What to expect at the Foiling SuMoth Challenge 2025
The SuMoth Challenge returns in 2025, hosted by We Are Foiling at Fraglia Vela Malcesine on Lake Garda from June 15 to 22. Proudly backed by 11th Hour Racing since the very first edition, the challenge continues to drive innovation and sustainability in high-performance sailing.
This international competition brings together top university teams in naval architecture, marine engineering, and design, all working to conceive, build, and race next-generation sustainable foiling monohulls.
Structured across three progressive stages, the challenge rigorously evaluates each team’s approach and execution:
Stage S1 – Design Evaluation: Concepts are reviewed by a technical jury, focusing on innovation, structural logic, feasibility, and sustainability strategies, including lifecycle impact.
Stage S2 – Performance Testing: Teams demonstrate the mechanical integrity and sailing capabilities of their boats through controlled assessments and technical benchmarking.
Stage S3 – Head-to-Head Racing: Final performance is tested on the water, where teams compete in real racing conditions to showcase handling, speed, and reliability.
By combining academic research with hands-on application, the SuMoth Challenge offers a unique platform for students to explore cutting-edge design and sustainability practices—setting a new standard for the future of competitive sailing.
Key Elements of the FSMC
Measurement & Compliance Checks
Upon arrival, all teams are required to undergo mandatory measurement and compliance checks to ensure adherence to both SuMoth-specific parameters and International Moth Class rules. These inspections are prerequisites for participation in Stages S2 and S3. Measurement slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and must be completed prior to the Welcome Ceremony. The Organizing Committee will oversee and document all verification procedures.
Welcome Ceremony & Team Pitches
The official launch of the 2025 SuMoth Challenge will take place on the terrace of the venue’s restaurant. This gathering serves as both a welcome moment and an opportunity for teams, jury members, and organizers to connect in an informal setting. Immediately following the ceremony, all teams will deliver brief project pitch presentations introducing their concepts, objectives, and key innovations. These pitches are open to all attendees and set the stage for deeper technical evaluations later in the event.
S1/S2 Technical Presentation
This session formally concludes Stages S1 and S2. Each team will present their full design rationale, including structural and hydrodynamic decisions, sustainability methodology (e.g., material lifecycle considerations), and construction processes. Presentations are evaluated by the SuMoth Jury, with peer teams in attendance to foster knowledge exchange and critical discussion.
S2 Performance Trials
Teams will participate in structured performance benchmarking, including controlled speed trials monitored via standardized GPS tracking units provided by the Organizing Committee. Multiple validated runs are permitted; however, all attempts must be pre-registered with the Committee and conducted using official GPS equipment to ensure consistency and comparability.
S3 Fleet Racing
The final and most dynamic stage of the competition, S3 Fleet Racing, evaluates on-water tactical performance under real racing conditions. GPS tracking will remain active to ensure precise logging of race metrics, contributing to final scoring and technical performance assessment.
Meet the Teams – 2025 SuMoth Lineup
The Foiling SuMoth Challenge 2025 is set to be the most dynamic edition yet, featuring 15 university teams and 532 students from 7 countries. A global stage for sustainable innovation, technical excellence, and high-speed foiling is ready to unfold in Malcesine!
We’re excited to welcome seven new teams joining the SuMoth community for the very first time:
🇨🇦 Force-7 Sailing – Memorial University, Newfoundland, Canada
🇨🇦 Marlin – University of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
🇩🇪 Ecosail Karlsruhe – Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
🇩🇪 Impetus Sailing – Germany
🇪🇸 Palamós Sailing Team – Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain
🇮🇹 Sapienza Foiling Team – Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
🇳🇱 TuDelft x DutchSail – Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
These newcomers are ready to challenge the field and take on the returning SuMoth heavyweights:
🇮🇹 Audace Sailing Team – University of Trieste
🇮🇹 PoliTo Sailing Team – Politecnico di Torino
🇮🇹 PoliMi Sailing Team – Politecnico di Milano
🇮🇹 Metis Vela – Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
🇮🇹 UniCa Sailing Team – Università degli Studi di Cagliari
🇨🇦 Rafale ETS – École de Technologie Supérieure, Montréal
🇸🇪 Chalmers Formula Sailing – Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
🇬🇧 Iridium SuMoth – Solent University, United Kingdom
From first-time challengers to seasoned teams, each brings a bold vision and serious technical prowess to the water. With design innovation, sustainability, and head-to-head racing ahead — SuMoth 2025 is ready for lift-off!