Bermuda will host the 2018 Moth World Championships after beating Argentina and Australia in the bid process, the International Moth Class Association announced today.

The event featuring the foiling Moth dinghy will be held in the Great Sound, venue for the 35th America’s Cup, in May 2018.

“This is fantastic news not only for Bermuda, but we know that the sailors are all keen to sail on the waters in the Great Sound, which is fast becoming known as one of the pre-eminent sailing locations in the world,” said Andy Cox, chairman of the regatta on behalf of Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

Meanwhile, it was also announced today that the MS Amlin International Moth Regatta will be returning this year and will take place from December 3 to 9 in the Great Sound.

“Last year’s regatta was such a success that everyone wanted a repeat, and that has now become a reality thanks to our sponsors,” Cox added. “Bermudian hospitality and our sailing conditions make this a unique venue for these high-performing foiling boats.”

A fleet of about 75 will challenge for the title and the $10,000 in prize money on offer.

Rob Greenhalgh, of Britain, is back to defend his title, while the field will also boast compatriot and newly crowned 2016 world champion Paul Goodison, of Artemis Racing.

Goodison is one of several America’s Cup sailors participating, as members of Oracle Team USA, defender of the “Auld Mug”, and challenger SoftBank Team Japan will also be among the racing fleet.

The regatta is being organised and hosted by RBYC and sponsored by MS Amlin, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and Gosling’s.