But the question is, could he beat a Candela C-8 in a head-to-head drag race on the water?
The Candela is a sleek, computer-stabilised masterpiece—fast, smooth, and unaffected by wind shifts or human error. The Moth, meanwhile, is a high-strung racing machine that demands constant attention, punishing mistakes but rewarding skill with exhilarating bursts of speed.
So, in a straight-up race, who would be faster? Why do we ask? It’s a question a foiling fan asked us at the Auckland Boat Show. So we’ve given it some thought, considered a number of scenarios, and come with up with some theories. To find out, we’ll examine three different race distances—500 metres, 2.5 km, and 5 km—and explore how wind, sea state, and endurance play a role in deciding the winner.
Raw instinct vs precision engineering
Even if the odds are uncertain, there’s something irresistible about putting skill against technology, raw instinct against precision engineering. The Candela C-8 has the advantage of predictability—its computer-controlled hydrofoils adjust instantly to changing conditions, maintaining a steady, fuel-efficient speed of around 22–27 knots.
The Moth, on the other hand, is a creature of the wind. It has the potential to hit well over 30 knots but only if the wind, waves, and sheer physical effort align perfectly.
The race scenarios
1. The short sprint (500m) – pure acceleration
In a flat-water sprint, it all comes down to how quickly each craft can get up to speed.
- If the wind is light (<8 knots), the Candela wins easily. A Moth can’t foil without wind, and no foiling means no speed. The Candela, unaffected by the conditions, would be gone before Mattias could even get moving.
- If the wind is moderate (10–15 knots), the Moth launches onto its foils within seconds, rapidly accelerating past the Candela. A well-handled Moth can hit over 25 knots within 10–15 seconds—enough to take the win.
- If the wind is strong (>15 knots), the Moth is blisteringly fast but also on the edge of control. The Candela, by contrast, remains steady at its top speed of 27 knots. If Mattias keeps the Moth stable, he wins. If he gets it wrong, he could come to a sudden stop—which would hand the race to the Candela.
- If there’s chop or swell, the Candela has the advantage. Its computer-controlled foils compensate instantly, keeping it stable, while the Moth becomes harder to control. In rough conditions, the Candela is the safer bet.
2. The middle-distance challenge (2.5 km) – a test of consistency
This is where things get interesting. A short burst of speed is one thing, but maintaining it over a longer stretch tests both endurance and efficiency.
- If the wind is steady and strong, the Moth has the potential to stay ahead. But Mattias would need to keep his balance, adjust for wind shifts, and maintain control at high speed. Any slight loss of focus—or a mistimed gust—could see him nosedive, giving the Candela an opening to cruise past.
- If the wind is unstable, the Candela takes the lead. The Moth relies on the perfect balance of wind pressure and foil control—if the wind dies, so does its speed. The Candela, meanwhile, glides on effortlessly, unaffected by shifting conditions.
- In choppy water, the Candela has a clear edge. Over 2.5 km, small waves can throw a Moth off its foils, forcing constant corrections. The Candela’s flight control system smooths out the ride, keeping a steady speed.
- Physical effort also matters. A Moth demands constant hiking, trimming, and reaction time. Over 2.5 km, Mattias would need to manage his energy—whereas the Candela’s driver is just sitting back, enjoying the ride.
3. The endurance challenge (5 km) – a battle of stamina
The longer the distance, the more it becomes a test of who can sustain their pace the best.
- If conditions are perfect (strong, steady wind & flat water), the Moth remains the faster craft. With careful control, Mattias could sustain speeds above 25 knots, covering 5 km in just a few minutes.
- If conditions are mixed, the Candela is the safer bet. Over this distance, the wind is likely to shift, and any lull in speed would cost Mattias valuable seconds. Meanwhile, the Candela’s steady 22–27 knots would ensure a reliable time, regardless of conditions.
- Choppy water or swell? The Candela takes it. Over 5 km, even small inconsistencies in sea state can throw the Moth off balance. The Candela’s stabilisation system smooths out every bump, maintaining its speed where the Moth would be fighting for control.
- Fatigue becomes a factor. The Candela doesn’t require constant adjustment, but the Moth does. Keeping a Moth flying at max speed for 5 km requires significant endurance—the kind that drains energy fast. By the last kilometre, Mattias could be struggling to keep perfect form, while the Candela would still be cruising effortlessly.
So, who wins?
In theory:
- 500m sprint: The Moth wins in good wind, but Candela wins in light wind or chop.
- 2.5 km challenge: It’s neck and neck—the Moth is faster in ideal conditions, but if anything goes wrong, the Candela’s steady pace wins out.
- 5 km endurance: The Candela’s consistency gives it the edge, unless Mattias can maintain flawless control for the entire distance.
The final takeaway?
The Moth is a pure racer—brutally fast but highly dependent on conditions and skill. The Candela is a technological marvel—slower in bursts, but more reliable over distance and in rough conditions.
There’s no denying that foiling is the future of boating—whether it’s electric-powered perfection or a sailor pushing the limits of human ability. The real beauty?
You don’t have to pick a winner.
You just have to get out on the water—and go as fast as you possibly can.
