Nationals on Sydney Harbour

Class newsletter February 2024

Message from President Martin Hill

Martin Hill

In 2023, the Etchells Class in Australia bounced back to a standard regatta format with good fleet numbers and highly competitive sailing. A highlight for me was the social camaraderie on the dock and afterwards at the social events. A special shout out to James Mayo’s team (GT and Richie) for winning the Nationals (for the 5th time). Also worth noting is a first youth team win to Jack Abbot with his youth team and dad (Nigel), winning the Victorian States. Read more in this newsletter about all the major events, including National and State titles.

The Worlds in Perth look promising, with a fleet of over 42 boats and a solid overseas contingent. Sailing is in March, and I am told the Doctor will be gentler. Remember also to note that the 2025 Worlds are in Melbourne in just nine months, in January 2025. It is also good to know the first two Etchells from the new M12 mould will be sailing in Fremantle. We wish them all the best. At the same time, the trial period for the modified M11 boats was extended by a year until after the Melbourne Worlds, allowing more sailing ahead of the class vote. We have highlighted some important links below. As always, you can check with your fleet captain if you have any questions or feedback – our next Fleet Captains meeting is on 27 Feb. Enjoy the rest of your sailing season!

Class vote on spreader adjusters

Eligible voters have been sent a ballot for the proposed class rules change regarding spreaders. Voting closes 4 March. Here is an explanation of the rule change. The ballot provides you with the opportunity to attend a briefing session on 23 Feb 9:00 am (Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra). Register for the session.

Extension of M11 trial period

Read the report from the IGC.

18 – 22 March 2024

2024 World Championship

It is already hotting up in Perth for the World Championship with the WA State Championship sailed in Fremantle, the location of the Worlds - check out the States results. Next up is the Bill Steele Regatta, a regular on the Swan River Fleet calendar, this time it is the Pre-Worlds, racing 11-14 March.

The entry list is blazing with talent, 42 entries from 5 nations. Do check out the function tickets if you're going to be in Perth, limited bookings being taken now. Plus who doesn't love merch, available now! Keep watch on the regatta website for all the news and updates.

REGATTA WEBSITE 

Australasian Winter Championships

This year the Australasian Winter Championships are planned for Coffs Harbour to be held over three weekends in June and July.

  • 8 – 10 June (long weekend)
  • 22 – 23 June
  • 6 – 7 July

A trial of the Coffs Harbour venue last year proved to be very successful and, given that Mooloolaba no longer has the infrastructure to support an Etchells regatta, a large number of members have indicated strong support for a series that is easier to get to and where the boats can be stored fully rigged for the winter means less travel time and less time spent rigging and unrigging boats. This is the venue used by the Australian Team for their preparation and training due to its ideal venue and facilities.

The plan is start the series on the June long weekend and leave the boats under the care of CHYC for the duration – the venue is only 6 hours drive from either Sydney or Brisbane and only 10 minutes away from the Coffs Harbour Airport.

Competitors will have the option of entering the whole series of three regattas or individual entries for a particular regatta. Following this, boats can travel north for the Gold Coast Championship at Southport on the weekend of 20 – 21 July.

Upcoming Regattas

Recent Event News

MORE NEWS 
Back to news