The History of the Moth Boat

The moth was developed in 1929 when Captain Joel Van Sant visited Elizabeth City. He was traveling from Atlantic City to Florida and stopped to overhaul his yacht, Siesta. During his stay, he joined forces with Ernest Sanders of Elizabeth City Shipyard to design a small sailboat which could be easily raced on inland rivers and lakes. This sporty little craft, called the moth because of its ability to flit across the waves, caught the imagination of sailors and boatbuilders seeking an inexpensive vessel which could be built by non-professional boatbuilders.

The first interclub race of moths was held in 1930 between the Evening Star Yacht Club of Atlantic City, New Jersey, where Captain Van Sant had introduced the boat, and the Pasquotank River Yacht Club of Elizabeth City. The little moth went on to achieve national and international success during the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s but passed into relative obscurity until recent years.

Interest in the moth has been revived in Elizabeth City in recent years through, in part, the Museum of the Albemarle's efforts to "Bring Back the Moth Boat". In 1990 a Classic Moth Boat Association was formed by several old-time sailors to promote the boat's renaissance. Elizabeth City named one of its waterfront parks on main street Moth Boat Park and purchased banners to fly Downtown declaring "Elizabeth City: Home of the Moth Boat" as a continual reminder of the craft's significance. Through the efforts of a wide variety of organizations and individuals, Elizabeth City can once again take pride in seeing moth boats racing along the Pasquotank River. The Classic Moth Boat Regatta is traditionally held the third Saturday in September. Visitors are invited to join the festivities which include boat tours of the harbor, art shows, craft booths along the waterfront, music and the traditional Museum of the Albemarle Barbecue Chicken Dinner.

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