT, civil liability generally attaches to the association itself, whereas criminal liability typically rests with its president. For UT, both civil and criminal liability reside with the university, falling upon senior academic officials such as the Rector and Head of Department under Italian law. Furthermore, individual liability for Team Leaders and Team Managers cannot be automatically excluded from the outset under either structure. Consequently, all teams are advised to consult their university’s legal department to confirm the precise allocation of liability under their governing jurisdiction.
Stage S1 (Design)
What is the SuStruct ?
Every team designs a SuStruct, a small-scale structure capped at 40 x 40 x 40cm, with the objective of being manufactured using the simplest techniques possible. It follows the same principles as the rest of S1, including a full LCA, but with a limited choice of materials, and is worth 100 points within Stage S1. The top 5 designs then get manufactured exactly as proposed, and tested to failure on a bench at the SuMoth Challenge 2027 event itself.
Have a question first?
If your question matters to other teams too, it'll show up in the FAQ or as a Rulebook amendment.
Put your team on the start line.
A short, non-binding intention form so we know you're coming. A university email is required. Formal registration and the rulebook follow.
Home of the SuMoth Challenge on Lake Garda: a world-class foiling environment of lake, mountains and reliable wind, and a long-time supporter of the event, on and off the water.
Who backs the Challenge.
Committed to the health and resilience of ocean systems, supporting innovative, sustainable solutions through sport, storytelling and grant-making. Title sponsor since the beginning.
The team behind the event
Teams racing in 2027.
… teams confirmed so far. The map fills up as teams register their intention.
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