NEWS

The overall winner of the 2016 Etchells World Championship is John Bertrand (AUS), representing the Royal Brighton Yacht Club, with a crew of Paul Blowers (GBR) and Ben Lamb (AUS).

“It's been a roller coaster ride.” said Bertrand winning his second Etchells Worlds at 69 years of age. “This is a team that was only put together for the worlds and it is so nice to gel together and get better and better. Tom Slingsby was on the bow when I won in 2010, this year, we have Ben Lamb, who grew up with Tom, and he has been incredible this week. Paul (Blowers) knows these waters so well. Winning the worlds is fantastic because of the people who compete, there are sailors from all over the world and from every aspect of the sport. Thanks should go to the organisers and supporters of the Etchells Worlds, especially David Franks who should be running every world championship. They have produced a fantastic, well run and very enjoyable event.”

Runner up at the Etchells Worlds for the second year in a row, was Steve Benjamin (USA), representing the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, with a crew of Michael Menninger , Ian Liberty and George Peet (all USA). “The best team won, you can't say fairer than that.” said Benjamin. “I love coming to Cowes, it is one of my favourite places to sail anywhere in the world and this week, we have had a real mix of conditions, well done to John and his team, they deserve it.”

Third was Noel Drennan (AUS), representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, with a crew of Brian Hammersley and Andrew Mills (both GBR).

Race 9 was won by John Bertrand's team. In 2nd was Pedro Andrade (POR), with a team of Henry Bagnall and Charles Nankin, representing the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein, Germany. In third place was Ante Razmilovic (GBR) representing the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Italy, with a team of Chris Larson and Stuart Flinn.

The Justerini & Brooks Champagne Reception was held at the Royal London Yacht Club and the Grand Prize Giving & Gala Dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron.

John Bertrand: The Founders Trophy, The C Stanley Ogilvy Master Trophy, Robert W. Sides Senior Trophy and the Grand Masters Trophy.

Tom Brennan: Corinthian Trophy

Best Female Helm Trophy: Shannon Bush

Next Generation Trophy: Ziggy Tim Gratton / Emily Wiltshire / Lilly Carlisle / Jack Davies.

For full results: www.2016.etchellsworlds.org

NEWSFLASH - The overall winner of the 2016 Etchells World Championship, hosted by the Royal London Yacht Club, is John Bertrand (AUS), representing the Royal Brighton Yacht Club, with a crew of Paul Blowers (GBR) and Ben Lamb (AUS). In 2nd is Steve Benjamin (USA), representing the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, with a crew of Michael Menninger , Ian Liberty and George Peet (all USA). In 3rd is Noel Drennan (AUS), representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, with a crew of Brian Hammersley and Andrew Mills (both GBR).

On the final day of the 2016 Etchells World Championship, Race 9 was won by John Bertrand's team. 2nd was Pedro Andrade (POR), with a team of Henry Bagnall and Charles Nankin, representing the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein, Germany was second. In 3rd was Ante Razmilovic (GBR) representing the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Italy, with a team of Chris Larson and Stuart Flinn.

All results are provisional.

A full report will follow tonight's Justerini & Brooks Champagne Reception at the Royal London Yacht Club and Grand Prize Giving & Gala Dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron.

Day Five 2016 Etchells World Championship

The penultimate day of the Etchells World Championship produced another chapter in a highly competitive regatta. The wind was still in the upper range of 20+ knots, but a more southerly component produced gusty, shifting conditions. The wind came over the top of the Isle of Wight, accelerating across the Eastern Solent pumping shifts both left and right. Getting off the start line, into clear air, has been paramount throughout this championship. However getting the wrong side of a big shift today, could and did, undo even the best start. Two races were completed, leaving one remaining race for the last day.

John Bertrand (AUS) is in pole position, but that lead has been eroded. Noel Drennan (AUS) momentarily took the overall lead, but ended the day 8 points behind Bertrand. Stephen Benjamin (USA), maintains third, but had another day with drama, with a man overboard who was recovered. Benjamin is 11 points off the lead. In this fleet anyone of the three top teams could have a shocker tomorrow, the 2016 Etchells World Championship is going to the wire.

Dragon World Champion, Olympic bronze medallist and Round the World legend, Lawrie Smith (GBR), representing the Glandore Yacht Club, took the gun in Race 7. Smith was pushed all the way by Noel Drennan (AUS), representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. Anatole Masfen (NZL), representing the Royal Akarana Yacht Club was 3rd. The result put Smith up into the top five, but more importantly, with Bertrand scoring 34th, Drennan was the new overall leader, by a single point.

In Race 8, Double Olympian, America's Cup helmsman and past Etchells World Champion, Andy Beadsworth, came off the line with power and speed, but it wasn't enough to win the race. Drennan and Smith both looked to be in the chocolates, but both got rolled downwind, as a shift favoured the chasing fleet. Drennan finished 18th,when a podium score looked likely, and Bertrand retained the overall lead.

Mark Thornburrow (AUS), representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, played the shifts well, and in the latter part of the race, covered brilliantly from the front to take the bullet. Beadsworth (GBR), representing Warsash Sailing Club was 2nd. James Badenach (AUS), representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, scored the first podium finish of the campaign, to end the day on a high. Badenach's team are almost assured of taking the Corinthian Prize, but will be looking to break into the top ten overall tomorrow.

Cowes Yacht Haven was overflowing with Etchells sailors after racing, with free beer provided by the Royal Ocean Racing Club. The Etchells Class is close to fifty years old, but the future is in its youth. Scott Kaufman, representing the Shelter Island Yacht Club, has been racing Etchells for years, but his crew are all under 30. Jesse Kirkland represented Bermuda in the  49er at the 2012 Olympics. Lucas Calabrese is just back from the Rio Olympic Games, where he won the bronze medal in the 470 for Argentina. Austen Andersen is the youngest of Kaufman's crew, a highly talented Hobart College sailor and coach from New York State.

“The future of the Etchells Class is the youth sailors.” commented Scot.” I am sailing with great young sailors, two of them are Olympians, and you see other young sailors at the worlds. This is where this class needs to be going; promoting the young teams, that is where the growth will come from. I hope that during this world championship, we can move up as a team, tighten up as a group, and get ready for the next major event, which will be the 2017 Etchells Worlds in San Francisco. We are sailing better than we did in Newport for the 2014 Worlds and winning a race here was really special. To win at the highest possible level, you have to put it all together, and do that all of the time.”

Past World Champion and Olympic Match Racing helm, Lucy MacGregor, is one of Britain's most successful sailors, and currently competing in the Nacra 17, high performance catamaran. Lucy is one of over a dozen women, competing at the Etchells World Championship.  “The Etchells is very different to racing a Nacra 17, but very similar to Match Racing boats, so I have been getting the notes out from four years ago.” commented Lucy MacGregor.  “It is good to refresh your memory and it's a bit like riding a bike. Our team has competed at loads of Etchells events in Cowes this summer and it has been a lot of fun, especially the worlds, with so many talented sailors here from all over the world.”

Racing at the 2016 Etchells World Championship will come to a conclusion tomorrow, high winds are forecast, hinting at a final twist for the 2016 Etchells World Championship. The Media Team will deliver live updates, including GPS Tracking, as well as daily results, news stories, interviews, videos, and pictures.

Big breeze arrived at the 2016 Etchells World Championship today; fully powered up, punching through Solent chop upwind and pulling the trigger down wind, several teams experienced gear failure. The conditions were unexpected, 25 knots of solid breeze with bullets of pressure, sending the wind speed past 30 knots. Race 6 was completed, guaranteeing a series for the regatta, and bringing a discard race into play. Argyle Campbell, representing the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, (USA), won today's only race. Andy Beadsworth, representing Warsash Sailing Club (GBR), was 2nd and reigning Etchells World Champion, Skip Dieball, representing North Cape YC (USA), was 3rd.

John Bertrand representing the Royal Brighton Yacht Club (AUS), extended his overall lead at the top of the fleet, scoring a 6th today and discarding a 22nd. Steve Benjamin's team suffered damage to their main sheet system before the start, which they repaired, but the knock-on effect was a rushed pre-start, and a 20th place dropped the team to 3rd overall. Irish born Australian, Noel Drennan, scored a 5th place to steal past Benjamin by a single point. Drennan has competed in the America's Cup, Volvo Ocean Race, and 30 Sydney Hobart's. This is Noel 'Nitro' Drennan's 18th Etchells World Championship.

“John (Bertrand) has got quite a big lead and Steve Benjamin and Chris Hamilton are close behind us, so there is still plenty of racing to come.” commented Noel Drennan.  “It looks like it will be windy again tomorrow, and things can happen. We will try to start well and try not to do anything stupid.”

Today's race winner was Argyle Campbell, representing the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, (USA). His team of Tom Forrester-Coles, Kelvin Matthews and Victor Diaz de Leon, were racing Rock N' Roll, an apt name for today's conditions. “We have been in Cowes a while, training in high winds, so we were used to the conditions today and had worked out a good set up for the boat.” commented Argyle Campbell. “ We decided to keep the tactics simple and minimise manoeuvres. We banged hard left and it worked pretty well. We had a good lead at the top mark but Andy Beadsworth was really fast and closing on us all the time. I didn't have much time to look around today, it was hard enough keeping the boat in the water upwind and from under the water downwind! But today was a much better view!”

In the Corinthian Class, The General, skippered by James Badenach, has taken charge. His team from the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club; Christian Thompson, Elliot Hanson and Martin Wrigley, smoked the Corinthian fleet today, and dropped a big discard, to take the lead by 17 points. Over night leader, Martin Webster, representing the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, retired from today's race, putting the team into 3rd position. Thomas Brennan's team, representing the Royal Thames Yacht Club (GBR) remains in 2nd position.

“We got disqualified yesterday, which put a bit of a spanner in the works.” admitted james Badenach. “We have been looking to make the top 15 to the first mark but for the last three races, we need to step it up a bit and maybe take a few more risks.”

With the discard rule kicking in, several teams have broken into the top ten. Lawrie Smith (GBR) representing the Glandore Yacht Club, sailing with Joost Houweling and Tim Tavinor move up to 6th place. Past Etchells World Champion, Andy Beadsworth (GBR), sailing with  Grant Simmer and  Steve Jarvin, occupy 7th position. Scott Kaufman (USA), racing with Jesse Kirkland, Lucas Calabrase and Austen Andersen, have scored a bullet and a 15th in their last two races to move up to 8th overall.

Racing for the 2016 Etchells World Championship continues on Friday 9th September. The Etchells World Championship media team will deliver live updates, including GPS Tracking, as well as daily results, news stories, interviews, videos, and pictures.

It was a dramatic finish to the third day of the Etchells World Championship, sponsored by Red Funnel Ferries. John Bertrand, representing the Royal Brighton Yacht Club (AUS), was initially disqualified from Race 5, for being over early on a U-Flag start, and then re-instated after the Race Committee reviewed the decision. “We have cameras at both ends of the line and this system enabled us to have an exact picture at the start. Having reviewed this evidence some teams were re-instated for Race 5.” confirmed Principle Race Officer, Phil Lawrence.

Steve Benjamin, representing the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club (USA), scored a bullet in Race 4, and fought back from a mid-fleet start in Race 5, to end the day four points behind Bertrand. “We fully expected John (Bertrand) to be ahead when we came in. He got a great start in the last race, as did we in the race before.” commented Steve Benjamin. “I love coming to Cowes, I have been here for five Admiral's Cups and the Jubilee, and it is one of my favourite places in the world to go sailing. Today was tough again, but we have a really good team, and we are happy with our speed.”

Chris Hampton's team, representing the Royal Brighton Yacht Club (AUS), is third on countback from Noel Drennan's team, representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. “I only started sailing in 2002.” admitted Chris Hampton. “I have really only sailed in an Etchells for those years. So far in the Worlds we have tried to avoid making errors and concentrating on our speed, that has given us the results, to put us where we are. I was once told, in Etchells racing it is not about doing the extraordinary, it is about avoiding mistakes. The mood on board is excellent and our goal at the start of the regatta was to make the top ten, that is still our aim.”

Seamus McHugh's team, flying the Swiss flag, is in fifth place for the regatta after a podium finish in Race Four. Cowes Etchells Fleet Captain and Regatta Director, David Franks, had a stellar day on the water, posting two top ten finishes to lift his team, representing the Royal London Yacht Club (GBR) to 6th overall.

“Today's success was a combination of ten years sailing in the Etchells and ten years of learning so many small things.” commented David Franks.  “The difference between these teams is not great, the difference is in the detail. You can get some lucky breaks, but it is all about the detail, and in particular it is about my crew, especially Graham Sunderland. He has stuck with me for years, when I was a hopeless helmsman. I was rather amused to see Ian Walker recently saying that 19 is not too young to start sailing, because I was 39!”

In the Corinthian Class, Martin Webster's team representing the Royal freshwater Bay Yacht Club (AUS) still leads, despite being disqualified for U-Flag infringement in Race 5. Thomas Brennan's team, representing the Royal Thames Yacht Club (GBR), is now just 11 points behind Webster. James Badenach's team, representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, is third. Other top performers in the Corinthian Class today were Stephen Line, who scored the best result in the Corinthian Fleet for Race 5 and Bill Steele team, representing the Royal Perth Yacht Club (AUS), which had a cracking day on the water, to place the team fourth overall in the Corinthian Class.

After racing the Royal Mersey Yacht Club, which has a fleet of 12 Etchells, provided a delicious and substantial English Tea to fortify the sailors. Tonight Etchells World Championship supporter, Red Funnel Ferries, will entertain 250 Etchells sailors and guests at the Royal London Yacht Club. A champagne reception and plated buffet will be well received by the party. Kevin George, Chief Executive Officer Red Funnel Group, will welcome the Etchells fleet and present John Bertrand with the Red Funnel Trophy for the best combined result for Red Funnel Race Day.

Racing for the 2016 Etchells World Championship continues on Thursday 8th September. With a discard kicking in from Race 6, a big change in the results is a distinct possibility. The 2016 Etchells World Championship media team will deliver live updates, including GPS Tracking, as well as daily results, news stories, interviews, videos, and pictures.

There was some more Aussie cheer, on Day Two of the Etchells World Championship. Noel 'Nitro' Drennan, has raced Etchells with Dennis Connor and John Bertrand, and his experience showed today, nailing the pin end of the start to win Race Three by a hansom margin. Drennan's bullet lifts his team above John Bertrand, but only into 2nd place. The Stars & Stripes of Steve 'Benji' Benjamin's team, from Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club Connecticut USA, leads the Etchells World Championship after three races.

“Very challenging today and a lot of fun.” summed up Steve Benjamin. “We were unsure, which side was going to pay before the start. Literally before the gun, the pin came good and we were near that end of the line. It was then about how long to stay on that tack, that was dictated by the tide and the wind, and also the lane we were holding. The lane started to get congested so we tacked over and made it in good shape to the top mark. There is a long way to go in this regatta and the results do not count a throw out yet, so we are taking absolutely nothing for granted. It is a lot of fun sailing in this fleet, the racing is really tight and it is a fantastic mix of sailors, from so many areas of the sport.”

Chris Hampton's team, representing the Royal Brighton Yacht Club (AUS) is now in 4th position. Seamus McHugh's team, including two-time Olympic gold medallist, Luis Doreste, finished 2nd in Race 3, lifting the team flying the Swiss flag, into 5th overall. Mark Thornburrow's team, representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, and including two-time Olympic gold medallist, Malcolm Page, is now in 6th place. Ante Razmilovic (GBR), sailing with multiple world champion Chris Larson, finished the day in 7th, after another top ten result. Shannon Bush (USA) has broken into the top ten, but Andy Beadsworth's team, representing Warsash Sailing Club (GBR), scored a 20th today and drops to 9th. “I am not use to being mid-fleet in an Etchells, and I don't like it; it is really tough in that pack.” In 10th place is Andrew Cooper, racing with three-time Irish Olympian, Mark Mansfield, and Calum Healey.

In the Corinthian Class, Martin Webster's team, representing the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (AUS), have  taken the lead. Thomas Brennan's team, representing the Royal Thames Yacht Club (GBR) drops to 2nd. James Badenach's team, representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, move up to third. The best result of the Corinthian Class today was Mark Downer's team, representing the Bembridge Sailing Club (GBR), lifting the team to 4th in the class. Bill Steele's gentleman's duel with Tim Patton for a bottle of wine is warming up. Tim Patton's team, representing the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, scored a big victory over Bill Steele's team, representing the Royal Perth Yacht Club. Bill will be buying the wine tonight!

Today's daily Prize Giving was supported by Harken and Linklaters. Robert Elliott, Chairman and Senior Partner of Linklaters London, is racing at the Etchells World Championship, representing the Royal Yacht Squadron (GBR). The daily meeting between all the sailors is a great get-together, and the fleet delivered a special present to Samantha Burrows, who has cut short her honeymoon to compete with her father, Richard Burrows, representing the Royal Ocean Racing Club (GBR).

Samantha has been sailing with her father since the 2010 Etchells World Championship in Howth. “I love the Etchells, and the best thing about it, is I get to sail with my daughter.” commented Richard Burrows.

Racing at the 2016 Etchells World Championship will continue tomorrow, Wednesday 7th September, with races scheduled in the Central Solent. The 2016 Etchells World Championship media team will deliver live updates, including GPS Tracking, as well as daily results, news stories, interviews, videos, and pictures.

Day One 2016 Etchells World Championship
Hosted by the Royal London Yacht Club

(5th September, Cowes UK) The 2016 Etchells World Championship started in earnest today, with two intensely competitive races in the Central Solent. It took four attempts to get the fleet away for Race One and the U-Flag start produced several casualties, including reigning Etchells World Champions, Skip Dieball, Jon McClean and Jeff Eiber North Cape YC  (USA). “Yes, we will be back out fighting tomorrow, we have got our discard out of the way on the first race.” commented Jon McClean. Teams from five different nations occupy the top ten places. However two teams from the Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Victoria Australia, finished the day at the top of the leaderboard.

Race One was won by Chris Hampton racing with Sam Haines and Mark Andrews Royal Brighton Yacht Club (AUS). The chat in the beer tent afterwards suggested that Hampton's team, sailed extremely well today. Ante Razmilovic racing with Chris Larson and Stuart Flinn, representing the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (ITA), scored a bullet in Race Two.

Day One, top performer was John Bertrand, racing with Paul Blowers and Ben Lamb, representing the Royal Brighton Yacht Club (AUS). After two races, Bertrand leads by three points from Hampton. Steve Benjamin's team, from the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club (USA), is the smoking gun in third, behind the Australians. Peter Duncan, American Yacht Club (USA), is in fourth on countback from Andy Beadsworth, Warsash SC (GBR). Noel 'Nitro' Drennan, representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club is just a point behind in sixth.

“Consistency is the key and we could not have done better than that today.” commented John Bertrand. “Between being a hero or a loser is the thickness of a sheet of paper. In Race One, we rounded the top mark in 30th and it was all about chipping away and eventually finishing 4th. This regatta is about holding it together and seeing the forest from the trees, placing the boat in the best place for the wind and the tide, and dealing with all the boats around you. To win this regatta, you have to be able to come back from the dead – everybody will find themselves in that position during the week.”

In the Corinthian Class, Thomas Brennan's team of  Ian Dobson, Sam Maxfield and Honor Fell, representing the Royal Thames Yacht Club (GBR), scored an impressive 4th in the second race, to lead the 18 teams racing on countback. Martin Webster team of Annabel Vose, Peter Nicholas and Chris Smith from the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, Perth (AUS) is in second. Webster's result was impressive, after recovering Annabel Vose from an unscheduled swim! James Badenach's team of Christian Thompson, Elliot Hanson and Martin Wrigley, from the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, finished the day in third.

Bill Steele from Perth, Australia and Tim Patton from Bermuda, have accumulated 52 Etchells World Championships between them. Both fly a distinctive wine glass on their spinnaker, signifying a gentleman's bet. Bill Steele's cup was definitely half full today, finishing the day in fifth position in the Corinthian Class, ahead of Tim Patton. Today's Prize Giving was sponsored by Spinlock and wine merchants Justerini & Brooks, who had a special prize for Bill Steele

“This is my 25th Etchells Worlds but Tim has done 27. We both carry the wine glass on our spinnakers to signify a gentleman's wager of a bottle of fine wine on every race.” smiled Bill Steele. “We can see each other on the race course and today, it was very close in the first race, which I managed to win, and got away well in the second to win quite well. It was very nice of Justerini & Brooks to put up a fine bottle of wine today. I intend to enjoy it with my wife Annabelle, whom the boat, Chelsea Lady, is named after.”

Racing at the 2016 Etchells World Championship will continue tomorrow, Tuesday 6th September, with two races scheduled in the Central Solent. The 2016 Etchells World Championship media team will deliver live updates, including GPS Tracking, as well as daily results, news stories, interviews, videos, and pictures.

Sunday 4th September Cowes, UK - 250 guests attended the Etchells World Championship Gala Reception, hosted by the Royal London Yacht Club. The Medina Marching Band opened proceedings, and Regatta Director, David Franks, welcomed the sailors to the regatta. As the flags of the 11 nations taking part were raised on Trinity Landing, the international gathering cheered everyone. 58 teams will battle it out in the Solent over the next six days, amongst them are the glitterati from the world of sailing, as well as passionate corinthian sailors.

A closer look at the fleet reveals immense quality in depth, 14 past and present Etchells World Champions are just the tip of the iceberg. From dinghy to Maxi World Champions, arguably the coolest collection of sailors, anywhere in the world, has gathered in Cowes. 20 Olympians, with four gold and three bronze medals between them, as well as World Champions from 24 different classes and America's Cup competitors and winners.

World class sailors include, Skip Dieball (USA), Jon McClean (USA) and Jeff Eiber (USA): 2015 Etchells World Champions. John Bertrand (AUS): America's Cup winning skipper, Etchells World Champion and Olympic medallist. Malcolm Page (AUS): two-time Olympic gold medallist and six-time 470 World Champion. Steve Benjamin (USA): Olympic silver medallist, Fireball, 505 and Maxi World Champion. Luis Doreste (ESP): Five time Olympian and two-time gold medallist.  Lawrie Smith (GBR): Round the world legend, two-time Olympic bronze medallist and Dragon World Champion. Ian Dobson (GBR): Five time GP14 World Champion and Chris Larson (USA): Melges 24, J/22, J/24, Mumm 36, Swan 45 and Maxi World Champion...and those are just the highlights.

Four World Champion yachtswomen will be competing: World Champion Match Racing and Olympic sisters, Lucy and Kate McGregor (GBR), 420 & J/111 World Champion Annabel Vose (GBR) and Stephanie Roble (USA) Etchells World Champion and 2014 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year.

“This is my Zen, it's like meditation.” commented John Bertrand, the man who wrestled the America's Cup from a fellow Etchells World Champion, Dennis Connor. “Everything else just gets stripped away at the Etchells Worlds, and we are all back to just pure sailing. Some other areas of the sport are full of politics but not here, which is why it is so popular with so many different sailors. The Etchells Class is probably the most competitive one-design class going, one mistake and you get spat out the back, and nobody is going to apologise. Ashore after racing the spirit is just fantastic.”
Ante Razmilovic's team includes Chris Larson (USA): Melges 24, J/22, J/24, Mumm 36, Swan 45 and Maxi World Champion.

Racing at the 2016 Etchells World Championship will be held from Monday 5th to Saturday 10th September, with multiple windward -leeward racing in the Central Solent. Six races will constitute a series and the overall winner will receive the antique silver Founders Trophy, and join a list of impressive Etchells World Championship winners.

The 2016 Etchells World Championship media team will deliver live updates including GPS Tracking, as well as daily results, news stories, interviews, videos and pictures.

After two days of tricky shifting breeze in the Solent, the New Zealand Team racing Feng Shui of Andrew Wills, Anatole Masfen and Matthew Kelway,  has won the 2016 Etchells Open European Championship. The team from Royal Akarana Yacht Club scored no worse than a seventh, in the four race series, to win the first regatta of the event, and bragging rights for the forthcoming 2016 Etchells World Championship.

Final Results Etchells Open European Championship 2016

The New Zealand team, who are all from Auckland won the series in a 50 boat fleet of Olympic and America's Cup winners as well as as a multitude of World Champions. Current British National Champion, Ante Razmilovic, racing under the burgee of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda ITA, was second. Steve Benjamin's team from the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club Connecticut USA was just a point behind in third. America's Cup winner and past Etchells Champion, John Bertrand sailing for the Royal Brighton YC, Victoria was the winner of the last race of the series.

Eddie Warden Owen's RORC team of Ossie Stewart and John Greenwood, was top Corinthian Team for the Etchells Open European Championship

“ I first came to Cowes in 1994 racing an Etchells and I fell in love with Cowes and the class.” commented Feng Shui's Anatole Masfen. “Cowes is the 'Disneyland' of yachting, it is where yacht racing began. I believe this is a very special place and the job that David Franks (Cowes Etchells Class Captain) and his team have done, to invigorate the class, is very exciting and i am just glad to be part of it.”

Race supporter, Velocitek, supported the Etchells Open European Championship Prize Giving with complimentary cold beers for the sailors.

Racing at the  2016 Etchells World Championship will start on Monday 5th September and conclude on Saturday September 10th. 58 teams from fourteen countries will be taking part. There will be live GPS Tracking, photos, videos and updates.

Kiwis on Top

Click here: Provisional Results Day One Open European Championship

For the first day of the 2016 Etchells Open European Championship, Principal Race Officer, Phil Lawrence, prophesied that it might be a long day and he was spot on. The wind behaved worse than a wayward child, refusing to settle down until mid-afternoon. Once the wind settled into the northwest, three good races were held in the Central Solent. However, it wasn't until sundown that the fleet returned to Cowes Yacht Haven.

“With a forecast for less wind tomorrow, we knew we had to get the races in today, and that was a difficult task.” commented Phil Lawrence. “Once we got going, the wind was still shifting around, but at least we had a peak of 15 knots - the mark layers had a tough day of it today. With the forecast conditions tomorrow, we have amended the schedule to start after 2 p.m. Hopefully, we will get at least one race in to make the series.”

The top Etchells team today was Feng Shui, from the Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Auckland, NZ. Helmed by Andrew Wills and owned by Anatole Masfen, Matthew Kelway completes the line up. The team has won several New Zealand National Titles and Wills was on Jud Smith's winning team for the 2006 Etchells Worlds.

“We haven't done much practice so far for the worlds, so we are very happy with the results today.” commented Andrew Wills. “Our speed is good but we are not taking anything for granted. To be honest, we got lucky with the shifts today. We have sailed together for over ten years, so spending ten hours on a boat together is not a problem. We hope we can continue the good form tomorrow.”

The top Corinthian crew today was Luder, from the Royal Ocean Racing Club, skippered by the club's CEO Eddie Warden Owen. Olympic medallist Ossie Stewart and double Finn World Masters Champion, John Greenwood, make up the crew.

“The race team did a very good job today; getting in three decent races was extremely difficult.” commented Eddie Warden Owen. “We are still learning how to sail the boat, but today we had good speed and we got off the line. To do well in this fleet, we will have to consistently perform at that level.”

Ante Razmilovic's Swedish Blue, representing the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, finished the day second, three points behind Feng Shui. Chris Hampton's Tango, representing the Royal Brighton Yacht Club Victoria AUS, finished the day in third. Steve Benjamin's team from the Seawanhaka Corinthian YC, Connecticut USA was fourth. There were race wins today for Jim Cunningham's Lifted from San Francisco USA and Andy Beadsworth's K2 from Warsash SC UK.

Racing for the 2016 Etchells Open European Championship concludes tomorrow. One more race will constitute a series, two more will see the discard kick in. Live Tracking and social media coverage from 1400 local time (GMT+1).

Provisional Results Day One Etchells Open European Championship.

Racing got under way for the magnificent Etchells fleet, with a one-day practice regatta, organised by North Sails One-Design expert, and current Etchells World Champion, Skip Dieball. Competitors enjoyed on-the-water coaching and a video debrief after racing. The Solent served up conditions to fully power up the Etchells fleet, with a mean wind speed of 20 knots and gusting close to 30. To add to the mix, wind over tide produced classic choppy Solent conditions to fully test the fleet.

“We wanted to get a couple of practice races in today, to give people the opportunity to experience the race course and to warm up.” commented Skip.  “North Sails, as a sponsor of the regatta, wanted to add a bit more of a punch, so we had on the water coaching and a debrief afterwards. We knew it was going to be up-range sailing, and crews had to be mindful of controlling their boats in those conditions.

One area that was discussed in the debrief was correct boat set up. Talking in general terms for today's conditions, you are looking for a flat main and a little more twist in the jib, which will help balance the helm, and that all comes about between communication between the trimmer and the driver - that was the take-away today, for sure. The difference between the teams that were going well, and those that were not, was their set up and technique.

The Etchells Class is as good a class as there is, many classes have top 10-20 percent winning races. In this class it goes a lot deeper than that, especially at a World Championship. It will come down to score management, that includes managing your bad races. You need to make sure you don't post a 15, when a 10 is a keeper – that's what this regatta is going to be about.”

Runner up at the 2015 Etchells World Championship, USA Olympic silver medalist Steve Benjamin, showed great speed and boat handling to win both practice races. In Race 1, Jim Cunningham's team from San Francisco showed early promise scoring a second. Mark Thornburrow's team from Hong Kong was third. In Race 2, Robert Elliott's Royal Yacht Squadron team, which included British Olympic sailors, Lucy MacGregor and Annie Lush, finished second. James Badenach's Royal Hong Kong YC team was third.

Full Results from North Sails Training Regatta: Click here

The Etchells Open European Championship starts tomorrow, 29 August. Five races are scheduled over two days of racing. The first warning signal will be not before 10:30 (gmt+1). Live tracking and updates will be available.

Action for the international fleet gathered in Cowes for the 2016 Etchells World Championship starts today, Sunday 28 August at 1100 (gmt+1), with a Training Regatta hosted by 2015 Etchells World Champion, Skip Dieball.

It's looking like a breezy day at Hill Head with 15-20 knots southwesterly forecast. For the one-day regatta, outside assistance is permitted, allowing coaches to give on the water advice. There will be a video debrief after racing today, and some prizes!

Tracking for the Skip Dieball Training Regatta: http://etchells.sailracer.org

58 teams from all over the world have entered the 2016 Etchells World Championship, hosted by the Royal London Yacht Club. Boasting at least thirteen current and past Etchells World Champions, as well as Olympic medallist, America's Cup sailors, and world champions from numerous sailing classes. Twenty teams are from Great Britain and a dozen each from Australia and the United States of America. Four entries are from Hong Kong and as far afield as: Bermuda, Ireland, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.

At the start of 2016, a fire raged through a boatyard in Cowes ravaging the Cowes Etchells Fleet.Not only has the class recovered, it has flourished as David Franks, Class Captain of the Cowes Etchells fleet, explains: “We lost more than half the fleet but we have come back stronger, there has been a real pulling together from fleets throughout the world. To have 58 Etchells teams of such quality at the worlds is just fantastic. None of this would have been possible without the help of our supporters. Zhik and Spinlock have been long term partners of the Cowes Etchells fleet and Red Funnel Ferries and Cowes Yacht Haven have been so supportive, especially with the development of youth sailing, by providing free travel and discounted marina services for our youth programme. LionTree, Royal London Yacht Club and Royal Thames Yacht Club have all supported our youth sailing along with our Admiral of the Fleet, Ted Fort, who started off Etchells youth sailing by providing two fully funded Etchells 5 years ago.”

Racing at the Etchells World Championship will include a galaxy of stars including the reigning Etchells World Champion team of Skip Dieball, Jon McClean and Jeff Eiber from the USA. Previous Etchells World Champions confirmed for the event include: John Bertrand (2010), Andrew Palfrey (1999 & 2010), Andy Beadsworth (2007), Jud Smith (2006), Dirk Kneulman (1998 & 2006), Paul Blowers (1997), Stephanie Roble (2014), Peter McNeill (2004), and Cameron Miles (1999).

Notable women sailors at the 2016 Etchells World Championships include; Jeanne-Claude Strong, current Etchells Australasia Champion, and Shannon Bush, top female helm from America. British ladies competing include; the 2011 420 World Champion, Annabel Vose and 2010 ISAF women's match racing World Champions, and 2012 Olympians, Lucy and Kate McGregor.

From Australia, Oracle Team USA's Grant Simmer, will be competing. Grant has been involved in the America's Cup since winning, as navigator, on Australia II. In the Etchells Class, Grant is a past Australian Champion and 2015 World Grandmaster Champion.

From America, Steve Benjamin, a past Olympic medallist, 505 World Champion, and 2015 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year returns to compete, having been runner-up in the 2015 Etchells World Championship. Multiple world champion, Volvo Ocean Race and America's Cup sailor, Chris Larson, will also be competing.

Competing from Great Britain will be past Dragon World Champion, Olympic and Whitbread Round the World sailor, Lawrie Smith. Olympic medallist Ossie Stewart, and Eddie Warden Owen, Chief Executive of Royal Ocean Racing Club, and former top ranked sailing match racing champion.

The 58th team to enter the 2016 Etchells World Championship is the Royal Thames YC Youth Academy Team, helmed by Tim Gratton. At the beginning of August, the young team won the prestigious Gertrude Cup by a narrow margin, defeating five past Etchells World Champions.

Prior to the 2016 Etchells World Championship, the current Etchells World Champion, Skip Dieball, will be running a training regatta on 28th of August. As a pre-worlds event, the Etchells European Championship will be raced between 29 – 30 August. Racing for the 2016 Etchells World Championship will be held from 5-10 September.

A full programme of social activities has been organised throughout the event, culminating on the 10th of September with the Justerini & Brooks Champagne Reception & Prize Giving Dinner, at the Royal Yacht Squadron.

Justerini & Brooks was founded in London in 1749, and has been supplying fine wine to every successive British Monarch since the coronation of King George III in 1761. To toast the winners of the 2016 Etchells World Championship, a special Champagne cuvée, created in celebration of Justerni & Brooks' 250th anniversary, will be served at the Prize Giving Reception.

Sir Kenneth Preston Trophy
28th - 30th May 2016

Organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes, UK.

Cowes Etchells Fleet Race Report.

The Sir Kenneth Preston Trophy Regatta attracted one of the largest fleets of Etchells seen in the Solent for many years. Bolstered by the forthcoming 2016 Etchells World Championship.

The Sir Kenneth Preston Trophy was first competed for in 1995, after Sir Kenneth Preston, who had led the British sailing team in the 1960 Olympics, presented it to the Royal Yacht Squadron shortly prior to his death. Sir Kenneth wished that the trophy be competed for by a deserving one design fleet that had the spirit of one design and involves young sailors. It is a feather in the cap for the Cowes Etchells fleet to have retained it for so many years.

The Sir Kenneth Preston Trophy Regatta attracted one of the largest fleets of Etchells seen in the Solent for many years. Bolstered by the forthcoming 2016 Etchells World Championship, to be held in the Solent 31 August – 10 September. 28 teams with sailors from Australia, Great Britain, Hong Kong and the United States of America, raced for the Sir Kenneth Preston Trophy. Three Royal London Etchells Youth Academy Teams took part, skippered by Anna Watkins, Owen Bannerman and Martin Evans.

The eight race programme over three days produced thrilling racing, with 11 teams achieving podium results. Peter Duncan was the winner of the Sir Kenneth Preston Trophy, Ante Razmilovic was second with Lawrie Smith third.

Peter Duncan was the winner of the Sir Kenneth Preston Trophy.

Commodore of the American Yacht Club, Peter Duncan, and Tom Blackwell, have campaigned Etchells for many years with top finishes including second, third, fourth, and fifth in world championships. Both grew up sailing in the JAYC (Junior American Yacht Club) program. Jud Smith, a Sonar, Mumm30 and Etchells World Champion, has been sailing with the team since 2013.

“We found the racing very tight with a solid mix of local and visitors trying to get ready for the Worlds.” commented Peter Duncan. “Throughout the regatta we had a lot of boats arriving at the weather mark together and there were some exciting leeward gate roundings. Cowes is a very interesting place to sail, as you not only have to be on your toes for shifts in the breeze, the current has to minded at all times. We saw a bit of everything this past weekend, which made it a great warm up event to the Worlds. In 2007 and since, we have not sailed in the breeze direction we had on Saturday so that was good to experience.

Our stay as always in Cowes was wonderful as there are so many fun places to go. The Royal Yacht Squadron did an outstanding job running the races in the varied conditions and especially setting up the starting lines. As always, David Franks and team did a wonderful job on the social side of the event with the dinner event at RYS being awesome. Not too many of us from overseas have ever been there so what a treat.”

David Franks, Cowes Etchells fleet captain. "We have been delighted that the interest in the Cowes Etchells Fleet continues to grow."

David Franks, the Cowes Etchells fleet captain commented: "We have been delighted that the interest in the Cowes Etchells Fleet continues to grow with record numbers competing for the Sir Kenneth Preston Trophy. This is the 22nd year that this Trophy has been awarded by the Royal Yacht Squadron; they ran eight excellent races and provided a superb supper on the Platform in the Castle for 94 competitors and their guests. Wonderful racing; wonderful food."

Full results of the Sir Kenneth Preston Trophy.

The Saida Cup 11-12 June, organised by the Royal Thames Yacht Club, is the next event in a busy season for the Cowes Etchells Fleet. The Etchells UK National Championship, organised by the Royal London Yacht Club, from 24-26 June, is an Etchells World Championship qualifying event.

The 2016 Etchells World Championship will be hosted by the Royal London Yacht Club in Cowes from 31 August - 10 September 2016.

Probably the most competitive and hotly contested keel boat class in the Solent, the Cowes Etchells fleet is tuning up for the 2016 Etchells Worlds hosted the Royal London Yacht Club. The April Training Regatta with coaching attracted 19 teams hosted by the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club (CCYC) and supported by Doyle Sails One Design guru, Jud Smith, who provided high level on the water coaching.

Jud Smith, an America's Cup winner, USA Rolex Sailor of the year and multiple World champion, put the fleet through their paces, first with multiple practise starts working on lane discipline and close quarter boat handling, before coaching the fleet on the art of sail trimming during racing.

10 knots from the south east provided perfect conditions for seven races over two days. Andrew Cooper's ICE won the first race, Etchells Class Captain, David Franks sailing his new boat, Strait Dealer took the second. World class sailors but newcomers to the Etchells fleet, Eddie Warden Owen and Ossie Stewart showed their pedigree by winning the Races 3 and 4. Lawrie Smith came back on the second day having suffered  from main sail issues, to score two firsts and a second with his new boat straight out of David Heritage's workshop. Andrew Cooper won the last race to tie on points at the top of the leaderboard.  However, it was Eddie Warden Owen’s consistency for the weekend that paid off, winning the regatta on countback from Andrew Cooper in second and Laurie Smith in third.

At the prize giving Eddie Warden Owen commented. “Many thanks to the race committee and Jud Smith for the advice he gave to the whole fleet, and importantly to David Franks, without whom 19 boats would have never made it to the start line due to the terrible January fire that nearly decimated the local fleet.”

Graham Sunderland whose brain child this coaching event was commented. “We all want to be better sailors, and part of that is to find out how to make our sails work really efficiently, and Jud’s coaching did just that, this great experience has cemented a decision to make this a yearly event in the Etchells program. ”

Jud Smith commented. “I enjoyed the coaching very much and can't think of a place I would have rather been that weekend. I haven't seen that level of enthusiasm in Cowes since the Etchells class took off in 1993. I recall doing a similar clinic back then but this was much better organized with a proper race committee and regatta format. Clearly this was the place to be and a fitting kick off for a talented group of sailors. The standard of race management and the quality of racing will be outstanding at the World Championship this summer, every fleet in the world should be sending a full allotment.”

The Cowes Etchells Fleet are delighted to announce that Zhik have agreed to be exclusive clothing sponsor for the 2016 Etchells World Championship in Cowes.This compliments Zhik’s appointment as Official Technical Clothing Partner to the British Olympic Sailing Team and the Official Supplier to the Australian Olympic Team.

"Zhik are delighted to be the official clothing supplier to the 2016 Etchells World Championships in Cowes this summer. We have long been fans of the Etchells class with its great history and world class sailors, and we look forward to following the racing in what must be one of the most prestigious events in UK waters in 2016. Zhik wish all competitors, and all the organisers the very best of luck!" Simon Payne, Zhik Global Sales Director.

Zhik are providing clothing for each competitor at the 2016 Etchells World Championship, hosted by the Royal London Yacht Club in Cowes. There will also be prizes for many categories from their new shop in Cowes High Street, which is managed by Kate Palfrey, wife of America’s Cup Coach and former Etchells World Champion Andrew 'Dog' Palfrey.

Zhik has an unparalleled reputation for creating innovative technical clothing, and in March 2016 launched the game changing AVLARE apparel. This new material is probably the most important new patent ever registered by Zhik. It stays completely dry even after being immersed in water and is less than a quarter of the weight of Spandex. AVLARE apparel is super-breathable and provides wind chill protection.

“In organising the Cowes Etchells Worlds we set a central object for the event to create a legacy that would benefit every stakeholder. Zhik are pioneers in technical clothing and their incredible support brings a real 'wow' factor to the world championships and with Zhik's assistance, the event is taking a massive leap towards meeting our objectives.” Shaun Frohlich, Etchell World Championship Sponsorship Director.

After some fierce competition, three Etchells Youth Teams who have won a fully funded Etchells for a magnificent season of Etchells racing in the Solent with the Royal London Etchells Youth Academy. In the past four years, over 160 highly talented young sailors of have sailed in the Cowes Etchells Fleet, some going on to win Youth Match Racing Championships at National, European and World level and recently Bleddyn Mon has joined the Ben Ainsley America Cup’s team. A significant number of youth sailors have experienced top level Etchells racing in Cowes, as well as travelling to Newport, USA, Hong Kong, Miami, Italy and Australia.

The three Royal London Etchells Youth Academy Teams for 2016 are sponsored by the Cowes Etchells Class, the Royal London Yacht Club, Doyle Sails, RYA British Keel Boat Academy, North Sails, Red Funnel, David Heritage Racing Yachts, Spinlock and Cowes Yacht Haven. We should also recognise the great support given over many years by Ted Ford, Admiral of the Etchells Fleet. Of the 12 chosen sailors, five are women underlining the fact that women can compete effectively on an Etchells.

Anna Watkins' Team: Rory Davis, Ali Hinds, Ed Hampton-Mathews.

“I am extremely excited and immediately texted the rest of the team who were all overjoyed!” commented Anna Watkins. “The Etchells class is a great one to be involved in, it is rare to find such a thriving and competitive one design fleet to race in the Solent. With such an abundance of world class sailors to compete against, you are kept constantly on your toes, and yet it is one of the most friendly classes to experience - people are always willing to help you out and share advice.”

Martin Evans' Team: Sophie Stockton, Libby Watkins, Andrew Clear.

Martin Evans was UK National Laser Champion in 2015 and a former World Junior Bronze medalist and European Silver medalist in the Laser.

Emily Wiltshire's Team: Jack Preece, Tom Williams, Calum Healey.

“I am super excited!” commented Emily Wiltshire. “I've been dabbling in the fleet for the last few years so it is a great feeling to finally have a chance to give the whole season a whirl. The team's aims are to try and learn as much as possible, to sail as much as possible and to have fun. It's a really competitive fleet with friendly faces around; Everyone is there to help and improve. The boats are a nice change to the big boats or dinghies and we are all going to give it our best effort.”

The Cowes Etchells Fleet have a superb programme for 2016, all raced in The Solent, including two World Championship Qualifying events. (April 30 – May 2) Etchells South Coast Championship and (24 June -26 June) Etchells UK National Championship.

(30 July – 3 Aug) The Invitational for the Gertrude Cup, now in its third year, this highly successful regatta sees 20 Etchells all in the water race-ready with identical sails. (Aug 6-Aug 13) Cowes Week, the Etchells Class have their own start among the some 32 different classes. (29 Aug -30 Aug) Etchells European Championship and the highlight of the season; the 2016 Etchells World Championship, hosted by the Royal London Yacht Club in Cowes (Aug 31- 9 Sept).

Red Funnel operating car ferries and passenger Red Jet services, between the mainland and the Isle of Wight, have agreed to partner the 2016 Etchells World Championship in Cowes.

Red Funnel is providing a superb range of benefits aimed at assisting competitors and spectators for the Etchells World Championship, hosted by the Royal London Yacht Club in Cowes, 5th  – 12th  September 2016.

Kevin George, Red Funnel’s CEO commented, “Red Funnel is pleased that Cowes has been chosen to host the 2016 Etchells Worlds in September and we are delighted to be a sponsor of this prestigious event. It will be another great opportunity for Cowes to showcase what it can offer to international competitors both on and off the water. The focus on attracting young sailors to participate at a World Championship level presents a fantastic opportunity and follows Red Funnel’s funding of a UKSA programme to give all Isle of Wight Year 6 children a day’s sailing tuition.”

Red Funnel will provide a new Trophy along with champagne prizes during the event and a celebratory supper during the regatta with 270 guests expected. Benefits include storage space for incoming yachts in Southampton and assistance with yacht movement between the mainland and Cowes. Red Funnel will also be providing spectator boats to watch as the action unfolds for the 2016 Etchells World Championship with capacity for as may as 975 guests.

Cowes based Etchells sailor, Graham Sunderland, is co-ordinating the partnership with Red Funnel for the Etchells World Championship. 'Red Funnel are not simply supporting the Etchells Worlds in Cowes they are a critical part of trusted logistics, delivering a care of service for the competing yachts. We have been working together for five months already and their professionalism is exceptional. We learnt during the fire where we lost 15 Etchells these boats mean more to the owners than simply their value. So I am delighted to recommend Red Funnels trusted service for owners travelling to Cowes.”

Besides offering discounts for all competitors in the Etchells World Championship, Red Funnel will be supporting three youth teams. The 12 sailors will have 150 complimentary travel tickets valid during their training and for the regatta in September.

The 2016 Etchells World Championship, hosted by the Royal London Yacht Club, will be held in Cowes from 5-12 September 2016. For more information visit: www.2016.etchellsworlds.org

Despite a fire at a boatyard in West Cowes on the Isle of Wight, which destroyed 17 Etchells keelboats. David Franks, the Cowes Etchells fleet captain, reports that the class had rallied after the incident and that the Etchells World Championship, to be held in Cowes this summer, will be unaffected and is set for an impressive turnout of world class sailors from all over the world.

"We've lost more than half the Cowes fleet in the fire. However, there is a lot of very good news coming out of it.” commented David Franks. “David Heritage's new build factory is fine and he is currently building eight new boats, which he is now stepped up to 12, which is fantastic. The second piece of good news is that there's been a real pulling together throughout the world, and I have now got equivalent replacements, for each of the active sailors in the fleet, who have lost their boats. So we have a strong plan for each and every owner, to the point that I don't expect anybody to lose a race, let alone a regatta. It's become a bump in the road, and not a big dip."

David Franks says that the Worlds will be unaffected by the fire, and in fact many teams have been confirming their entry in support of the class. Steve Benjamin, Former Olympic medallist, current US Sailing’s Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, current Etchells North American Champion and second in the 2015 Etchells Worlds, has confirmed his participation.

“In America, we felt the shock to the Class that fire caused but it's incredibly positive that the boats are being replaced so quickly and fleet will probably be stronger than ever with all the new builds coming. I know of four American teams coming for certain and we are expecting about ten or more, any of which are certainly capable of winning the Worlds.” commented Steve Benjamin.

At least 65 boats are expected with 40 boats from overseas. Racing at the world championship will include a galaxy of stars including the current world champion, Skip Dieball & Jon McClean. Eight previous Etchells World Champions are also expected including; John Bertrand, Andy Beadsworth, Jud Smith, Dirk Kneulman and Andrew Palfrey, Bill Hardesty and Marvin Bechmann. Notable sailors that will also be competing include two outstanding female helms; Jeanne-Claude Strong, current Etchells Australasia Champion and Shannon Bush, top female helm in America. Past Dragon World Champion, Olympic and Whitbread Round the World sailor, Lawrie Smith has confirmed his participation, as have Olympic medallist, Ossie Stewart and Eddie Warden Owen, Chief Executive of Royal Ocean Racing Club and former top ranked sailing match racing champion.

The 2016 Etchells World Championship, hosted by the Royal London Yacht Club, will be held in Cowes from 5-12 September 2016. For more information visit: www.2016.etchellsworlds.org

Eddie Warden Owen, Ossie Stewart and Adrian Friend have bought an Etchells to campaign for the 2016 World Championships which will be held in the Solent in September. Eddie, an ex professional sailor and coach to Americas Cup teams is better known for his offshore racing exploits winning the Admirals Cup in the 90’s with British and Italian teams. He is now Chief Executive of the London based Royal Ocean Racing Club who has moved their Race Office to Cowes following the successful merger with the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes. The combined club with over 4000 members is the largest UK yacht club with a third of its members based overseas.

Simon "Ossie" Stewart who is campaigning with Eddie is a seasoned keelboat sailor and won a bronze medal in the Soling class at the 1992 Summer Olympics and the Dragon World Championship in 2014 both with internationally renowned skipper Lawrie Smith. Lawrie has also ordered a new Etchells for the 2016 World Championship from David Heritage Racing Yachts in Cowes so the former team mates will be competing head on.

Ossie developed his sailing skills as a youngster at Thames Sailing Club which is the UK's oldest river sailing club and has a fleet of iconic Thames A Raters which have huge rigs for river sailing. Several of the younger members of Thames Sailing Club alternate their sailing between the  Thames A Raters on the river and the Etchells in the Solent. These new-comers to the Etchells, a 30 foot open day boat sailed by some of the best sailors in the world, represent another vote of confidence in the Cowes Etchells Fleet which lost over half of its boats in a boatyard fire in Cowes on 26th January 2016. Replacement boats have been found and will be on the water for the first regatta of the year on 2/3 April when Jud Smith and Simon (stir) Fry will run coaching sessions for the fleet.

The Etchells World Championship is in Cowes in September 2016 and over 60 boats from 11 countries are expected. Many former Etchells World Champions will compete including John Bertrand winner of the America's Cup for Australia in 1983. Steve Benjamin, the current US Rolex Yachtsman of the Year who placed second in the Etchells Worlds in Hong Kong in 2015 will attend and the current Etchells World Champions the US team of Skip Dieball and Jon McClean will fight to defend their title. Jon grew up in North Wales with Eddie Warden Owen so they will resume their long-standing rivalry. It isn't too late to join the Cowes Fleet and enter the 2016 Etchells Worlds.

Contact Cowes Fleet Captain davidfranks80@gmail.com or +44 (0) 7768063868 Or Skype:davids

As many of you know, a fire on the Isle of Wight on January 25, has had a major impact on the Cowes Etchells Fleet. News reports indicate that no lives were lost but many boats in storage were destroyed in the fire. Fleet spokesman and 2016 Etchells World Championship regatta chairman, David Franks posted the following update on Facebook, "Approximately 14 Etchells appear to have been destroyed in the fire which started this afternoon in an adjacent car workshop.We have already sourced equivalent replacements for nearly all of them. The Cowes Etchells Fleet will rise again in time for our first Regatta in April! Heritage's new build facility appears to be untouched, so boat building will resume very shortly. Thank you for all the good wishes and offers of help from various Fleet members." 

Welcome to the 2016 Etchells Worlds Cowes

Cowes has an unsurpassed heritage in racing yachts and indeed the world’s most famous yacht race, the America’s Cup, was first raced from Cowes around the Isle of Wight in 1851.

Since that time yacht racing of all types has become a popular pastime as well as a high-tech professional sport that embraces many thousands of participants in many hundreds (sometimes thousands) of boats. Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is the highlight of the British yacht racing calendar and the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race is one of the largest participatory events in the world.

“Cowes is one of the most interesting and challenging places in the world to sail.  And being able to walk or bike everywhere without having to bother with the car is amazing” 

Andrew Palfrey (“Dog) America’s  Cup Coach & past Etchells World Champion

“Cowes is one of my favourite places to sail.  I’ve enjoyed every regatta there, including the Etchells World Championships in 1996 and 2007.  I can’t wait to get back.”

Jud Smith past Etchells World Champion & past Rolex Yachtsman of the Year

“Both on and off the water, Cowes is one of the very best yacht racing locations in the World, and of course was the birthplace of the America’s Cup.  I had the honour of helming the winning America’s Cup yacht, Australia II, with my original 1983 crew at Cowes during the 2001 Jubilee celebrations.  I look forward to returning in 2016, racing my Etchells” 

John Bertrand Winning Skipper America’s Cup, past Etchells World Champion & Australian sailing legend

Credit: Cowes Harbour Commission

Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) is delighted with the news that Governors of the International Etchells Class Association have approved Cowes as the venue for the 2016 Etchells World Championship. Racing will take place from 5th to 10th September 2016, organised by the Royal London Yacht Club, and up to 100 boats will be berthed at CHC’s Shepards Wharf Marina where there is an established Etchells dry sailing fleet. 

The Etchells is one of the world’s leading international one design keelboats outside of the Olympic classes and delivers some of the most competitive racing available. The annual World Championship (New York Yacht Club 2014 and Hong Kong 2015) is a showcase for international talent from 50 fleets worldwide. 

Cowes Fleet Captain David Franks, said: “Cowes has a terrific reputation and has held the Etchells Worlds twice previously, so it is great news to be bringing the event back here again.

“The extremely helpful attitude of everyone at Shepards Wharf, along with the marina’s investment in a new dry sailing crane and the regatta centre opening this year, has been instrumental in our decision to choose Cowes.

“In addition, we can lay great race courses in the Solent to suit wind from any direction, within just 30 minutes’ sail of the marina. All the shoreside facilities and yacht clubs are within walking distance for the competitors, and the class boat builder, David Heritage Racing Yachts is based here, making Cowes an extremely attractive location.”

Capt. Stuart McIntosh, Cowes Harbour Master, said: “It is very exciting and a privilege to be holding the Etchells Worlds in Cowes next year and I am delighted that our marina at Shepards Wharf has been chosen to provide moorings for the Etchells fleet. The Harbour Commission continues to work proactively to attract more events to Cowes, and with the Etchells World Championship taking place here in 2016 we can ensure that the yachting world’s focus stays on Cowes right through to September.”

“The Etchells Worlds attracts top competitors from around the world along with the keenest amateurs, and so we are delighted that Cowes has been selected to hold the event and for the Royal London Yacht Club to be the Organising Authority,” commented Peter Taylor, Commodore of the Royal London. ”The Solent is renowned for producing exciting and challenging sailing conditions and we look forward to running the racing for one of the most prestigious prizes in sailing.”

Manager at Shepards Wharf Marina, Jock Rafferty, added: “This is brilliant news and a fantastic opportunity for Cowes. I am very much looking forward to working with the Etchells fleet and the Royal London to ensure this event is a massive success.”

More information will follow in the next few months online at www.etchellsworlds.com, www.rlyc.org.uk, and www.shepardswharfmarina.co.uk.

Image: Etchells racing off Cowes in the Solent. Credit Hamo Thornycroft. www.yacht-photos.co.uk/