News

Worlds Equipment Inspection Reminders

published 04/27/2026

Equipment inspection for the 2026 Etchells is underway. Competitors' attention is drawn to the following items, these commonly fail to meet the class rules and you are requested to ensure your boat complies:

Be sure that any holes in decks and bulkheads with rigging passing through do not have more than 0.5mm clearance around the rigging (CR C.7.1).
Ensure the band on the outer end of the boom is visible and in the correct location (see 25G page 2).
Ensure suitability of PFD (see CR C.3.1). N.B. a whistle is required.
Two buckets with 1.5 m lanyards, in compliance with CR C.5.1(a)(3).
A tow rope (that is not running rigging) that is at least 25m and no more than 30m of at least 12mm diameter (see CR C.5.2(a)(1)).
Halyards sizes specified in CR F.7.4.
Hiking CR C.2.3 extract as follows: “The use of only the headsail, spinnaker and/or mainsail sheets and/or a single safety line attached to the top of the console, held solely in the hands, may be used to assist hiking. The safety line shall be of constant thickness with a maximum diameter of 10 mm. It shall have no knots, loops or splices other than to attach it to the console. When extended outboard perpendicular to the sheerline, it shall extend no more than 300 mm from the sheerline.”

An clarification has been requested and the following determined: “It is not permitted to install a rope attached to the console in the middle of the rope such that each end is used on each side of the boat.”

Any questions about these items can be directed to the class office.

Q4 2025 Etchells Newsletter

published 12/31/2025

The final newsletter of 2025 shares comments from the Chairman and news from fleets around the world.

Updated Class Rules and Modified M11 Exemption

published 12/29/2025

Class Rules
Modified M11 Permission from WS
Modified M11 Language for Notice Board and NOR

The new Class Rules, which were voted on by the class in the summer of 2025, will go into effect on 1 January 2026.

World Sailing has also granted approval for the Class to permit organizing authorities to change the Class Rules for events in Australia (with the exception of World Championship events) in accordance with RRS 87 to allow modified M11 hulls to race. The changes must be made in the event Notice of Race and posted on the Official Notice Board. See the links above for the appropriate langauge.

Please note, the Class template NOR and SIs have the class-approved lanugage to allow electronic instrumentation.

2025 Annual General Meeting minutes

published 12/18/2025

2025 AGM Minutes

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2025 AGM.

Please see the minutes at the link above.

Q3 2025 Etchells Newsletter

published 10/01/2025

Read the Q3 2025 Etchells Newsletter here.

2025 Annual General Meeting

published 10/01/2025

2025 AGM Materials

The 2025 IECA Annual General meeting will be held December 4, 2025 at 2200 UTC via Zoom.

Please register here.

ICEA Class Rules Vote Results

published 09/12/2025

The International Etchells Class Association (IECA) Class Rule change vote has concluded. A total of 263 ballots were issued, 193 votes were cast. All proposals were approved. The next step is to gain approval through World Sailing. Following that, the IGC will announce the date the rules will go into effect. The vote included the following proposed changes to the IECA Class Rules (note, in the linked document, the changes are formatted per World Sailing requirements and are not in the same order as presented below):

Prposal 1 – 99% approve

To align the rules with the Equipment Rules of Sailing and long-standing class practice about including fitted pumps and spinnaker boxes in Complete Boat Weight, the IGC proposes the following changes:

Amend C.5.1(a)(1) to read “Hand pump, which may be fastened, see C.7.4(c)(9).” This change clarifies that while a hand pump is mandatory, a fitted hand pump meets the mandatory requirement of current rule C.5.1.(a)(1) and makes it clear that if a boat has a fitted hand pump it doesn’t also need a portable one.
Amend C.5.1(b)(4) to read “Extra hand pumps.” This change removes electric bilge pump systems from the portable equipment designation.
Add to rule C.7.4(c) the following to allow for hand pumps, electric bilge pump systems, and spinnaker stowage bags and boxes to be fittings:
(9) Hand pumps
(10) An electric bilge pump system (pump, battery, wiring, and switches) weighing no more than 6 kg in total, with the battery securely positioned in the port seat locker and easily removable for weighing
(11) Spinnaker stowage bag(s)/box(es)

These changes will be voted on as one block. The class has been operating under a rules exemption from World Sailing to allow for these items to be included in Complete Boat Weight. That exemption has expired.

Proposal 2 – 89% approve

To allow for the Class to use electronic devices (such as the RaceSense system, which was used at the 2025 World Championship and various other regattas under an exemption from World Sailing), the IGC proposes to add the following to rule C.5:

C.5.3 The Notice of Race may change C.5.1 and/or C.5.2 to include electronic instrumentation that is not connected to external sensors.

This change would not mandate the use of electronics, but would allow it, should the Notice of Race for an event allow it.

Proposal 3 – 97% approve

To clarify that self-tacking jibs are not allowed, the IGC proposes to amend C.7.4(c)(1) to read: “General control blocks and fittings , except that no bridge decks or traveller crossing the centre plane are permitted other than the mainsheet traveller under the after end of the boom. This rule applies to, amongst other things, self-tacking headsails and vangs.”

This restriction on any traveller that crosses the centreline was in the class rules from inception until 2008. In 2008 it was dropped from the class rules. Documentation shows that removing this limitation was not subject to a class vote nor was it agreed by the class’s International Governors; it was merely omitted when the rules were re-drafted.

Proposal 4 – 79% approve

Add a section to allow modified M11 hulls to participate in events of the International Etchells Class Association. The proposal is to allow modified M11 hulls to participate in events only in Australia. This proposal is supported by both the IECA and the International Etchells Class Association of Australia. The proposal is to include in the Class Rules a new section that is worded the same as the recently-expired exemption from World Sailing to allow modified M11 hulls to participate in events, additionally specifying that their participation is limited to events in Australia.

Proposal 5 – 95% approve

Modify Plan 3MKB-25G1 - Mast to add dimensions for the for-aft and transverse length/width of the mast at the midpoint of the taper to be 91mm +7/-0 mm. There are currently no toleranced dimensions on the plan that would allow fundamental measurement of the taper. Spar manufacturing is inherently an imprecise process, with errors being introduced when the vee is cut, when the remaining front and back parts of the extrusion are bent to mate together, by variability in welding and in heat-stress recovery after welding. So there is a wide range of mast taper-dimensions in the current fleets, with the fore-aft dimension 92mm to 102mm having been measured at recent events. The proposed tolerance has been discussed with the spar builders and is representative of the majority of masts.

The class believes that this is contrary to its one-design ethos and wants to set dimensions that will allow for fundamental measurement and also push spar-makers to make more equal spars and promote fairer racing; also to avoid the cost of campaigning with masts of different taper dimensions. Some existing masts would not comply with these dimensions, however class rules state:

F.2.1(a) The spars and their fittings shall comply with the class rules in force at the time of certification of the spar.

And so these existing, non-compliant masts would still; be allowed to be used while racing.

Proposed Bylaws – 97% approve

In addition, to comply with California non-profit law, we need code-compliant bylaws, which mirror the current Constitution and would replace that document. Differences between the proposed document and the current Constitution are limited to clarifications and those necessary for the Class to comply with California law. The IGC has reviewed and approved this document. The reviewers included attorneys from three different fleets (Australia, Hong Kong, and the United States).

Q2 2025 Etchells Newsletter

published 07/01/2025

Read the Q2 2025 Etchells Newsletter here.

Notice of Class Rule Change Vote

published 06/27/2025

This is official notification from the International Etchells Class Association (IECA) International Governing Committee (IGC) about a Class Rule change vote. In eight weeks, all members eligible to vote as of the date of this notification will be provided a ballot to vote on the following proposed changes to the IECA Class Rules (note, in the linked document, the changes are formatted per World Sailing requirements and are not in the same order as presented below):

Proposal 1

Amend C.5.1(a)(1) to read “Hand pump, which may be fastened, see C.7.4(c)(9).” This change clarifies that while a hand pump is mandatory, a fitted hand pump meets the mandatory requirement of current rule C.5.1.(a)(1) and makes it clear that if a boat has a fitted hand pump it doesn’t also need a portable one.
Amend C.5.1(b)(4) to read “Extra hand pumps.” This change removes electric bilge pump systems from the portable equipment designation.
Add to rule C.7.4(c) the following to allow for hand pumps, electric bilge pump systems, and spinnaker stowage bags and boxes to be fittings:
(9) Hand pumps
(10) An electric bilge pump system (pump, battery, wiring, and switches) weighing no more than 6 kg in total, with the battery securely positioned in the port seat locker and easily removable for weighing
(11) Spinnaker stowage bag(s)/box(es)

Proposal 2

C.5.3 The Notice of Race may change C.5.1 and/or C.5.2 to include electronic instrumentation that is not connected to external sensors.

This change would not mandate the use of electronics, but would allow it, should the Notice of Race for an event allow it.

Proposal 3

Proposal 4

Proposal 5

F.2.1(a) The spars and their fittings shall comply with the class rules in force at the time of certification of the spar.

And so these existing, non-compliant masts would still; be allowed to be used while racing.

Approval Process

This serves as the notification of the proposed rule change (27 June 2025 PDT).
According to the Constitution, voting begins eight weeks after notification and the electronic voting will open on 22 August 2025 for all eligible IECA members as of the day of this notification.
The voting period will be open for 20 days. Votes will be accepted up until 11 September 2025.
Email comments on the proposal may be submitted to the class office for distribution on the website up until 14 days prior to the close of balloting, 28 August 2025.
Following the class accepting these changes World Sailing (WS) must approve the changes.

The IGC will be hosting informational sessions, likely in August. More information about scheduling and registration will follow.

Luke Lawrence Wins the 2025 Etchells North American Championship

published 05/18/2025

Results
Photo Gallery

The competitors for the Etchells North American Championship in San Diego left the dock Sunday morning for the final two races of the regatta with a lot of work still in front of them to determine the winner.

In Race 7, John Dane (Here We Go Again) was the race leader around every mark and through the finish, and jumped back into contention for the Championship. Meanwhile Peter Duncan (Oatmeal) climbed from 8th around the first mark to 3rd place by the end of the downwind leg, and would hold on to finish 3rd taking over the regatta lead, 2 points ahead of Luke Lawrence (Bayou Hustler).

While the top 2 teams were feeling confident about their chances, heading into the final race 6 teams in total were within 9 points of the lead and felt like they still had a shot. Peter Duncan climbed back into the race on Leg 3, rounding just 4 places behind Lawrence, but couldn’t make up the ground on the final windward leg to the finish as Lawrence pulled away to finish 4th in the race and secure the Championship win. Duncan would end up fourth overall by just a few points.

Lawrence was ecstatic about his team’s victory. “Another amazing week in San Diego! Thanks again to Austin Sperry for the opportunity of a lifetime. It was amazing to sail with some of my heroes. John Kostecki and Brian Ledbetter were such a pleasure to be around for the week. We learned a lot about Etchells and San Diego from Rodney [Hagebols] and Fuzz [Grant Spanhake] who were incredibly helpful with their feedback from the coach boat. We can’t wait to come back next year!”

Second place went to the leaders after Day 1, Simon Cooke (New Order), followed by Jim Cunningahm (Lifted) in third place. When asked about the regatta experience this week, Cunningham said “We couldn't have asked for a better day of sailing as half a dozen teams had a shot at winning the championship. With light oscillating south southwesterly breezes for both races the challenge was to get good starts and be able to sail the lifted tack. It's not always easy to do that especially when you have such depth and quality of teams racing all around you. In the end, both the Corinthian and open champions sailed extremely well and earned their spots at the top of the podium. I'd also like to mention that Mark Foster and the entire race committee did a fantastic job as did all the wonderful hardworking volunteers at the San Diego Yacht Club who again put on a great event and made us all feel so welcomed. We are looking forward to sailing here later this Fall and into the Spring in the ramp up to the 2026 Worlds next May!”

1st Place: Luke Lawrence, Brian Ledbetter, John Kostecki
2nd Place: Simon Cooke, Anatole Masfen, Micah Wilkinson
3rd Place: Jim Cunningham, Steve Hunt, Erik Shampain, Serena Vilage
1st Corinthian: Will La Dow, Jake La Dow, Alex Curtiss, Autumn Sanders
2nd Corinthian: Ethan Doyle, Matt Hecht, Theo Card, Johnny Fewell
3rd Corinthian: Paul Taylor, James Stewart, Anna Taylor, Eve Trotter

Last year’s North Americans champion John Dane had the best final day of the fleet with a 4-1-6 to finish 5th overall.

In the Corinthian division two teams stood out from the rest of the group: Will La Dow (Second Chance) and Ethan Doyle (Capricorn). Both teams finished top 20 in nearly every race. La Dow and Doyle battled throughout the final race with Doyle needing to make up 6 points on La Dow. Both teams again finished in the top 20, but La Dow was able to stay close enough to win the Corinthian division by 1 point over Doyle. Paul Taylor place third in the Corinthian standings.

Mark Foster served as PRO for this year’s North Americans and gave his perspective on today’s racing and the regatta overall:

“Today we sailed 2 races. The first race, the wind was in the 210 range, with the course set to 220. The race got a little long and we shortened the second weather leg and ended up with a nice race with a building breeze. For the 2nd race today the wind picked up a little bit, in the 8-10 kt range. The wind went over to 235 and we reset the course to that heading and kept it there for the entire race. Nice sunny conditions on the water, just a Chamber of Commerce day for sailing in San Diego.

I’ve been using Vakaros, and this is my 15th regatta I’ve used it at. It performed as I would expect it to, with identifying boats OCS and that they came back. It eliminates all General Recalls and penalty flags, so everyone gets to sail every race. By saving the recalls we save a tremendous amount of time on the water and the time is more productive on the water where we sail and we don’t do practice starts.

When racing, it shows me the line within meters, distance to line and time to burn. It takes the average sailor and makes them a better starter. It takes the people who used to be good at hiding and takes that asset away and makes the playing field more even for the entire fleet.

Thank you to San Diego Yacht Club for inviting me and putting the team together to make this regatta so successful and make my job extremely easy.”

Etchells sailors from around the world are invited back to San Diego a year from now for the 2026 Etchells World Championship. Casey Schnoor, 2026 Worlds co-chairman, described the plans for next year’s event. “SDYC is very excited to build upon the success of this great North American Championship regatta by hosting the 2026 Etchells Worlds! Our organizing team is already hard at work preparing to deliver what we believe will be a truly world-class championship, in both on and off the water experience, highlighting the highest standards of competition and hospitality. Please join us in May 2026.”

San Diego Yacht Club would like to thank the Etchells North American Championship sponsors - Cutwater Spirits, North Sails, Maui Brewing, the Bay Club Hotel & Marina, Vakaros and Sailors for the Sea - for making this event possible.

San Diego Yacht Club and the competitors would also like to thank regatta chair Marnie Jenkins for months of preparation to host a world class event for the Etchells class.

Competition Tightens at Etchells North Americans in San Diego

published 05/17/2025

Results
Photo Gallery

The 2025 Etchells North American Championship continued with 3 more races on Saturday. Conditions were more favorable for racing today with wind in the 8 - 12 kt range. Several dark clouds and rain cells moved across the course creating extra shifty conditions throughout the day. The regatta is utilizing Varakos RaceSense for electronic starts which has worked out very well for the competitors and race committee. The fleet appreciated the efficiency of automated OCS calls and the resulting extra sailing time rather than overly competitive starts ending in general recalls. Race 4 was a clean start, Race 5 had one OCS and Race 6 had three.

Four teams posted all top 10 finishes on Race Day 2 as the standings tightened up at the top and the throwout score came into play. The new overall leader Luke Lawrence (Bayou Hustler) with crew Brian Ledbetter and John Kostecki now hold a 5 point lead over Day 1 leader Simon Cooke (New Order). The other teams making up the top 5 in the standings also posted all top 10 finishes today: Peter Duncan (Oatmeal) in 3rd, Jim Cunningham (Lifted) in 4th, and Craig Mense (Freedom) in 5th.

When commenting on today’s racing, regatta leading skipper Luke Lawrence stated “The sailing was beautiful and the racing was a lot of fun. We are looking forward to another amazing day off the coast of San Diego tomorrow. This place is so cool!”

Less than a week ago Luke got a call from Austin Sperry, asking if Luke could fill in to skipper his Etchells as he wasn’t going to be available for this Championship. Two days later, Luke was on a flight to San Diego and was figuring out the racing plan with his crew for this weekend, John Kostecki and Brian Ledbetter. Luke hadn’t sailed with John before, but had spent lots of time on the water with Brian who was Luke’s Finn coach for years through high level international competitions.

Luke explained that “every boat is set up differently on the bow, and we’re learning how to do it in the first week on this boat. Brian’s local knowledge has been invaluable. We all have great comms on the boat, keeping it tranquillo. We’re laughing the whole time out there, actually going from extremely intense back to laughter. I give a lot of credit to Austin for keeping the program moving forward even though he couldn’t make it this week.”

Luke Lawrence was 3rd overall in last year’s North American Championship, just two points off the lead in what was an incredibly close regatta, while sailing with his regular team Andrew Macrae and Tomas Hornos.

Craig Mense from Chicago Yacht Club said “We finished the day cold, tired, but happy. All appreciative of the hospitality of SDYC, and the challenge of the conditions and all these wonderful competitors.”

While Cunningham is 10 points off the lead, his throwout score of 10 is the best of the fleet and may help him climb in the standings on the final day as everyone else has a higher posted discard to contend with. Last year’s North American champion John Dane also had a strong day (8 - 12 - 4) and climbed to 6th overall.

Jim Cunningham said “Today’s racing was challenging, but at the same time a lot of fun. We started the day with oscillating southerly breezes that worked their way to the right throughout the day. All three races today were highly competitive. These North Americans are living up to expectations with very high-quality and tight racing. With the leaderboard filled with very good teams and the scores close it really is anyone’s regatta going into tomorrow’s final day.”

The Championship will conclude on Sunday with two final races, followed by the award ceremony at San Diego Yacht Club.

SDYC would like to thank the Etchells North American Championship sponsors - North Sails, Cutwater Spirits, Maui Brewing, the Bay Club Hotel & Marina, Vakaros and Sailors for the Sea - for making this event possible.

Cooke, Masfen, and Wilkinson (NZL) Top Position at Etchells North Americans Day 1

published 05/16/2025

Results
Photo Gallery

Day one of the Etchells North American Championship started off under an AP flag with mostly cloudy skies. After an almost 90 minute delay, Race 1 got underway at 12:55 with a course bearing of 235 with 1.2 nm legs. Wind was 6-9 kts and trending left.

Race 1 finished right where the 2024 North Americans ended, with John Dane in first place, fitting of their boat name “Here We Go Again”. Dane is competing in this regatta with past Etchells World Champion Bill Hardesty and Star World Champion Eric Doyle.

After Dane won Race 1, the rest of the day belonged to the boat New Order, skippered by Simon Cooke from New Zealand who won Races 2 and 3, finishing with 6 total points, well ahead of the rest of the fleet. For Race 2 the legs were extended to 1.25nm with winds at a shifty 8-10 kts trending right this time. Cooke and Anatole Masfen shared their thoughts on leading the regatta. “You don’t get a day like that often. We had some good starts and good speed, and we seemed to pick a few shifts. We just need to get great lanes and not get in trouble. We had the 4-1-1. But it’s a bit like a golf tournament, everyone sees the leaders on the first day, but usually they’ve fallen away to nowhere by Day 4.”

After a quick race committee turn around for Race 3 the wind started stronger with 10 kts and right trending, but quickly lightened and trended right. Legs three and four were shortened on this final race of the day.

Brian Ledbetter grew up sailing in San Diego and returned once again for this Championship, crewing on Luke Lawrence boat Bayou Hustler from Louisiana. “Today was tricky, but very typical San Diego. We were able to get into single digits the first 2 races, but it didn’t go our way the first beat of the 3rd race and were deep, but worked our way back up to a 16. Long way to go.”

The top Corinthian team of the day was Ethan Doyle and the Capricorn team, in 10th overall.

Friday evening the sailors congregated at San Diego Yacht Club for a North Sails debrief of the day on the water and will be back on the race course Saturday for Day 2.

San Diego Yacht Club would like to thank the Etchells North American Championship sponsors - Cutwater Spirits, North Sails, Maui Brewing, Vakaros and Sailors for the Sea - for making this event possible.

2025 Etchells North American Championship Set to Kick Off Friday May 16th in San Diego

published 05/15/2025

Event Info

San Diego Yacht Club welcomes 39 teams competing in the 2025 Etchells North American Championships - a 3-day regatta May 16-18.

Local sailor Ben Mitchell will be one of 3 crew sailing with Paul Dorsey on Adjudicator this weekend. "We have about 40 boats. It is a really deep fleet. All the top teams from the US are here, so all of us local sailors will have our hands full with the competition that's here this weekend. The weather looks nice. I think we're going to have decent breeze. And I'm looking forward a really competitive event."

2023 North Americans champion Jim Cunningham and his crew aboard Lifted have been sailing together for years and are building towards a run at Jim's first World Championship title in 2026. Crew members Steve Hunt and Erik Shampain from SDYC are past World Champion crew members, and along with Serena Vilage, make up one of the strongest teams in the field. 2024 North American Champion John Dane will also be back to defend his title, which was a 1-point victory over Cunningham. The remaining 37 skippers competing are looking for their first Etchells North American championship title.

Steve Hunt shared that “We would love to win this regatta. We're preparing for the Worlds, which are here next year. We've won the North Americas before and we'd like to win it again. It'd be fun.”

Local Etchells Fleet 13 is well represented with 21 of the 39 entries. Etchells racing in San Diego has remained at an internationally competitive level for years, with SDYC hosting the annual West Coast Spring Series and the National Championships in recent years. While half of the skippers will be sailing on their home waters, the West Coast Spring Series has given many other teams exposure to racing in San Diego. Race venue and conditions should be no surprise to most during this Championship event.

Each of the boats competing this weekend is equipped with Vakaros RaceSense technology, which is new for many of the local teams. RaceSense provides synchronized timing, set in advance by the Race Committee, and removes the need for each boat to ping the end of the line. Every sailor knows their precise Distance and Time to the Line during each starting sequence, and anyone who pokes their nose over the line early is notified immediately when their screen lights up with a red “OCS” message. They can quickly dip back below the line and continue to sail when the screen says “Clear.” Race Sense means that Recalls and Penalty Flags are a thing of the past; sailors can focus on sailing, not on starting.

The Race Committee will post unofficial mark rounding orders live during each race for the top 12 boats around each mark and through the finish, so keyboard spectators can keep up with the competition in real time.

Regatta Chair Marnie Jenkins said “While I’ll miss being able to compete myself, I’m honored to be this year’s regatta chair. Racing comes first, and the forecast on the water looks excellent — but we’ve also planned some truly memorable social events.”

Thursday night features a poolside Welcome Reception. Friday after racing sailors will gather for a North Sails & Friends race debrief session along with dinner and drinks. Saturday will serve a blazer dinner, and Sunday the awards ceremony. Each event will feature cocktails from sponsor Cutwater Spirits.

San Diego Yacht Club would like to thank the Etchells North American Championship sponsors - North Sails, Maui Brewing, The Bay Club Hotel & Marina, Vakaros and Sailors for the Sea - for making this event possible.

Q1 2025 Etchells Newsletter

published 03/31/2025

The first quarterly newsletter of 2025 contains an update from the IGC, a review of the 2025 World Championships, and news from around the world.

Magpie match races to win Etchells World Championship 2025

published 01/14/2025

Magpie AUS1486 skippered by Graeme Taylor with James Mayo have defended their title in the 2024 Etchells World Championship with crew member Ben Lamb with a classic match race to finish off the series.

At the end of the penultimate race, the scores were tied between USA1473 DanEgerous skippered by John Dane III with Eric Doyle and Bill Hardesty, and for the first time a different team was on top of the leaderboard with DanEgerous having more heat wins.

“That is just one of the most epic wins of my life, to be honest. Perth was awesome and to win at home is just like wow, in front of all your mates, your family, having Vic and my dad on the water today, you know, just really special,” said Graeme Taylor.

“John Dane's a fantastic guy and Bill Hardesty and Eric Doyle, they're just absolute professionals and they're doctors of the sport, so we knew we were playing with a pitbull and it was a lot of fun.”

“Lamby did an epic job of just going [saying], this is what we've got to do and this is how we're going to do it, and I'm like, okay. I'm sure they would have done it the same way if they needed to as well”.

“Even though we were even on points, we were super strong mathematically going into that last race, and I guess that's how you win a world championship in the end, two boats duking it out, seeing what happens,” finished Taylor.

Magpie had a worst discard of 7, while DanEgerous had a discard of 16, meaning that Magpie could not be defeated for second place, but could lose the win. So there was no option, it would come down to a boat on boat battle for the regatta title.

The match racing began from the time the Orange Flag was hoisted (start line on station), five minutes before the warning signal for the race. It continued right until the gun. Magpie started slightly to leeward of DanEgerous, and when John Dane III tacked onto port, Magpie followed, and the teams went well beyond the starboard layline.

“Well, sometimes you're the bug and sometimes you're the windshield,” commented Bill Hardesty on how the final race unfolded.

“If we had been ahead, it would have been tables turned,” echoed John Dane III, answering what GT had surmised.

“To be tied going in the last race was pretty exciting. These guys did such a great job pulling me through. This guy in particular [Bill Hardesty] yelled at me a lot, but loves me,” joked Dane.

“At my age to be tied going into the last race, at 74 years old, I feel good. These guys were all disappointed. Needless to say, to come so close. But it was a great regatta,”.

John Dane III wins the Senior skipper (highest Placing Skipper over 60 yrs of age) prize as well as the Grandmasters World Championship (150 years combined age).

In the other divisions, in Corinthian and Youth, Lisa Rose AUS1484 were never headed.

“It's been a massive learning exercise for us and I think we're all pretty happy with how we sailed today. We went out probably with the lens to keep it simple and just keep improving every day and we love every day we get on the water because we get better,” said Jack Abbott.

“We can't wait to do more as a team,” said James.

“And, look, we couldn't be here without Marty, obviously. It's his boat and he's been a big support to us. So, helping us just learn as much as we can about the ocean in such a short time,” confirmed Xavier.

“Thanks again to the whole organising committee, all the sponsors, everyone involved, the club. Everyone's put in so much effort to make this event work and we wouldn't be here without them. So, we want to extend our thanks to them as part of this as well,” finished Abbott.

In Race 8, while many were watching what would unfold at the top of the overall leaderboard, First Tracks, AUS1485 skippered by Peter “Billy” Merrington, with Ian McKillop and Will Parker were just coming into their stride.

“We waited all week for it,” said Merrington.

“We just actually showed ourselves what we're capable of if we sailed properly the whole week,” he said of their 1 and 4 on the final day.

“The boys did a great job today,” he continued. “On the first beat we had a huge lead, we got it a little bit wrong on the second beat and they came back to us, but the first top mark was nice to look back and do a bit of spectating. Look at that,” he finished remembering.

It was similar for the Race 9 winners, AMac USA1494 skippered by Andy Beadsworth with Brian Ledbetter and Will Ryan.

“It was obviously a good race, nice to win a race,” he commented while packing up. “We’ve had a pretty tough week and it hasn't really come together but we got off the line, had good pace and no issues in that race at all”.

“They came and caught up a couple times [the fleet] but then we would extend again so just a shame we couldn’t find it earlier in the week,” he lamented.

“It was good to win the race to the crane,” he finished smiling.

Etchells Australia: https://www.facebook.com/EtchellsAustralia

Etchells Class Association: https://www.facebook.com/EtchellsClass

This regatta would not be possible without the support of HillPDA, Vakaros, North Sails, Musto Australasia, the Victorian Government, the organising committee and volunteers, and the Royal Brighton Yacht Club.

The next World Championship for the Etchells class will be held from the San Diego Yacht Club, 10-15 May 2026.

Event website

Entry list

Results

FULL PRIZE LIST

Race Winner Trophies

DanEgerous – USA1473 John Dane III, Eric Doyle, Bill Hardesty

Race 1 - presented by US Etchells Fleet #6, Newport Beach, CA

Race 4 - US Etchells Fleet #4, presented by Eastern Yacht Club

Race 5 –presented by US Etchells Fleet #12, St. Francis Yacht Club

Flying Higher – AUS1518 Jeanne-Claude Strong, Seve Jarvin, Max Jameson, Sam Newton

Race 2 - Peter Tirion Trophy, presented by the Royal Canadian Yacht Club

Tiger – AUS1524 Nigel Abbott, Rod Hagebols, Chris Manton

Race 3 - presented by Brisbane Etchells Fleet

Magpie – AUS1486 Graeme Taylor, Ben Lamb, James Mayo

Race 6 – American Yacht Club Centennial Trophy, presented by the American Yacht Club, NY

Racer CC – HKG1482 Mark Thornburrow, Mike Huang, Malcolm Page, Julian Plante

Race 7 - New Zealand Kauri, presented by Gulf Harbor Yacht Club

First Tracks – AUS1485 Peter Merrington, Ian McKillop, William Parker

Race 8 - Jim Annand Trophy, presented by International Etchells Class, Australia

AMac – USA1494 Andy Beadsworth, Brian Ledbetter, Will Ryan, Jack Jakosky (owner)

Race 9 - presented by the Cowes Fleet in honor of Ante Razmilovic

Division Winners

Master Highest Placing Skipper over 50yrs of age

Ogilvy Masters Trophy presented by Members and Governors of the Class to honor Stan Ogilvy (recipient skipper must be at least 50 years old).

Magpie – AUS1486 Graeme Taylor, Ben Lamb, James Mayo

Senior Highest Placing Skipper over 60yrs of age

Robert W. Sides Seniors Trophy, presented by the US Etchells Fleet #4 Marblehead, MA for the winner of the Senior (recipient skipper must be at least 60 years old) division.

DanEgerous USA1473 – John Dane III, Eric Doyle, Bill Hardesty

Grand Masters

Kingsford Smith Trophy, presented by the Sydney fleet in honor of Ian Kingsford Smith to be awarded to the skipper and crew with best results at the World Championship with a combined age of 150 years for a three person crew or 200 years for a four person crew.

DanEgerous USA1473 – John Dane III, Eric Doyle, Bill Hardesty

Presentation of The Bill Munster Sportsmanship Trophy

Bill Munster Sportsmanship Trophy, presented by Jim DeWitt in honor of Bill Munster. To be awarded annually to the competitor who in the eyes of the Organizing Authority, Race Committee and International Jury exhibits the most sportsmanlike qualities of the event.

Scott Walton Barry AUS924

After breaking his mast, gave his boom and spinnaker pole to competitors so they may continue to race and complete the series.

Only boat with all female crew

Carabella IV AUS1219 – Maddy McLeay, Charlie Alexander, Lily Richardson, Matilda Richardson

Bill Steele Trophy

Awarded to the crew with the lowest average age.

Carabella IV AUS1219 – Maddy McLeay, Charlie Alexander, Lily Richardson, Matilda Richardson

Corinthian fifth overall

Matilda AUS1488 – Blake Robertson, William Kelly, Thomas Kelly

Corinthian fourth overall

Pegasus AUS1278 - Grant Hudson, Brian Donovan, Lucas Patrick, Mitchell Kennedy

Corinthian third overall

Jukes of Hazzard AUS1011 – Brendon Jukes, Nigel Jones, Owen McMahon, Michael O’Brien

Corinthian second overall

Flirtation AUS1026 - Matt Crawford, Jason Antill, Scott O’Connor

Corinthian Highest placing Corinthian boat

Top Corinthian Crew Trophy, presented by Patricia Stadel in recognition of outstanding yacht racing achievement by Corinthian sailors to be awarded to the so defined (World Sailing category 1) Corinthian skipper and crew achieving the best result in said International Etchells Worlds Championship Series.

Next Generation

Next Generation Trophy, presented by the friends of Hans Fogh, awarded to the skipper and crew, all 29 or younger, as of January 1, 2025, achieving the best result.

Lisa Rose AUS1484 – Jack Abbott, Xavier Winston Smith, Tom Trotman, James McLennan

Fifth Overall

Rogue USA1519 – Scott Kaufman, Gonzalo Ribiero, Hugo Rocha, Carlos Robles

Fourth Overall

USA1519 – Austin Sperry, John Kostecki, Noel Drennan

Third overall
Top Female Helm

Awarded to the female helm achieving the best result.

Flying Higher AUS1518 – Jeanne-Claude Strong, Seve Jarvin, Max Jameson, Sam Newton

Second overall

DanEgerous USA1473 – John Dane III, Eric Doyle, Bill Hardesty

Bill Bennett crew trophy

Bill Bennett Perpetual Trophy, presented by US Fleet 13.
Awarded to the World Champion crew.

Magpie AUS1486 - Ben Lamb, James Mayo

Etchells Worlds Winner

The Founders Trophy, presented by Mary Etchells

Magpie AUS1486 - Graeme Taylor, Ben Lamb, James Mayo

Etchells World Championship 2025 - Magpie Holds On To Lead

published 01/13/2025

Magpie AUS1486 skippered by Graeme Taylor, with James Mayo and Ben Lamb have maintained their lead in the Etchells World Championship 2025 with a 7, 1, 2 with a total of 17 (now with one drop). The next closest, DanEgerous USA1473 closed the gap once the drop came into play, on 19 points, then Flying Higher AUS1518 on 26 points.

“One more day,” said Graeme Taylor of today’s sailing, not wanting to elaborate until the job is done.

The first race was set at 210 degrees ready to commence at 1155 after a short postponement on shore. There was a shift to the left mid sequences, and the Race Committee postponed with one minute to go to drop the pin back to be at 200.

Peter McNeill (aka Polly) with Peter Bellingham and Andrew Smith on Lucy AUS1082 led around the first top mark by some margin, with Flying Higher just behind, following their brilliant start on port.

“It was a cracker! It was, Polly wanted a cracker up there! We got a great start and just launched it… the wind went all a bit funky and we couldn’t hold onto it,” said Peter McNeill.

DanEgerous AUS1473 skippered by John Dane III with Eric Doyle and Bill Hardesty took advantage of those around them faltering. They got inside of Flying Higher AUS1518 at the bottom mark to move up from third to second, and then chased down the leader on the second beat and weren’t headed from there.

Magpie rounded the first top mark in 26th place, and finished seventh - displaying regatta saving sailing. The crew showed resilience to come back and table a keeper score.

The course for the second race was set at 180 degrees at a length of 1.8 nm which was extended for the final run of the race as the wind continued to pick up, increasing to 18 knots in the gusts.

The first boat across the line was Magpie, and the relief was evident.

By the last race, the southerly had more than set in, and the wave state had doubled with the outgoing tide pushing against the breeze that was peaking at 22 knots. The Race Committee set a double windward-leeward course again, with a 2.4 nautical mile beat set at 180 degrees.

Mark Thornburrow’s Racer CC AUS1482 led from start to finish, extending on every leg, even when the crew said it was tough going.

“I’m absolutely shattered,” said dual Gold medallist Malcolm Page who is the tactician on Racer CC. “Those 2.4 nautical mile beats when the wind got up to around 20 knots, with some brutal waves, especially on port tack”.

On finding their form in today’s conditions, the team said it wasn’t on any leg in particular.

“Yeah we got off the start and we were right up there, upwind and downwind,” said Thornburrow.

“We’re just getting our mojo - right at the end,” said Page.

“At the end of the regatta,” confirmed Thornburrow.

“We're ready to go!” exclaimed Page.

There are two more races scheduled for tomorrow to complete the full schedule of nine races, commencing at 1055.

Etchells Australia: https://www.facebook.com/EtchellsAustralia

Etchells Class Association: https://www.facebook.com/EtchellsClass

Event website

Entry list

Results

Etchells World Championship 2025 - Lightning and Lack of Wind

published 01/12/2025

A storm front with gale force wind and lightning, which then resulted in a lack of wind resulted in no racing on the third day of the Etchells World Championship 2025 from the Royal Brighton Yacht Club.

At 1130 the fleet was advised via VHF to stay onshore until further notice, and a parade of sailors returned to the Royal Brighton Yacht Club, framed by an ominous cloud approaching from the south.

The first postponement was flown right on 1255 from the Race Committee (RC) vessel in the marina. The RC headed out at 1315 after the lightning had passed, and the fleet headed out with the hope of getting in at least one of the scheduled two races.

At 1451 (AEDT/GMT+11) the Race Officer Rob Ridley echoed across the still waters of Port Phillip.

“Attention Etchells Fleet, Attention Etchells Fleet, Race Committee - we can’t maintain an average of five knots. The afternoon forecast is for a dying breeze, so it is our decision, AP/A, AP/A”.

“Unfortunately we were unable to make any racing today, but tomorrow it is our intention to amend the schedule. So we will start earlier tomorrow morning, yet to be determined, but we’ll amend the schedule and start earlier tomorrow for three races. Tomorrow’s forecast, and the day after, look great”.

“AP/A, we thank you for your patience,” he finished.

Etchells Australia: https://www.facebook.com/EtchellsAustralia

Etchells Class Association: https://www.facebook.com/EtchellsClass

The Etchells World Championship 2025 continues tomorrow with an amended schedule as indicated by the Race Officer. The first warning will be at 1055 (AEDT/GMT+11), with the intention to complete three races tomorrow, and two on the following day, also with a start time at 1055, with the hope of meeting the full schedule of nine races.

Event website

Entry list

Results

Etchells World Championship 2025 - A Family Affair

published 01/11/2025

The Etchells World Championship 2025 is looking like a family affair on day two of racing, with Nigel Abbott’s Tiger AUS1524 and Lisa Rose AUS1484, skippered by Jack Abbott AUS1484 both featuring in the results.

Nigel Abbott, who celebrated a birthday yesterday was the winner in Race 3, and now sits in third place overall, and Jack Abbott, who first led in Race 3, but went on to take second in Race 4 (which his Dad also led at one stage), sits in fifth overall and is first Youth and Corinthian.

“I thought, you know, everybody should have a win on their birthday but to get it the day after is just fine, I assure you,” said Nigel Abbott.

“Absolutely delightful to be out there racing with your son and our buddies… there's nothing better really,” he continued.

“I wonder what mum will be saying, whether she's going around saying she's Jack's mum or Nigel's husband,” questioned Jack Abbott.

“It is a real problem out there. Everybody else wants to win too which is causing a bit of havoc for the Abbotts,” confessed Nigel Abbott.

*Videos were filmed post-racing before protests, results spoken about are reflective of timing.

First overall remains the same as at the end of Day 1, with defending World Champions, Magpie AUS1486 maintaining a significant lead with two keeper scores in the tough conditions.

DanEgerous also maintained their overnight position, and are in second place on the overall standings. The team stepped up from second at the first top mark in Race 4 to take the win in the final race of the day, and lead on a countback over Tiger AUS1524.

John Bertrand’s Triad2020 AUS1478 which he is sailing with dual Gold medallist Matt Wearn and Mateusz Kusznierewicz also had a good day with a fourth place across the line in race three (later an 18.1 SCP) and a six. Post-racing, the Triad2020 team took a scoring point penalty during arbitration rather than going to protest which altered the Race 3 results post interview.

“You could easily put some big points on the board so all in all, a solid day,” said Wearn of their second day of racing.

Fellow teammate Kusznierewicz continued, “We are happy… we want to be on the last day of racing, still in the hunt for a top place”.

It was a long day on and off the water for sailors after a postponement flag was flown at 11:00.

“In at 7 o'clock, it's like an Olympic program. I'm not cut out for that,” joked the legend, John Bertrand AO, skipper of Australia II and multiple former Etchells World and National Champion.

“There's a long way to go with this regatta. I've never raced in a regatta where it's normal so this is part of the deal,” he finished, speaking of the exceptionally variable conditions.

It looks like another Northerly gradient is on the cards for tomorrow morning with an earlier swing to the South-West than today, at 11am rather than in the afternoon. The Etchells social channels will have live updates, with race coverage going live once the racing is in sequence.

Etchells Australia: https://www.facebook.com/EtchellsAustralia

Etchells Class Association: https://www.facebook.com/EtchellsClass

Event website

Entry list

Results

Etchells World Championship 2025 - Day 1

published 01/10/2025

Defending World Champions Magpie AUS1486 skippered by Graeme “GT” Taylor with James Mayo and Ben Lamb lead the Etchells World Championship 2025 after day one at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club, following a pair of second places in the first two races.

Video Wrap of Day 1

Winners of race one, DanEgerous USA1473, skippered by John Dane III with Eric Doyle and Bill Hardesty are in second place overall after a convincing win in Race 1 and stealing a sixth in Race 2.

“It was a great start. I've got a great crew, who got me a super start in the first race and we were able to lead to every mark,” said Dane of their first race win. “We're happy… It was a wonderful first day at the Worlds,” he finished on their day.

Third place overall after day one was Flying Higher AUS1518 skippered by Jeanne-Claude Strong with Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton and Max Jameson. They led around every mark in the second race of the day to add just one point to their eighth in Race 1.

“The guys did an amazing job as always,” said JC Strong, as always crediting her success to her crew. “Max was awesome. He hikes harder than anyone in the fleet and never whinges”.

“Come on you guys put in, put in,” said Seve Jarvin, mimicking Max who is 12 years old and the youngest in the Etchells fleet for this World Championship by some margin.

“It was him that got us across the line, he was on fire,” continued Jarvin. “Maxi said to start down the leeward end, get to the left and cross the fleet and go”.

“He’s our strategist,” said Sam Newton.

“And he does the tactics,” continued Jarvin of their 12-year-old crewmate.

The first Corinthian after day one is Lisa Rose AUS1484, also the first Youth sitting in ninth overall after a 14th and a strong fourth in the second race. There are 24 Corinthians (teams with no professionals on board) within the fleet of 46.

“We love what we're doing under the Club Corinthian banner, which is something that Martin [Hill of HillPDA] and I are very passionate about. All the guys on our boat, we're all working professionals and we're doing it [the regatta] for the love of sailing,” said Abbott.

Racing today had a strong south-southwest direction with race one starting within the region of 10 knots of wind speed with a bearing of 195° before strengthening to 12 knots of wind speed and a change in bearing to 190°-180°.

While DanEgerous held first place around all the marks in Race 1, the rest of the fleet traded places as they moved up and down the course and made for a thrilling finish across the line.

In Race 2, the breeze strengthened to 16 knots by the start. The additional breeze also built on the already short sharp and steep chop, with the outgoing current ripping into the onshore breeze. The conditions on starboard tack were difficult for the fleet given the waves were almost straight on the bow.

“The chop was not too heavy, but enough to separate the boats. On starboard tack, you were going straight into it and you'd hit a wave and go from 5.7 knots to 5 and then get your speed back, but it was tough steering on starboard tack,” Dane concluded.

With the first of five days of racing completed there's still plenty of opportunity for those chasing on the leaderboard and tight competition throughout the fleet.

Race 1 Live

Race 2 Live

Racing is set to continue tomorrow from 1255 with two races scheduled. The northerly may fight longer with the sea breeze, which may affect the racing, live updates on the racing schedule will be available on the Etchells Facebook channels.

Etchells Australia: https://www.facebook.com/EtchellsAustralia

Etchells Class Association: https://www.facebook.com/EtchellsClass

Event website

Entry list

Results

Etchells World Championship 2025 - Practice Race

published 01/09/2025

The Etchells World Championship 2025 kicks off with full force tomorrow following the practice race today.

The first to cross the line was David Dunn, owner and skipper of Great White Hunter AUS1483 after a beautiful final work which he put down to his crew Bret Perry and Sandy Higgins.

“We've sailed quite a bit before and it's great getting the old team back. It's been a couple of years now and especially with Sandy [Higgins] having just won the 5-o [5o5] World Championship, it's really good. We all get on well and we sail well together and it's fun”.

“I'm not sure if that's a good thing,” he said of taking the gun in the practice race. “We were going to finish earlier, but we thought there's a bit of work to do with our pace and practice, so we used the race to do that”.

On the weather for the regatta, Dunn said that the tough race track of today might just be a warm up.

“Looks pretty tricky all round from the north and into the south… so the timing's going to be important and as was said at the opening, it's a game of chess out there. It's not a Formula One track, so we're going to have to have our heads out of the boat”.

Heads out of the boat, as they did today in the later part of the race to take the win.

“I'll doff my hat to Sandy on that one, on the last work especially, we got it going and he read it beautifully. Checkmate”.

39 boats started the practice race out of the 46 entries, and with three boats OCS, despite their Race Sense warnings, and 16 retirements, 20 boats lasted the full distance.

Kelpie AUS882, skippered by Richard Smith with Toby Conn, Bentley Conn and Raf Heale was the first to round the first top mark, reading the tricky conditions the best.

“The polishing must have helped”, said Smith. But he commented that it didn’t help them at the bottom mark where they experienced a few tangles with their spinnaker.

“There is no pressure going into tomorrow now”, he commented.

That won’t be the case for all with multiple world champions across a variety of classes, Olympians, Olympic medallists, America’s Cup sailors, SailGP sailors and numerous sailing heroes and legends throughout the fleet, as well as exceptionally well practiced teams at the peak of their performance.

The 46-strong-fleet is set for a 1300 local time (AEDT/GMT +11) start tomorrow, with two races scheduled. Conditions are likely to start in the North like today, with the Southerly due to start building from race time.

Follow live coverage at the Etchells Australia and the International Etchells Class Association Facebook pages.

Etchells Australia: https://www.facebook.com/EtchellsAustralia

Etchells Class Association: https://www.facebook.com/EtchellsClass

Event website

Entry list

Results

Q4 2024 Etchells Newsletter

published 12/23/2024

Read the fourth quarter 2024 newsletter here.

AGM Minutes and Class Annoucements

published 12/13/2024

2024 IECA AGM Minutes
IGC Resolution 2024-07
WS Approval for Change to CR C.6 (Resolution 2024-07)

The minutes from the 2024 IECA Annual General Meeting are available.

Important annoucements include:

Clarification to Class Rule C.6, Complete Boat Weight (Resolution 2024-07). The resolution and World Sailing permission (to be displayed on the regatta notice board) are linked.
$20 (USD) dues increase for both Owner (new amount $100 USD) and Non-Owner dues (new amount $50 USD) (Resolution 2024-08).
The electronics trial period is ongoing. More information and the necessary permissions are here.
The Class Rules voted on last year will be effective as of January 1, 2025. Those are available here.

November IGC resolutions (electronics and qualifying events) - UPDATED with WS permissions

published 11/19/2024

Resolution 2024-05
Resolution 2025-06
WS Approval for Electronics (Resolution 2024-05)
Suggested NOR Language for Electronics (Resolution 2024-05)

At their November 5, 2024 meeting, the IGC passed two resolutions.

Resolution 2024-05 allows for temporary exemption to Class Rule C.5.1(b) to explore the use of onboard electronics through May 30, 2025. This exemption has been granted by World Sailing. This resolution replaces both previous resolutions and the previous exemption regarding the use of electronics. The use of electronics is left up to the event OA and the NOR for the event state that the exemption will be used and which functionality will be allowed. The class has received WS permission for this change. The approval and suggested NOR language are linked.

Resolution 2024-06 waives the requirement for partifipation in a Qualifying Event for competitors to participate in the 2025 Worlds.

Both these resolutions were shared with the national secretaries on November 6, 2024.

2024 Annual General Meeting

published 11/15/2024

2024 AGM Materials

The 2024 IECA Annual General meeting will be held December 5, 2024 at 2200 UTC via Zoom.

Registration is mandatory and may be completed here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7DTvvcXjRhui3CwgXsmfyw

If you would like to submit any questions, please send them to the office.

Q3 2024 Etchells Newsletter

published 10/10/2024

Read the third newsletter of 2024 here.

Mainsheet block riser

published 10/09/2024

The question has arisen about a situation where a riser is fitted under the main sheet block. The applicable rule is the console rule C.7.5.(c).1.(ii).B. “No fitting shall be attached on a base higher than necessary to ensure a fair lead”.

The interpretation is that no fitting can be fastened higher than 30 mm below the cockpit coaming. For example, the base of the mainsheet Swivel Unit can be no higher than 30 mm below the cockpit coaming.

IGC Resolution Amending Electronics Use

published 10/08/2024

Resolution 2024-04

At the August IGC meeting, a resolution was passed allowing the use of certain electronics for continued exploration of the use of onboard electronics in the Etchells class. The IGC resolved to allow regatta organizers to include in their NOR an exemption to Class Rule C.5.1(b) to allow for electronics to be used so that functions from the Group B list can be used at the discretion of the Race Organizers, Race Committee or PRO. This exemption is allowed under RRS 87. This exemption was subsequently approved by World Sailing.

The IGC, in consultation with Fleets around the world, has resolved to amend the previous resolution to allow for further testing the OCS messaging functionality without a change to the NOR and to clarify that all Group A functionality is allowed at the 2025 World Championship.

European Championship - Date and Venue Changes

published 09/05/2024

Press Release - Venue Change

The date and venue for the 2024 Etchells European Championship has changed.

The event will now be held in Cowes on October 11-13, 2024. Please see the press release for more information.

IGC Resolutions Regarding Use of Onboard Electronics and 2028 World Championship

published 08/08/2024

Resolution 2024-02

At their 6 August meeting, the IGC passed two resolutions.

Resolution 2024-02 allows for the use of electronics with certain functionality through December 31, 2024. This resolution is pending final approval from World Sailing. The full text of the resolution is linked above. Update: World Sailing approved the exemption approved in Resolution 2024-02 on August 30, 2024.

Resolution 2024-03 awards the 2028 World Championship regatta to Cowes. This will follow the 2025 World Championship in Melbourne, 2026 World Championship in San Diego (likely May), and the 2027 World Championship in Hong Kong (likely November).

Spinnaker sheet block recess

published 07/24/2024

An owner has asked whether the above spinnaker sheave setup is legal. There was a ruling in June 2020 to say it isn’t. Since then, the class rules have changed (which makes the interpretation less certain) but in any case, boat builders are not doing this anymore. In the meantime, there are many boats with this setup – mostly M11’s but also some boats from other manufacturers. There are several boats that have competed in Worlds without anyone raising any issues about it (eg. both Heritage and M11 boats). This setup doesn’t present any safety issues as the hole doesn’t pierce the watertight compartment, nor does this setup provide any performance advantage. It wouldn’t be a trivial task to fill these holes.

An interpretation was provided on 3 June 2020 ruling this setup to be illegal. Boats which had this setup installed prior to 3 June 2020 are not required to change it. However, it is not permitted to be fitted after 3 June 2020. If a replacement block is required for a boat with this system, the same type of block may be used.

Q2 2024 Etchells Newsletter

published 06/24/2024

Read the second quarter newsletter for 2024 here. You will find:

A letter from the class chairman.
Information on the 2025 World Championship.
Updates from fleets around the world.

Q1 2024 Etchells Newsletter

published 03/30/2024

Read the first quarter 2024 newsletter here. In it is:

Message from the Chairman
2024 Worlds recap
News from fleets around the world

Magpie soars like an eagle to claim 2024 Etchells World Championships

published 03/25/2024

James Mayo (1999) and Richard Allanson (2019) have previously won the Etchells World Championships, but this is the first time in 20 years that Graeme Taylor can claim the honour. Sailing AUS1486 Magpie, the trio were ecstatic when they crossed the finish line of the final race.

“I’m just so happy!” said an excited Taylor, the result having not yet sunk in, as he sat on the media boat shaking his head.

“I've been sailing with James Mayo and Richie Allanson for a long time now, and really, the whole project has been to leave no stone unturned.”

“Both the boys have just put their absolute all into it. The boat and sails are immaculate, and we have everything you could possibly ask for, so we're very lucky and fortunate."

“I thank James for how good the boat is, and Richie is the ultimate workhorse; he just works his absolute butt off to get the job done."

“During these events, you learn a lot about each other and how we're all different, and that's been an interesting journey as well. But I love both the guys, and to win the World Championship here in Australia, there's nothing better. I'm absolutely thrilled."

Taylor was on board Andoo Comanche when they had the line honours win ripped away from them in the final moments of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race after LawConnect rolled them at the finish, so this win brings something extra special for him.

“After losing the Hobart race on Comanche by 30-odd seconds, that was pretty tough. The first thing we said when we went across the line down there (in Hobart) is let's not lose the Etchells Worlds and make it a double whammy,” laughed Taylor, with the realisation that he had pulled off a World Championship win finally becoming a reality.

“We'll savour it and party long into the night and enjoy it. It’s not every day you win a World Championship and I’ve finally done it. I've won! We’ve won!!!”

“I've had three seconds, a third, and every other place between ten and twenty, and I've been sailing these boats for 20 years. It's not an easy event to win, and to finally win one, well, I'm just over the moon.”

But it didn’t come easy for them. They were deep up the first work, and it was AUS1518 Flying Higher, Jeanne-Claude Strong, Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton, and Max Jameson who claimed the Race 9 win. They led the from start to finish in a building southerly.

They owned the race and stayed clean while others struggled to maintain the peak. It was a well-deserved race win for the team.

Race 9

AUS - Jeanne-Claude Strong, Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton, and Max Jameson
USA - Andy Beadsworth, Brian Ledbetter, and Ben Lamb
AUS - Mark Roberts, Jake Newman, and Charlie Wyatt

USA1494 AMac, Andy Beadsworth, Brian Ledbetter, and Ben Lamb had a fantastic final race of the championship, finishing second, which then placed them second overall, 10 points clear of Magpie.

Graham Vials, Billy Russell, and Andrew Lawson from Great Britain sailing No Dramas, rounded out the podium to take third place in the world championship. They had a fantastic regatta and also took out the Corinthian division.

After the race, Vials talked about their Corinthian division win.

"It's really good. I mean, we did the Cowes Worlds a couple of years back and came fifth and first Corinthians, so we came here with an objective to try and improve upon that score."

"To go into the last race today with a chance of winning was really good and to finish third overall and first Corinthians is a really good result, so we're super stoked."

"It's a good outcome. It's fantastic to be here in Fremantle again. Great conditions, lovely weather, good wind, and a really close race in the Etchells class, so we've got no complaints at all."

"I think for anyone who's thinking about the Etchells and wants that challenge to race against the best sailors in the world, it's a perfect opportunity," said Vials.

That wraps up the 2024 Etchells World Championship in Fremantle. The event was a collaboration between three major clubs.

Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club - Organising Authority
Fremantle Sailing Club - Host Venue
Royal Perth Yacht Club - Supporting Club

Each club provided volunteers and resources to create this event, which is a great showcase of clubs working together for the greater good of sailing.

Top 5 Overall

AUS - Graeme Taylor, James Mayo, and Richard Allanson - 40pts
USA - Andy Beadsworth, Brian Ledbetter, and Ben Lamb - 50pts
GBR - Graham Vials, Billy Russell, and Andrew Lawson - 55pts
GBR - Lawrie Smith, Richard Parslow, Ruairidh Scott, and Dave Hughes - 72pts
AUS - Michael Manford, Dean McAullay, and Nicholas Gray - 73pts

Top 5 Corinthians

GBR - Graham Vials, Billy Russell, and Andrew Lawson - 55pts
AUS - Michael Manford, Dean McAullay, and Nicholas Gray - 73pts
HKG - Jamie McWilliam-Peter Austin / Jim Bittl - 132pts
USA - Andy Beadsworth, Brian Ledbetter, and Ben Lamb - 148pts
AUS - Chris Pratt, Ethan McAullay, Michael McAullay - 149pts

Event media at this regatta is made possible thanks to the support from HillPDA Consulting. Down Under Sail (based in Adelaide, Australia) and Live Sail Die (based in Auckland, New Zealand) collaborated on this event to provide all the coverage. Daily photography, videos, stories and press releases meant the spectators watching at home kept up with every moment.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

CLICK HERE for the event website
CLICK HERE for Overall results
CLICK HERE for Corinthian results
CLICK HERE for VIDEO with Graeme Taylor (Magpie)
CLICK HERE for VIDEO with Graham Vials (No Dramas)
CLICK HERE for the full gallery of photos on Facebook

EVENT DETAILS:

Organising Authority: Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club

Host Venue: Fremantle Sailing Club

Supporting Club: Royal Perth Yacht Club

Event dates: 18-22 March 2024

Story author: Suellen Hurling, Live Sail Die for Down Under Sail

Photo credit: Suellen Hurling, Live Sail Die for Down Under Sail

MEDIA CONTACT: Suellen Hurling

Mobile / WhatsApp: +64 21 892 004 / Email: suellen@livesaildie.com

Shiftier than a bag of snakes! Frustrating conditions on Day 3 of the 2024 Etchells World Championships

published 03/21/2024

Day 3 of the 2024 Etchells World Championships brought a new level of frustration for the 40 competing boats, with light and shifty conditions across the race course all afternoon.

Tensions were as high as the thermometer as the fleet was met with an oscillating and unsettled breeze.

For Race 5, the Race Committee set a course of 1.6nm and aimed for a duration of 60-70 minutes.

Magpie, Graeme Taylor, James Mayo, and Richard Allanson managed to outsmart the conditions and claim their second bullet of the regatta, pushing them ahead of the fleet. They jumped from third overall after Race 4 to the top of the scoreboard after six races. Magpie is the first team to get two race wins so far in this regatta.

“It was tricky. We had a pretty decent day, winning the first race easily, but it was still quite stressful. The second race, we sort of coughed it up down the first run, which is a bit annoying, but I'm sure there are many more stories of woe out there!” said Taylor.

“We're looking forward to tomorrow, and hopefully, we can get out there and get the job done,” continued Taylor.

USA1494, AMac had their best race of the series, finishing second in Race 6. They bettered their Race 2 result by one place, giving them a slight edge after a disappointing BFD in Race 4.

The Hong Kong four-up team of Mark Thornburrow, Malcolm Page, Mike Huang, and Julian Plante also had their best race of the regatta to date, claiming third.

Throughout the race, the conditions began to decrease, and with the shifts becoming greater than a white shark.

Top Corinthian crew for Race 5 was AUS1395 Shoulda Gone Left, Robin Deussen, Dave Snoad, and Jesse Mitton.

Race 5

AUS - Graeme Taylor, James Mayo, Richard Allanson
USA - Andy Beadsworth-Brian Ledbetter / Ben Lamb
HKG - Mark Thornburrow, Malcolm Page, Mike Huang, and Julian Plante

Race Officer on the Pin End Boat, Kevin Wilson, said the conditions were oscillating all day.

“Throughout the day, we saw the breeze go from 090 to 020,” said Wilson.

“We did have a ‘Charlie Minus, ’ bringing the course length from 1.5 to 1.4nm to cope with the fading conditions.”

Before heading into Race 6, there was another change.

“We went under AP for five minutes to make some course adjustments, then got into it,” said Wilson.

The Wilson Brothers, Ross, and Kevin, called for Race 6 to be 1.2nm.

“We saw everything from 6-7 knots and up to 12-15 in the gusts. During the second race, we saw good gusts, but you had to be in the race place, and that’s where JB (John Bertrand) got ahead - he got lucky!

Yachting legend John Bertrand, who has won two previous Etchells world championships (2016 & 2010), had a glamour Race 6 to finish the day with a smile and pushing him and his crew, George Richardson, and Lewis Brake, up to eighth overall.

“It was brutal out there. Massive shifts, in some cases, with air coming down from the heavens. One minute, you’re laying the mark on one tack, and then boom, you're laying it on another tack,” said Bertrand.

“But we were on the right side of the shifts in the second race, and we were able to play the game, which was terrific. The quality of the competition is just fabulous.”

“This class is the best one-design racing in Australia from my perspective. And what’s great is that we're getting many more girls involved in Etchells,” said Bertrand.

Peter Ahern, Gordon Blaauw, and Mark Spearman, AUS1422 Yo, were also on the lucky side of the shifts, claiming second in Race 6 (and top Corinthian), their best race of the series. Another best so far was Peter Merrington, Ian McKillop, and Steve Jarvin, AUS1485 First Tracks, who claimed third.

Race 6

AUS - John Bertrand, George Richardson, and Lewis Brake
AUS - Peter Ahern, Gordon Blaauw, and Mark Spearman
AUS - Peter Merrington, Ian McKillop, and Steve Jarvin

With Magpie having a good day and moving into first overall, there has been a slight reshuffle in the results. The top three after four races are still the top three after six races, but Taylor, May, and Allanson have moved into the top spot. This has pushed Graham Vials and his crew into second place and Michael Manford’s team into third.

The drop comes into play once seven races have been completed, which means the first race of Day 4, Thursday 21st March, we could see some big changes.

The Race Committee announced that Day 4 races will go ahead as per the planned schedule, with the first warning signal at 1300 hours local time.

Top 5 After 4 Races

AUS - Graeme Taylor, James Mayo, and Richard Allanson - 32pts
GBR - Graham Vials, Billy Russell, and Andrew Lawson - 34pts
AUS - Michael Manford, Dean McAullay, and Nicholas Gray - 38pts
HKG - Mark Thornburrow, Malcolm Page, Mike Huang, and Julian Plante - 65pts
AUS - Chris Hampton, Charlie Cumbley, and Paul Childs - 67pts

2024 Etchells World Championship - Schedule

Monday 18 March Warning Signal: 1000 hours AWST / Race 1 & Race 2

Tuesday 19 March Warning Signal: 1300 hours AWST / Race 3 & Race 4

Wednesday 20 March Warning Signal: 1300 hours AWST / Race 5 & Race 6

Thursday 21 March Warning Signal: 1300 hours AWST / Race 7 & Race 8

Friday 22 March Warning Signal: 1200 hours AWST / Race 9

Prize Giving Presentation

Event media at this regatta is made possible thanks to the support from HillPDA Consulting.

For more information, head to https://www.etchellsworldsfremantle.com/

Big changes and bigger gains at the 2024 Etchells World Championships

published 03/21/2024

The second day of racing at the 2024 Etchells World Championships saw a big change in conditions and bigger gains across the scoreboard.

Two more races were completed, this time in a 15-20 knot easterly with flatter water and slightly longer courses. On Day 1, Race Officer Ross Wilson set a 1.6nm course, while today, he opted for 1.7.

After a general recall and then a start under a black flag, two boats were forced to wait on the sideline. It was an agonising wait for Mark Roberts, Jake Newman, and Charlie Wyatt (AUS1473 Fumanchu2), and Jeanne-Claude Strong, Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton, and Max Jameson (AUS1518 Flying Higher), with both teams receiving a BFD to kick off the day.

Race 3 saw Magpie (Graeme Taylor, James Mayo, and Richard Allanson - AUS) swoop in and steal the win, pushing them further up the leaderboard after a 5th (Race 1) and 11th (Race 2) on the opening day of the competition.

On the dock, Taylor said, “Yeah, that wasn’t too bad.” He and his crew are now third overall.

With the lightest race of the regatta so far, the overall results have seen snakes climbing the ladders. Second in Race 3 was AUS1466 Tango Chris Hampton, Charlie Cumbley, and Paul Childs (AUS), who had their best race of the regatta so far after finishing 14th and 15th in Race 1 and Race 2, respectively.

Humble pie was on the menu for Mark Bradford, Will McCarthy & Anthony Nositer (AUS), being careful not to make a wrong move in front of the media boat after considering himself very lucky that their epic Chinese gybe wasn’t captured on camera. Sailing their Etchells named Pie, prior to racing, Bradford asked, “Did you see our Chinese gybe?! NO?!? Well, thank goodness because that would have been entertaining for you!” Bradford and his team managed to stay clean during Race 3 and had their best result of the regatta to date as well, finishing third.

With a few cheeky gusts of about 20 knots, the conditions stayed relatively consistent. Only a few colourful words were heard at the top mark rounding, with most of the sailors staying relatively well-behaved.

Race 3

AUS - Graeme Taylor, James Mayo, Richard Allanson
AUS - Chris Hampton, Charlie Cumbley, Paul Childs
AUS - Mark Bradford, Will McCarthy, Anthony Nositer

The Race Committee rolled straight into Race 4 but was forced to fly the General Recall flag after the fleet was a little too eager to get underway. The black flag was once again flown, this time with six boats receiving a BFD score.

Race 4 saw massive changes to the overall leaderboard, with Michael Manford, Dean McAullay, and Nicholas Gray (AUS) snapping their way to a win after a battle down the final leg. Sailing an Etchells called The Croc, Manford was impressed with how his team raced.

“We had a great day. We’ve got Dean McAullay in the center and Nick Gray up the front. The boat was in good shape and we had plenty of boat speed.”

“It was shifting, sort of 15 degrees every three or four minutes, so you just had to take advantage of the shifts. We were lucky enough to get on the right side of the shifts more than the other boats. I think we just got lucky!”

When asked how they would manage the remaining five races, Manfred said, “I think we just keep our heads down and try to stay out of trouble for the next few races. The goal is not to break any starts, which I would typically do in a championship, and just have some fun.”

Mark Roberts, Jake Newman, and Charlie Wyatt rectified their Race 3 BFD by having a ripper of race to finish second. When the drop comes into play, they will be able to discard the letters in their score.

Jan Muysken, Polly McNeill, and Sven Runow (AUS) achieved a glamourous Race 4 result, claiming third place on the leaderboard.

Race 4

AUS - Michael Manford, Dean McAullay, and Nicholas Gray
AUS - Mark Roberts, Jake Newman, and Charlie Wyatt
AUS - Jan Muysken, Polly McNeill, and Sven Runow

The forecast for Day 3 is for 8-15 knots from the east at the scheduled start time of 1300 hours. The crews will be keen for Day 3 to wrap up, as every sailor is required to complete a mid-regatta weigh-in after racing.

After four races, Corinthian teams are sitting pretty at the top! Graham Vials, Billy Russell, and Andrew Lawson (GBR1490 No Dramas) have taken the overall lead after another consistent day of racing. They hold on by four points. Manford and his crew on The Croc are also in the Corinthian division and are second overall.

Top 5 After 4 Races

GBR - Graham Vials, Billy Russell, and Andrew Lawson - 17pts
AUS - Michael Manford, Dean McAullay, and Nicholas Gray - 21pts
AUS - Graeme Taylor, James Mayo, and Richard Allanson - 23pts
HKG - Mark Thornburrow, Malcolm Page, Mike Huang, and Julian Plante - 43pts
USA - Michael Jobin-Keith Swinton / David Gilmour / Ned Breed - 45pts

2024 Etchells World Championship - Schedule

Monday 18 March

Warning Signal: 1000 hours AWST / Race 1 & Race 2

Tuesday 19 March

Warning Signal: 1300 hours AWST / Race 3 & Race 4

Wednesday 20 March

Warning Signal: 1300 hours AWST / Race 5 & Race 6

Thursday 21 March

Warning Signal: 1300 hours AWST / Race 7 & Race 8

Friday 22 March

Warning Signal: 1200 hours AWST / Race 9

Prize Giving Presentation

Event media at this regatta is made possible thanks to the support from HillPDA Consulting.

For more information, head to https://www.etchellsworldsfremantle.com/

<<<ENDS

Editors: Please refrain from editing / cropping the watermarks that are attached to these images.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

CLICK HERE for the event website
CLICK HERE for overall results
CLICK HERE for Corinthian results
CLICK HERE for Day 2 highlights video
CLICK HERE for the full gallery of photos on Facebook

EVENT DETAILS:

Organising Authority: Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club

Host Venue: Fremantle Sailing Club

Supporting Club: Royal Perth Yacht Club

Event dates: 18-22 March 2024

Story author: Suellen Hurling, Live Sail Die for Down Under Sail

Photo credit: Alex Dare, Down Under Sail

MEDIA CONTACT:

Suellen Hurling

Mobile / WhatsApp: +64 21 892 004

Email: suellen@livesaildie.com

Sendy first day of the 2024 Etchells World Championships, just what the Doctor ordered

published 03/19/2024

When Race Officer Ross Wilson called for an early start, the competitors knew they were in for an exciting first day of racing for the 2024 Etchells World Championships in Fremantle, Western Australia.

“Freo is a beautiful spot to go sailing, and I'm sure that all the competitors will really love what the Fremantle Sailing Club and the organising authority, Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, have in store for them here on the West Coast,” said Wilson ahead of hitting the water for the opening day.

“This is my fifth world title here in Freo over the last few years, so I'm well aware of what happens out on the racetrack.”

Originally scheduled for 1300 hours, the warning signal was brought forward to 1000 hours, giving the race committee a solid chance to safely get the first two races away and locking results on the scoreboard.

Wilson made a point of mentioning the high-pressure wind warning that had been issued, igniting the change in start times away from the original schedule. He also advised that the races would be between 65 and 70 minutes long. The windward mark was set at 1.6 nm in a direction of 190 for Race 1.

The forecast for the morning was bang on, with the fleet of 40 Etchells from five nations kicking off with a clear start in 15 knots from the south. As the race continued, the breeze and sea-state began to build, giving the sailors glamour conditions for the opening race of the championships.

AUS1484, Martin Hill, Noel Drennan, Sean O’Rourke and Nagisa Sakai stayed classy all day on a relatively quiet course. The four-up team locked in the first bullet of the championship.

Race 1

AUS - Martin Hill, Noel Drennan, Sean O’Rourke, Nagisa Sakai
AUS - Raymond Smith, Alan Smith, Michael Hughes
GBR - Graham Vials, Billy Russell, Andrew Lawson

After a short wait, it was into the second race of the day. The wind was already building, and with the fleet starting under the U flag in 20 knots, it was time to get going. Once again, it was a clear start, and the fleet were on their way up a 1.6nm beat, this time at a heading of 200.

Laurie Smith, Richard Parslow, Ruairiah Scott, and Dave Hughes from Great Britain put themselves in a handy position to take out the second race of the championship.

The “Fremantle Doctor” arrived mid-race, with gusts of up to 24-26 knots, and the fleet were on the send when the spinnakers were hoisted - one would assume that the sailors were surfers at that point!

Post-race and back on the dock, Smith said, “The first race wasn't too bad, but the second race got a bit windy.”

Complimenting his crew, Smith said that he just “does what he’s told and holds onto the tiller with two hands” when things get hectic.

“We had two good starts but made a few mistakes, so, you know, we will hopefully get better as the regatta goes on, but we're very happy after today,” said Smith.

Getting the bullet in Race 2 has put Smith and his team in a solid position. After two races, they are on equal points with fellow countrymen Graham Vials, Billy Russell, and Andrew Lawson.

Race 2

GBR - Lawrie Smith, Richard Parslow, Ruairiah Scott, Dave Hughes
USA - Michael Jobin, Keith Swinton, David Gilmour, Ned Breed
USA - Andy Beadsworth, Brian Ledbetter, Ben Lamb

The Jury team were pleased to advise that no protests had been received on the opening day.

The 2024 Etchells World Championships is a 10-race series hosted by Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club with Fremantle Sailing Club as the host venue and supported by Royal Perth Yacht Club.

Five straight days of racing from the 18th to the 22nd of March, with two races a day, will ultimately decide the 2024 World Champion team.

Racing resumes tomorrow at 1300 hours, Tuesday 19th March, as per the original schedule.

Top 5 After 2 Races

GBR - Lawrie Smith, Richard Parslow, Ruairiah Scott, Dave Hughes - =7pts
GBR - Graham Vials, Billy Russell, Andrew Lawson - =7pts
AUS - Peter Merrington, Ian McKillop, Steve Jarvin - 9pts
USA - Andy Beadsworth, Brian Ledbetter, Ben Lamb - 12pts
AUS - Martin Hill, Noel Drennan, Sean ORourke, Nagisa Sakai - 14pts

Event media at this regatta is made possible thanks to the support from HillPDA Consulting.

For more information, head to https://www.etchellsworldsfremantle.com/

IMPORTANT LINKS:

CLICK HERE for the event website
CLICK HERE for results
CLICK HERE for Day 1 highlights video
CLICK HERE for the full gallery of photos on Facebook

EVENT DETAILS:

Organising Authority: Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club

Host Venue: Fremantle Sailing Club

Supporting Club: Royal Perth Yacht Club

Event dates: 18-22 March 2024

Story author: Suellen Hurling, Live Sail Die for Down Under Sail

Photo credit: Alex Dare, Down Under Sail

MEDIA CONTACT:

Suellen Hurling

Mobile / WhatsApp: +64 21 892 004

Email: suellen@livesaildie.com

...

RESULTS: Proposed Rule Change: Spreader Adjusters

published 03/11/2024

RESULTS OF CLASS VOTE

The voting period for the proposed rule change on spreader and spreader adjusters and closed. The proposed change passed with 67.2% of the vote. The following changes as a result of the vote change and to fix errata in the rules will now be sent to World Sailing for approval:

SPEADERS & SPREADER SOCKETS PROPOSAL TO AMEND RULES

The IGC, at the advice of the ODTC, are proposing a change to the IECA Class Rules as outlined below. This proposal will be put to a class vote.

Rationale
Class Rule F.3.6 permits spreaders that can swing. This rule places limits on the maximum swing of the spreaders fore and aft. Plan 3MKB-25G-1 shows swinging spreaders and the limits of that swing.

Plan 3MKB-25G-1 details the spreader extrusions and the die to be used, to ensure they are strictly one design. The spreader socket design is optional provided certain dimensions are met as is the means of attaching the spreader to the socket.

Class leadership believes that the class generally supports swinging spreaders and that sailors take care to achieve identical swing characteristics on both sides and change the limits of swing depending on expected sailing conditions.

Adjustable spreaders have been tacitly allowed by the class, but this is not codified into the Class Rules, leaving doubt and debate. Without adjusters, some owners take several sets of spreaders to regattas and choose which spreader angle to use based on the weather forecast. This request for a change to the rules is to codify what is and has been in use for many years and to permit adjustable spreaders and eliminate the need for multiple sets of spreaders.

Summary of Changes
The changes to be made to the class rules adopted in November 2022 are:

To permit a single, mechanical spreader swing adjuster (see example in photo below) on each spreader, providing that its design does not enable it to be adjusted without first removing the spreader from its socket.
To clarify certain dimensions and definitions.
To reduce the complexity of manufacturing and to correct the fabrication and attachment details shown on 3MKB-25G-1.

Proposed Class Rules Changes

Add:

F.3.5(b).6: A single mechanism to adjust the forward and/or aft spreader swing fitted to each spreader.

F3.5(b).6(i): No part of the adjustment mechanism shall extend beyond the end of the spreader socket.

F3.5(b).6(ii): The spreader swing shall be able to be adjusted only when the spreader is removed from the spreader socket.

C 9.1(b)(3): Spreader swing shall not be adjusted during an event. The Notice of Race may change C 9.1(b)(3).

Amend:

F.3.6 to reduce the weight used to measure swing of spreaders from 15 kg to 5 kg.

Approval Process

The class has been notified of the proposed rule change on 19 December 2023 (Pacific Time).
According to the constitution, voting begins eight weeks after notification and the electronic voting will open on 13 February 2024 for all IECA members with voting rights (details of who has a vote are in IECA Constitution clause 4 — please make sure your membership is current).
The voting period will be open for 20 days. Votes will be accepted up until 4 March 2024.
Email comments on the proposal may be submitted to the class office for distribution on the website up until 14 days prior to the close of balloting.
Following the class accepting these changes World Sailing (WS) must approve it. We have consulted WS and incorporated their recommendations, they reserve the right to make amendments. These will be semantic and not change the proposal.

Extension of M11 Trial Period

published 02/07/2024

M11 Trial Period Details
WS Approval for M11 Trial Extension

The IGC continues to monitor the results of the M11 remediation. The remediation trial was originally intended to last through the 2024 World Championship, ending on 30 April 2024, with a class vote on whether to allow remediated M11 hulls to participate permanently with Etchells to follow. However, because of delays in completing remediation and the timely process of completing the work, more time and data are needed to adequately assess the effects of the remediation and compare remediated M11 hulls to Etchells in competition. To that end, on 23 January 2024, the IGC voted unanimously to ask World Sailing for permission to extend the trial period by one year to include the 2025 World Championships in Melbourne. We received approval from World Sailing on 1 February 2024 and, as such, has resolved to extend the trial period (IGC Resolution 2024-01).

Overall the feedback regarding the remediated M11 hulls from Australia has been positive. The IGC is discussing the analysis and information to be provided for members’ consideration, which may include:

Analysis of race results
Tow tests
Waterline float tests
A report from experts comparing scans of Plug 2, M11, and modified M11 hulls
An independent, multi-national, panel to provide comments on all testing and results

Q4 2023 Etchells Newsletter

published 12/20/2023

Read the fourth newsletter of 2023 here. Inside it is:

Recap of the year from IGC Chair Jim Cunningham
Information about the upcoming rules change vote
Information from around the world

2023 AGM announcement: UPDATED with Registration Information

published 10/12/2023

2023 Annual General Meeting Agenda

The 2023 IECA Annual General meeting will be held December 7, 2023 at 2200 UTC via Zoom.

Registration is mandatory and may be completed here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zzOqSv0eSsC4u9RIul_Nwg

If you have any questions or comments on the agenda, please email etchellsoffice@gmail.com.

Q3 2023 Etchells Newsletter

published 10/02/2023

Read the third newsletter of 2023 here.

Contents include:

Information about upcoming World Championships.
News from around the world.

IECA Code of Conduct

published 07/19/2023

At the July IGC Meeting, and as announced in the second IECA newsletter, the IECA Governors unanimously approved the IECA Code of Conduct. All members of the International Etchells Class Association are expected to adhere to this code and the IGC has voted to require a signature from all competitors at any Worlds qualifier, which includes both fleet qualifying series and Qualifying Events.

The Event Guidelines, NOR template, and SI template have all been updated to reflect the Code of Conduct and are available here: https://etchells.org/class/technical/championship-manual-and-templates.

Q2 2023 Etchells Newsletter

published 07/18/2023

Read the second newsletter of 2023 here.

Contents include:

Announcing the new IECA Code of Conduct.
Information about upcoming World Championships.
News from around the world.

Mast Spar Hole: Dimensions and Moving

published 05/22/2023

Questions:

Can the spar hole be cut out to be larger than the maximum measurement?
Can the spar hole be moved fore and aft after the boat is built?

Answer:
Rule C.7.1.(b) in the 2022 Class rules provides answers to these questions.
(b) The size, shape, and position of the mast spar hole in the deck may be modified, and limited extra reinforcement (in addition to Standard Materials, reinforcement materials may include acetyl or G10) may be added, providing the resulting hole in the deck in which the mast may move complies with the dimensions in this table:

	Minimum	Maximum
Longitudinal distance from hull datum point to the centre of mast spar hole at deck level on the centreline	5472 mm	5497 mm
Length of mast spar hole	200 mm	204 mm
Width of mast spar hole	98 mm	102 mm

Submitted by the Swan River Fleet

Mast Collar Insert

published 05/22/2023

Questions:
(Note: this question was originally submitted during the rules rewrite and was the impetus for clarification in the new version of the rules.)

Is it legal to install this Mast Partner Collar on my boat, given I have mast side chocks in place on the mast?
To be legal, must any fitment of the collar not require filing or changing the profile of the mast partner itself?
If it is legal, do I require this item on the measurement form to be remeasured and a new measurement certificate issued?
If it is not legal, then why is there nothing regarding a determination on the class website given the proliferation of this item over recent years and what action will be taken to rectify this situation?

Rule C.9.1.(a)(1) applies
C.9.1 FITTINGS
(a) MANDATORY
(1) Mast partner blocks shall be fitted and may be attached either to the mast or the mast spar hole. If attached to the mast, they may include a step in their
design, which shall be a clearance fit above the raised side of the mast spar hole when the mast is at rest with no tension on the standing rigging.

Submitted by the Adelaide Fleet

Floorboard upgrade

published 05/22/2023

Can floorboards be upgraded and what are the parameters?
(Note: this question was originally submitted during the 2022 rules rewrite and was the impetus for clarification in the new version of the rules.)

Rule C.7.5 (b) applies:
(b) MANDATORY
(1) Floorboards shall be fitted and may be modified, repaired or replaced and shall comply with the following rules:
(i) MATERIALS
(A) In addition to Standard Materials (See H.1), closed cell foam is permitted.
(ii) CONSTRUCTION
(A) The design and construction of the floorboards is optional, except that they shall be easily removable and the top surface of the floorboards shall be a
single horizontal plane.
(B) The floorboards may be fastened in position at the keelson and at two locations on each side.
(C) At each fastening point the hull may be reinforced for a maximum area of 75 mm x 75 mm using Standard Materials (See H.1)
(D) The openings between the floorboards and hull may be bridged with flexible materials such as tape or mesh.
(E) The floorboards may extend to the inside surface of the hull.
(F) The floorboards shall contact the hull with not more than five transverse members;
(iii) DIMENSIONS
[see table in class rules]
(iv) LIMITATIONS
(A) The floorboards shall be constructed such that the top surface shall contain a rectangle with minimum dimensions of 1780 mm x 810 mm.

Submittd by the Hong Kong Fleet

Statement regarding “Dear Men of the Sailing World”

published 04/25/2023

On April 24, 2023, the letter “Dear Men of the Sailing World” was published by Scuttlebutt. The International Governing Committee of the International Etchells Class Association condemns the reported behavior, stands in support of the author, and issues the following statement:

The International Etchells Class Association leadership is dismayed to learn of the experience of our competitor at and following the 2023 Etchells World Championship awards party and condemns the behavior reported. This type of conduct is not unique to the Etchells class, sailing, or sport. Women face such behavior in all aspects of their lives. We applaud the courageousness of the author for speaking out. Indeed, these types of actions need to be called out, discussed, and eliminated. This is incumbent on all of us, not just the victims.

We, as a class, remain committed to making the sport accessible to, and enjoyed by, all sailors. Increasing women’s participation is important to us and we do not condone any conduct that makes women feel uncomfortable or objectified in any way. We will do our part to work with our fleets and sailors to put a stop to such behavior and call on other classes and sailors around the globe to join us.

The author said it best herself:

“If you really cared about increasing women’s participation in sailing, then you would actually respect us. As people. Not just as sailors. And I truly appreciate all the men who do respect us and support us — you are thankfully the majority. To the good guys — please help us put the creeps in their places.”

The International Governing Committee of the Etchells Class is meeting to address this situation and establish processes for creating a better culture of inclusion and accountability going forward.

Team Veracity 2023 Etchells World Champions!

published 04/21/2023

After eight races in Miami, John Sommi (USA 1477) and his team of Victor Dias de Leon, Will Ryan, and Beccy Anderson are crowned the 2023 Etchells World Champions!

Read the full report here.

Full debrief to come Monday!

Q1 2023 Etchells Newsletter

published 04/10/2023

The first newsletter of 2023 is out. In it is:

A welcome from IGC Chair Jim Cunningham
Helpful tips from experts
Updates on upcoming World Championships
Summaries from around the world

Read the whole newsletter here.

You can subscribe to the newsletter from the bottom of the page!

2023 Worlds Common Measurement Problems

published 03/16/2023

Link to Class Rules

Measurement for the 2023 Etchells is well underway. Competitors attention is drawn to the following items, these commonly fail to meet the class rules and you are requested to ensure your boat complies:

Be sure that any holes in decks and bulkheads with rigging passing through do not have more than 0.5mm clearance around the rigging (CR C.7.1).
Ensure the band on the outer end of the boom is visible and in the correct location (see 25G page 2).
Ensure suitability of PFD see CR C.3.1. N.B. a whistle is required.
Two buckets with 1.5 m lanyards, in compliance with CR C.5.1(a)(3).
Halyards sizes specified in CR F.7.4.
Hiking CR C.2.3 extract as follows: “The use of only the headsail, spinnaker and/or mainsail sheets and/or a single safety line attached to the top of the console, held solely in the hands, may be used to assist hiking. The safety line shall be of constant thickness with a maximum diameter of 10 mm. It shall have no knots, loops or splices other than to attach it to the console. When extended outboard perpendicular to the sheerline, it shall extend no more than 300 mm from the sheerline.”

An interpretation has been requested and the following determined: “It is not permitted to install a rope attached to the console in the middle of the rope such that each end is used on each side of the boat.”

Any questions about these items can be directed to the class office.

Q4 2022 Etchells Newsletter

published 12/25/2022

As we head into the New Year, please enjoy the fourth quarter newsletter, which includes:

A profile on the Griegg City Academy
A letter from the IGC Chair, Andy Cumming
The results of the IGC election
Updates about upcoming World Championships
News from fleets around the world

We hope you all have a very happy New Year and look forward to seeing you on the water in 2023!

IGC Chairman’s Letter to the Membership

published 12/25/2022

Dear Etchells Sailors worldwide,

As of the end of 2022 I will no longer be the Chair of the IGC so I thought it might be a good idea to write a brief note to the membership before I go. Let me say, it has been my distinct honour to serve the class in this capacity over the past 24 months. The challenges of Covid and its effect on scheduling regattas, especially World Championships, the ongoing crisis over the Mould 11 boats, and the necessary steps of writing a new constitution and refreshing the Class Rules have all conspired to keep an enormous cohort of incredibly dedicated and competent volunteers busy for virtually the entire period of this administration. The results of these efforts are palpable and signal a new era in the 50-plus year history of our class, which we hope will keep us as the Champion of Champions racing class for the next half century.

Let me just recapitulate what we collectively have achieved on behalf of the entire Etchells community over the past two years.

Recap of Initiatives started by this administration in its first year (2021):

As suggested by the previous administration led by Jim Cunningham and Chris Hampton, an audit committee was struck and started on the process of writing a new constitution and reviewing all Class Rules, plans and drawings, and construction notes in order to eliminate omissions and inconsistencies, conform to the current World Sailing template for governance documents for international sailboat classes, and to strengthen and reaffirm the class’ commitment to its strict one-design ethos. The rules rewrite committee came to be known as the “One Design Project” or 1DP, the leadership of which was assumed by Jamie McWilliam (HK).

In order to independently evaluate the differences between M11 boats and Etchells, an international panel of marine architecture experts led by Tom Schnackenberg (NZ) was assembled and empowered to study the shape differences between the boats and try to come up with some sort of modification to the M11 boats which would allow them to ultimately race level against Etchells.

In order to pursue the twin goals of a) modifying the existing M11 boats and b) creating a new mould (to be called M12) for the manufacture of class-rule-compliant Etchells sailboats in Australia, the Build Panel was struck consisting of the builders, independent expert Grant Simmer (AUS), several members of our One-Design Technical Committee (ODTC), with myself and IECAA President Martin Hill as observers.

Notable Achievements in 2022:

New Executive Secretary: Late in 2021, Sherri Campbell signaled her desire to retire early in 2022. Sherri provided the continuity and administrative excellence that kept the management of this class on track for the previous 15 years. After a search committee consisting of Peter Duncan, Don Jesberg and myself identified and interviewed a half a dozen excellent candidates, the IGC hired Alli Bell to take over from Sherri as Executive Secretary of both the IECA and the North American Class. Alli brings a wealth of wisdom and experience to the job. She holds a PhD in Higher Education and operates a consultancy that specializes in strategic planning, project management, and research and evaluation. In addition to her work with the IECA and the NA Association, she has and continues to serve in a volunteer capacity on various boards such as the San Diego YC, the Transpacific YC and the Cruising Club of America. (Thanks to Search Committee members Don Jesberg, Peter Duncan and Andy Cumming)

Constitution: The Etchells Class has a new constitution which essentially replaces the old Class Association Rules. This document conforms to World Sailing (WS) standards for a Class Constitution under current class governance guidelines, has been voted on by the Membership of the Class, and has been accepted and published by WS. The document was published to the Class Website in March 2022. (Thanks to Niesje Hees (AUS), Stuart Childerley (UK), Mark Yeadon (HK) and Jamie McWilliam (HK))

Event Manual, Race Management Guidelines: An Event Manual, also compliant with WS standards, has been written in order to make the running of all class sanctioned events consistent from event to event and compliant with best practices. Included are templates for Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions for World Championships which can be downloaded and edited for use in all levels of sanctioned events. These documents were published to the class website in May 2022. (Thanks to Niesje Hees (AUS) and Stuart Childerley (UK))

Class Rules: Led by Jamie McWilliam, a massive rewrite of the Class Rules, along with modifications and improvements to the plans and drawings was created during the period of late 2021 to mid 2022. Prior to undertaking this project, our Class Rules and Plans contained a number of inconsistencies and omissions, so much so that the essential one-design aspect of the boats was in peril. The ODTC was inundated with requests to review and make interpretations of many of these problems, and as a group worked very diligently through 2021 and 2022 to address these as they were pointed out by members and builders. The new rules were then voted on by the class, and subsequently submitted to World Sailing for final ratification and approval. These are now in effect and were published on the class website in November 2022. (Deep gratitude to Jamie McWilliam (HK), Mick McCool (HK) and Roger Reynolds (UK), Class Measurer Bill Abbott (CAN), and professional consultants Alistair Deaves (NZ) and Guy Whitehouse (UK)).

M11 Modification Panel: Chaired by Tom Schnackenberg (NZ), this independent panel was struck in 2021 upon the confirmation by fresh scans of multiple boats from each manufacturer being compared by Australian Measurer Shaun Ritson, the result being that M11 boats were found to be of a distinctly different shape than Etchells created from moulds which originated from Plug 2. CFD analysis confirmed that the M11 shape produces less drag than the P2 shape, especially at speeds approaching the hull speed. After aborting a number of inadequate methods for equalizing the drag, the panel happened upon a brilliant solution. If the M11 boats have essentially the same sections as Etchells, but just a reduced rocker perhaps Etchells speed characteristics could be restored by simply adding back the rocker. A digital version of the M11 boat was sliced from kelson to sheer (but leaving the deck intact) along station planes fore and aft of the keel. The virtual boat was then lifted in the bow and stern to put back rocker. Various degrees of lift were applied to the bow and stern and CFD analysis performed and compared to the Etchells shape. In this way, the rocker was fine-tuned until the drag differences across a wide range of hull speeds were reduced to very nearly zero, and a final shape determined. Martin Hill graciously offered up his M11 boat (AUS 1484) for modification under the new protocol, which was written by Jamie McWilliam. (thanks to Tom Schnackenberg (NZ), Grant Simmer (AUS), Len Imas (US), Steve Killing (CAN), Bruce Nelson (US), Shaun Ritson (AUS) and Casey Brown (US))

Build Panel: Chaired by Niesje Hees (AUS), this group was put together as a joint initiative by the IECA and the IECAA to oversee the practicalities of modifying the M11 boats (as specified by the M11 Modification Panel), in addition to the construction of a new mould (M12) to be used going forward for the manufacture of Class-Rules-Compliant Etchells sailboats in Australia. The vast majority of stakeholders believe that the strength of the class going forward as a global international heavyweight depends on having manufacturing capabilities in Australia, and it was considered one of the paramount goals of 2022 to get Plug 2 prepared for the pulling of a new mould, get it shipped to Australia for that purpose and get the creation of a new mould underway. Unfortunately this project faced a number of delays mostly due to shipping logistics from Canada to Australia, after the plug had been prepared by Ontario Yachts. Innovation Composites of Nowra, NSW will be the builder of the mould and ultimately be licenced to make Etchells from that mould, once it has been verified and approved by World Sailing. IC is also doing the modifications to M11 boats, and so even once the plug got to AUS there were more delays in commencing to build the new mould, however, that project is now underway as I write this.

As for M11 modifications, eight boats have been modified and have been racing in events in Australia. There have been no structural issues with the modified boats and early indications are that they perform in line with Etchells Class sailboats. These boats have been and will continue to be allowed to race as agreed upon in the IGC Resolution. The long-term status of these boats will be determined by a class vote in April 2024.

(Thanks to the following individuals for their continuing service on the Build Panel: Chair Niesje Hees (AUS), Grant Simmer (AUS), Jamie McWilliam (HK), Andrew Palfrey (UK), Bill Abbott (CAN), Phil Smidmore (AUS), Mark Rowed (AUS), Dirk Kneulman (CAN), and David Heritage (UK).

Newsletter: Marty Kaye (HK) undertook in 2021 to create a quarterly newsletter, of which you are reading the 4Q22 edition right now. This initiative has and will continue to be the way news about the class, the deliberations of the IGC and any other matters of interest to the Membership will be communicated. The newsletter is always in need of more content. Anything happening in your neck of the woods which might be of interest to the broader community, please reach out to Alli Bell.

Website: Another area of improvement we have been working on over the past two years is the maintenance and organization of the class website. Alli keeps this resource updated on a weekly basis. Have a look and familiarize yourselves again with it, if you have not already done so recently. All the new documents germane to the class reside there in their latest editions, along with an archive of matters currently before the ODTC for consideration, and latest news. We are still working on making improvements, but the intent is to make the website the go-to place for all members to keep up to date on developments within the class.

In addition to those I have thanked individually in each section above, I would like to once again extend on behalf of myself and the class our deep gratitude to all the members of the IGC and the ODTC. You can find their names on the website. Please look them up and thank them when you see them in the boat park. With the new administration coming in next month, many of these committee assignments will change. It has been a productive and hardworking group these past couple of years. A truly monumental number of essential tasks have been completed to put us on track to realize our goal of keeping the Etchells Class as the premier One-Design Class for Champions from all other fields of sailing competition to come together and vie for bragging rights as the best-of-the-best in international sailing.

Fair winds to you all,

Andy

2023-24 IGC Announced

published 12/22/2022

The 2023-24 IGC has been elected and appointed. The governors serving for the 2023-24 term include seven elected governors and six appointed governors:

Michael Bellingham (AUS) - elected
Steve Benjamin (USA) - elected
Chris Busch (USA) - appointed
Andrew Cumming (USA/CAN) - elected
Jim Cunningham (USA) - elected
Peter Duncan (USA) - elected
Martin Hill (AUS) - elected
Don Jesberg (USA) - appointed
Scott Kaufman (USA) - elected
Martin Kaye (HKG) - appointed
Jan Muysken (AUS) - appointed
Mike Tyquin (AUS) - appointed
Nick Stagg (GBR) - appointed

The 2023-24 IGC will begin its term in January. During the first meeting, they will select a Chair and other officers, which will be annouced through this website.

Thank you to everyone who voted, all who were nominated, and to the 2021-22 IGC.

New Rules in Effect

published 12/02/2022

The final stage in the process for changing class rules, World Sailing approval, is complete and the new class rules are in effect.

The new rules are posted here and other technical documents here.

Each proposed rule change was designed to solve a particular problem, and was considered with particular reference to:

Performance and One-Design Control
Safety
Cost
Clarity for sailors, builders and measurers

The IGC, ODTC, and One-Design Project team thank everyone who supported this process.

Questions may be addressed to etchellsoffice@gmail.com or to your local Fleet Captain, or to any of the IECA officers, who may be found at https://etchells.org/class/organization.

Good sailing!

Q3 2022 Etchells Newsletter

published 10/14/2022

View Full Newsletter

Topics covered in the latest Etchells Class Newsletter:

2022 AGM Notice
Next set of World Championships venues set
M11 Remediation
Open Letter from John Bertrand
Etchells Class Social Media
2022 Worlds Recap
Regional Competition Updates

Notice of Annual General Meeting

published 10/13/2022

Agenda

The 2022 International Etchells Class Association Annual General Meeting will take place via Zoom on 8 December 2022 at 2200 UTC (GMT). Registration details will be available mid-November.

Any questions or comments about the preliminary agenda should be directed to etchellsoffice@gmail.com.

2022 Worlds Wrap Up

published 10/03/2022

2022 International Etchells Worlds
18-24 September 2022

Organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron
in conjunction with the Cowes Etchells Fleet

Magnificence Delivered
2022 International Etchells Worlds

2022 Etchells Worlds start © PKC Media

Cowes, IOW, United Kingdom (September 28 2022) - The glitterati of the sailing world gathered in Cowes for the 2022 Etchells Worlds hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron with more than 12 past Etchells World Champions competing. 42 teams gathered in Cowes from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States of America.

2022 Etchells Worlds Opening Ceremony at the Royal Yacht Squadron © PKC Media

Ashore Cowes Yacht Haven was a hive of activity with the ‘container marquee’ the place to be for daily gatherings to discuss ‘all things Etchells’. Royal Yacht Squadron Commodore James Holman gave a warm welcome to the sailors gathered on the RYS Lawn confirming honorary member of the historic club for the regatta. Commodore Holman commented: “This is a genuine world championship, and the Royal Yacht Squadron is very proud to be holding this regatta. The Etchells Class is an elite class in world sailing, and we thank all of the competitors for coming. A huge thanks to Etchells Fleet Captain David Franks, for his drive an initiative.”

RYS Race Committee Boat © PKC Media

High pressure produced light airs racing for much of the 2022 Etchells Worlds schedule. The tricky shifting breeze, coupled with the infamous tides of The Solent, produced a complex conundrum for the teams as well as the RYS Race Committee. However, all nine scheduled races were completed.

Race One did not going according to plan for Ante Razmilovic’s Swedish Blue (GBR 1438), which opened their scorecard with a gut-wrenching 35th place. However, Swedish Blue went on to win the Etchells Worlds, with an outstanding performance placing no worse than tenth for the remaining eight races. This was Ante Razmilovic’s seventh world championship and despite coming runner-up twice and also third, this was his first Etchells World title, as it was for his crew Brian Hammersley and Noel Drennan.

Full Results from the 2022 Etchells Worlds: https://yachtscoring.com/administration/event_results_cumulative.cfm

Ante Razmilovic's Swedish Blue © PKC Media

Going into the last race Swedish Blue needed to be within nine places of Anatole Masfen’s New Order (NZL 1499). At one stage Swedish Blue was out of the running in 16th place but fought back to finish tenth, enough to secure the Etchells World Championship title.

Swedish Blue (GBR 1438) Ante Razmilovic, Brian Hammersley and Noel Drennan. © PKC Media

“I think I have lost in an Etchells Worlds shoot-out three, maybe four times, so it was a big relief after the last race,” commented Ante Razmilovic. “The last race was really tricky, we didn’t get the best start, and we went pretty hard right when the left came good, but at the first top mark we were still in striking distance. Nitro (Noel Drennan) said we had to pick off five boats and we got there but it was a pressure situation for sure. The heart rate was up but we were focused, and we managed to put it together. “Ante Razmilovic explains why the Etchells Worlds is so hard to win; “The Etchells is a proper one-design keelboat; the margins are really thin. Etchells sailors have been at it for a very long time, and it is very tactical racing. It is challenging, rewarding, and frustrating all at the same time. Massive thanks to Nitro and Brian (Hammersley). This has been tough and gentlemanly racing as always with challenging conditions for the Race Committee to whom we are eternally grateful. The Etchells is an iconic class, and we are really proud to be part of it."

Order (NZL 1499) © PKC Media

Anatole Masfen’s New Order was runner-up, racing with Dirk Kneulman and Simon Cooke. The Kiwi team scored four podium finishes including two race wins. However, New Order was disqualified in Race 6 having touched a mark which ultimately resulted in second place for the regatta. In third place was Lawrie Smith’s Mila (GBR 1502), racing with Richard Parslow, Gonçalo Almeida Ribeiro, and Ben Saxton.

Lawrie Smith’s Mila (GBR 1502) © PKC Media

Andrew Lawson's No Dramas © PKC Media

The 2022 Etchells Worlds Corinthian Champion was Andrew Lawson’s No Dramas (GBR 1490), racing with Graham Vials on the helm and crew Billy Russell. No Dramas was also fifth in the Open Division. Second Corinthian Team was Barry Parkin’s Bungee Smuggler (USA 1424), racing with Adrian Owles and Taylor Walker. Third was Nils Razmilovic’s Matatu (SGP 1333), racing with Andrew Cooper and Steve Girling.

Andrew Lawson’s No Dramas is part of the Clyde Etchells Fleet in Scotland, where a Youth Academy has been established with the help of the Cowes Etchells Fleet. No Dramas helm, Graham Vials is a four-time Flying Fifteen World Champion but prior to the Worlds Vials had raced one day in an Etchells. Billy Russell has been friends with Andrew Lawson since childhood.

“It’s been great fun and we sail in a certain manner because we are amateurs,” commented No Dramas’ Andrew Lawson. “We always do the best we can, but we compete in the spirit of the game and have fun doing it. To be fair, we have a great package; David Heritage builds a good boat, Charlie (Charlie Cumbley/North Sails) provides great sails and top sailors like Andy Beadsworth are always on hand with advice. We have a lot of help from positive people trying to make us go faster. We have loved this event, but it has been tricky racing; The Solent is always hard, and the quality of this fleet is exceptional; it is always great to test yourself.”

Anthony Parke's Shamal (GBR 927) © PKC Media

The Etchells Worlds Youth Champion was Anthony Parke’s Shamal (GBR 927), racing with Ross Mackley, Ali Grant, and Josie Meredith. The average age of Shamal was 24 and Josie Meredith was the youngest women competing at just 20 years of age. Second in the Youth Division by a narrow margin was Angus Galloway’s Currigee (GBR 957), racing with Matias Sabate, Ben Hazeldine, and Celia Willison. Third was George Downer’s Moonlight (GBR 967), racing with Alex Downer and Mike O’Donovan.

“It has been a light wind regatta, but we were pleased that the breeze filled in towards the end,” commented Anthony Parke. “We are delighted to have won the Youth Trophy and a big thank you to David Franks for lending us the boat and also Paul Ward and Grant Gordon for providing us with sails.”

Palaver (GBR 1014) sailed by Kai Hockley (16), Jaydon Owusu (17), and Christopher-Joel Frederick (17), who are all students at the Greig City Academy in Haringey, North London. © PKC Media

The youngest team racing was Palaver (GBR 1014) sailed by Kai Hockley (16), Jaydon Owusu (17), and Christopher-Joel Frederick (17), who are all students at the Greig City Academy in Haringey, North London.

“A great opportunity has been given to us,” commented Kai Hockley. “To get the boat, the advice, and all the friendly help from all the sailors, is just great, we can’t thank everybody enough. The Etchells Class is so competitive; there are amateurs racing against Olympians, but this a one-design class, so the only way to win is to be the best sailors. Our team is getting more experience, and this will help us on the road to hopefully match the best.”

“We started off with just one youth boat for the Cowes Etchells Academy, now we have six, and over 700 young sailors have got onto the water with the UK Etchells Fleet,” commented UK Etchells Class Captain, David Franks, who is a generous Etchells Youth Academy supporter.

Over a third of the sailors taking part in the 2022 Etchells Worlds are classified as youths, including seven on the helm. The youth sailors come from nine different countries; Argentina, Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States.

2022 Etchells Worlds © PKC Media

The 2023 International Etchells World Championship will be in held in Miami, USA from April 12-21. In March 2024 in Fremantle Australia, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia, 2026 in San Diego USA, and 2027 in Hong Kong. For more details visit the International Etchells Class website: www.etchells.org

For more information about the Cowes Etchells Fleet including the Youth Academy: www.etchellsukfleet.co.uk

-ENDS-
Reporter: Louay Habib
Photography: PKC Media
For Hi-Res Images, contact Patrick Condy. patrick.condy@outlook.com

Inspiring Etchells Youth

published 09/24/2022

2022 International Etchells Worlds
18-24 September 2022

Organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron
in conjunction with the Cowes Etchells Fleet

Inspiring Etchells Youth

Cowes, IOW, United Kingdom (September 24 2022)
After racing on Friday 23rd September, sailors competing at the Etchells Worlds gathered in Cowes Yacht Haven to hear about the tremendous Etchells Youth Academy programme which has been run by the Cowes Etchells Fleet for nine years. Matt Hannaby and David Bedford have been heavily involved in the Cowes Etchells Youth Academy and world class sailors, such as Dog Palfrey and Graham Sunderland, have given their time to develop, promote and inspire youth sailors into the UK Etchells fleet.

“We started off with just one youth boat for the Academy, now we have six, and over 700 young sailors have got onto the water with the UK Etchells Fleet,” commented UK Etchells Class Captain, David Franks, who is a generous Etchells Youth Academy supporter.

“We have seen youths that have come through the programme come back and helpthe ones that follow. The Etchells Youth Academy is also a pathway into a maritime career. The best example is the Greig City Academy, which is a school in inner London. Sixth Form head teacher Jon Holt has been instrumental in getting pupils out racing, they have done two Fastnet campaigns and some of them have gone on to work in the sailing industry for Alex Thomson Racing and North Sails.”

At the 2022 Etchells Worlds Kai, Jaydon and Christopher are racing in a Youth Academy Etchells and their average age is just 17, which is magnificent. We are currently helping to build an academy in Scotland with Colin McDonald from the Clyde Etchells Fleet, which now has a youth boat available. Two of the Clyde Graduates are racing at the Worlds; Thomas Goodman and Gus Beer. The Cowes Etchells Fleet would like to encourage more youth academies around the world; we would be delighted to share our knowledge and help in any way that we can.” Commented David Franks.

The youngest team racing is Palaver (GBR 1014) sailed by Kai Hockley (16), Jaydon Owusu (17), and Christopher-Joel Frederick (17), who are all students at the Greig City Academy in Haringey, North London.

“A great opportunity has been given to us,” commented Kai Hockley. “To get the boat, the advice, and all the friendly help from all the sailors, is just great, we can’t thank everybody enough. The Etchells Class is so competitive; there are amateurs racing against Olympians, but this a one-design class, so the only way to win is to be the best sailors. Our team is getting more experience, and this will help us on the road to hopefully match the best.”

The youngest female sailor at the Etchells Worlds is Josie Meredith who is racing with the youth team on Shamal (GBR 927). Josie is 20 and studying Nursing at Southampton University. “I just love the standard of the competition, racing against some of the best sailors in the world is really cool.” Commented Josie.

Youth women sailors competing include Celia Willison from Auckland New Zealand, Hannah Peters who works in London and Adele Young from the South Coast UK. Vita Heathcote is tactician on David Franks Strait Dealer (GBR 1431). Vita won the 2019 420 Worlds and aspires to represent Great Britain in the 470 Class at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

“Like the 470, this is a very tight fleet, and there are a lot of scenarios that you can relate with the two, like boat on boat and overall tactics,” commented Vita Heathcote. “Every race you make mistakes and good decisions, so every race is more experience in the bank. You do have to adjust your mental picture a bit, such as mark rounding where the angles are different where you have to adjust your special awareness. I think that racing an Etchells adds a lot of value; racing in different boats has made me and my crew learn more, I would definitely encourage it.”

Angus Galloway is from Australia but works as a lawyer in London. Angus is on the helm for the leading youth team for the regatta; Currigee (GBR 957). “We struggled for speed and got pushed the wrong way today (Day 4),” commented Angus. “We pulled back a bit during the racing but today we had two tough results, which is frustrating. However, we came here to race against the best fleet in the world and when you do it doesn’t always go your way.”

Over a third of the sailors taking part in the 2022 Etchells Worlds are classified as youths, including seven on the helm. The youth sailors come from nine different countries; Argentina, Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States.

-ENDS-
Reporter: Louay Habib
Photography: PKC Media
For Hi-Res Images, contact Patrick Condy. patrick.condy@outlook.com

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2022 Etchells World Championship Information

published 07/21/2022

The entry allocation percentage has been increased to 100%. There are boats available to charter at davidfranks80@gmail.com or +44 7768063868. If you want to bring your boat to Cowes, we can collect it from Southampton contact graham@cowes.org or +44 7970547508.

There’s accommodation available and more information at: www.etchellsworlds2022.com

Cowes Worlds Allocation Changed to 100%

published 07/04/2022

2022 Etchells World Championship Information
Mornington House Information

The IGC has voted to increase the allocation percentage from 85% to 100%.

If you are still looking for accomodations, consider the Mornington House:

Mornington House is a spacious home with a large garden in the centre of Cowes. Sleeps up to 12 people in 5 Bedrooms. Cowes Yacht Haven is at the end of the street less than 100m away. The house is four stories with 5 bathrooms (four en-suite) and an extra toilet. There is a large dining room, sitting room, well equipped kitchen and utility room. A conservatory that seats 6 opening on to a large terrace - seats 14 with large BBQ with steps down to a very big private garden.
Contact: David Linton 07973 228 154
david@updata.co.uk

IGC Chair Thanks the Expert Panel

published 07/04/2022

Expert Panel Thank You Letter

In appreciation for their work to find a resolution for the Mould 11 hulls, IGC Chair Andy Cumming offers his thanks on behalf of the IGC and the class to the expert panel who put many hours and immeasurable effort and expertise into the project.

IGC Resolution for Trial Period of Remediation of M11 Boats

published 06/14/2022

IGC Resolution 2022-03
Protocol of M11 Modifications
World Sailing RRS 87 Permission

Over the past several years, the IGC has been working to rectify the situation with the Mould 11 boats. Over the past few months, a panel of experts has developed and recommended to the IGC a remediation solution that will modify these boats with the goal of making them more similar in shape and performance to an Etchells.

In order to enable a trial period in which to assess the performance of modified Mould 11 boats, the IGC resolved at last week’s meeting to give permission for events to make temporary changes to the Etchells Class Rules via Notice of Race as described by RRS 87, to permit boats originally built in Mould 11 that have completed the M11 Protocol of Modifications as approved by the IGC and World Sailing to race as Etchells, subject to compliance with the Etchells class rules as modified by the Notice of Race. This permission is valid for all events at which the final race takes place on or before 30 April 2024, with the exception of the 2022 (Cowes) and 2023 (Miami) World Championships. We have received World Sailing approval for this trial period. If the trials are successful, permanent changes to the class rules to allow remediated M11 boats to race would be voted on by the class.

The relevant documents are linked above. Any questions should be directed to etchellsoffice@gmail.com.

Proposed Rule Changes Pass

published 06/09/2022

Rule Change Proposals

The recent ballot for the Etchells Class Rules changes has closed. Each of the 22 proposals passed with at least 84% of the total votes on each proposal being in favor. We now enter the final stage in the process for changing class rules--World Sailing approval. This step does not permit changes to the intent of the rules as voted for by the class, but merely ensures that from a technical and drafting perspective the class rules are sound. The documents have been sent to World Sailing for review by the Technical Department and by the Equipment Rules Sub-Committee, who operate quarterly review periods. The current period ends on 31 August, so if approved we can expect the new class rules to become effective on or before 31 August 2022.

You can see the original posting about the rule change proposals (which includes each of the proposals as well as a draft of the new rules documents) by clicking on the link above.

Any questions can be directed to the International Etchells Class Office.

Information for the Upcoming Rules Vote

published 05/17/2022

What are we voting on?

There are a number of proposals for changes to the class rules. More details on exactly what those changes are and why they are being proposed are available here: https://etchells.org/news/article/class-rule-change-proposals.

When does voting open?

Voting will open on 19 May 2022 at 0900 PDT.

When does voting close?

Voting will close on 08 June 2022.

Who is eligible to vote?

Only eligible members who have paid their dues for the current memebership year in their hemisphere by the time voting starts will be issued a ballot. Eligibility will be determined per the class constitution:

Each Owner Member (subject to the limitation in 3) below) and Life Member shall be entitled to cast one vote, and only one vote, on any matter voted upon at a General Meeting of the IECA, or in a postal or electronic ballot. 3) The Joint Owners of an International Etchells are together entitled to cast only one vote on any matter. In the absence of agreement between the joint owners, the person listed first on the Certificate shall have the right to vote.

How do you determine if someone has paid their dues for the current membership year?

Members are submitted to a central database by either their national secretary or the class office. If you have a question about whether or not you have paid your dues for the current year, please contact Alli Bell at etchellsoffice@gmail.com.

How will I receive my ballot?

We are using a third-party balloting vendor. You will receive a unique, secure link via email.

How will you handle Joint Owners?

To simplify matters for our vendor, we will be sending a link only to the person listed first on a hull or measurement certificate. That person should coordinate with his or her co-owners to cast the vote.

What is required for these proposals to pass?

A proposal passes with two-thirds of the votes cast voting affirmative.

What if I didn't receive a ballot and I think I should have?

If you haven't received a ballot by 1200 PDT on 19 May 2022 and you think you should have, please contact Alli Bell at etchellsoffice@gmail.com.

Class Updates: Upcoming vote, new documents, Cowes Worlds NOR

published 05/10/2022

Proposed Rule Changes
Event Manual and Race Document Templates
2022 Cowes Worlds Documents

The IGC and class has a couple of reminders and updates for all Etchells sailors.

Upcoming Class Rules Vote -- Renew Your Membership!
As a reminder, there is a vote on the proposed rules changes you've heard about (visit https://etchells.org/news/article/class-rule-change-proposals for more information). The vote will open on May 19 and you must be a current Owner Member to be eligible to vote. If you have questions on how to do this, please contact your National Secretary.

New Event Manual and Race Documents Possted
Along with the new Class Constitution, a Championship Event Manual, NOR template, and SI template have been posted, along with race management guidelines. Those are available here: https://etchells.org/class/technical/rules-documents/rules. Please use these documents for running sanctioned events. They replace the appendices that had accompanied the former association rules.

World Championship Announcements

The IGC has voted to give an automatic berth to former Top Corinthian sailors as long as they participate as a Corinthian team. This is applicable to all World Championship starting with the 2022 World Championship in Cowes.
The IGC has voted to change the youth age and the age for the Next Generation trophy from 35 to 29.
The Cowes NOR is available here: https://yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=15098. The allocation percentage for the 2022 Worlds is 85 percent.
The allocation percentage for the Miami Worlds in April of 2023 has been set at 40 percent.

Class Rule Change Proposals

published 03/24/2022

Proposals
IECA Rules for Ballot
IECA Rules with Comments
Building Specs (Hull & Appendages) for Ballot
Building Specs (Hull & Appendages) with Comments
Building Specs (Spars) for Ballot
Building Specs (Spars) with Comments
Plan 9F Hull Appendages
Plan 10 G Hull
Plan 15F One Design Fittings
Plan 25G Mast
Plan 25G Boom
Plan 25G Spar Fittings-Historic

Proposed Amendments to Class Rules

24 MARCH 2022

In accordance with International Etchells Class Association (“IECA”) Constitution Clause 13, the IGC hereby makes proposals for the amendment of the Class Rules, and gives eight weeks’ prior notice of a vote to be held by electronic ballot.

The electronic voting will open on 19 May 2022 for all IECA Members with voting rights (details of who has a vote are in IECA Constitution clause 4 and are pasted into the PROPOSALS document — please make sure your membership is current). Votes will be accepted up until 8 June 2022. This timeline will enable the rules, if approved by the membership and subsequently by World Sailing, to be in place in good time for the Cowes Worlds.

Thoughtful consideration has been given to each rule change presented, and the working drafts of the documents have been socialised with the class in a 6-week consultation period including Zoom calls and much email correspondence.

The IGC, ODTC and One-Design project team are very grateful to the many members who have provided valuable inputs.

Each proposed rule change is designed to solve a particular problem, and has been considered with particular reference to:

Performance and One-Design Control
Safety
Cost
Clarity for sailors, builders and measurers

A complete set of documents may be found above, as follows:

Rule Change Proposals - divided into 22 individual proposals. Some are structural and administrative changes which cover multiple wording and formatting changes, and some are very specific individual items more like the usual rule changes proposed to members.

Rules - Clean version, and Comments version

Building Specifications for Hull & Hull Appendages - Clean version, and Comments version

Building Specifications for Spars - Clean version, and Comments version

Plans, Clean versions

Please give each item your fullest consideration.

Questions may be addressed to etchellsoffice@gmail.com, your local Fleet Captain, or to any of the IECA officers, who may be found at https://etchells.org/class/organization.

Good sailing!

The International Governing Committee

New IECA Constitution in Effect

published 03/18/2022

IECA Constitution

The class voted to approve a new Constitution during a voting period that ending 6 February 2022. In order for that Constitution to become effective, the class has been working with World Sailing to satisfy Regulation 10, which requires that World Sailing have an opportunity to review and comment on the new Constitution.

Due to the large amount of time required in the process, recent changes to the World Sailing Review schedule and procedures, and the subordination of the project to much bigger issues such as COVID and the Ukraine, the IGC voted to invoke Clause 13G in the Association Rules, which permits the IGC to extend the period or date established for processing a proposed amendment, in the event that it has proved impossible to discharge the IECA’s obligations to WS on the established schedule. As a result, the approval deadline of the new Constitution was extended to 30 March 2022.

The IGC and WS are now happy to report that all approval conditions under Association Rule 13 and WS Regulation 10 have been satisfied. The IECA Constitution is therefore effective as of today, and has been published on the World Sailing website and the IECA website. The Association Rules are no longer in effect, and have been removed from the website.

One Design Project

published 03/07/2022

Presentation of Changes
Rules - What's Changing (Current Rules)
Rules - What's Changing (Proposed Rules)

Thanks for all the input over the last few weeks! Based on the strong support received for the working drafts, the IECA intends to publish proposals for changes to the Class Rules.

Publication date will be 24 March to give the required 8 weeks' notice before an online ballot to start on 19 May, in accordance with the new Constitution recently approved by you. This timeline will enable the rules, if accepted, to be in place in good time for the Cowes Worlds.

Although these documents posted here are not "final final”, they’re pretty close. Please feel free to have a look through them. If you have more questions or inputs, you can email etchellsoffice@gmail.com, contact your friendly local IGC or ODTC member or Fleet Captain, or WhatsApp Jamie McWilliam at +852 9130 6840.

We hope that after this coming weekend (12/13 March) we will only be making a few late changes, fixing typos, or making technical changes advised by World Sailing.

One Design Project Proposed Documents and Meetings

published 02/16/2022

Recording of Discussion Session 1
Discussion Session Slides
Summary

(Updated 16 February 2022 with materials from discussion sessions. Original email sent 7 February 2022.)

As a recommended outcome of the Class Audit that took place in 2021, a group of Etchells sailors around the world have been working on the "One-Design Project", aiming to:

Clarify what may/shall be done to Etchells by sailors and builders
Make the construction of Etchells as one-design as possible
Deter speed-shopping
Reverse or curtail the increase in costs
Support resale values
Make our class rules more compatible with the Equipment Rules of Sailing

Many many members, plus the builders, measurers, and World Sailing have all participated. We have benefited greatly from long hours of Bill Abbott’s time, and from the professional support of Alistair Deaves and Guy Whitehouse.

The means of achieving the stated aims is by:

Updating the official Class documents, and
Changing the process by which Etchells are certified when built, and inspected at events.

The documents are:

Class Rules
Building Specifications
Plans
Measurement Form
Measurement Guide

The working drafts of these documents, and links to important reference material, can be found at the links above.

Super-quick summary of the approach so far:

Items to do with building the hull and hull appendages have been moved out of Section D & E of the Class Rules and into the Building Specifications and the Plans.
Items that the sailor is allowed to do to the hull and appendages is now in an enlarged Section C of the Class Rules.
There are no changes to the way rigs and sails are controlled.
New measurement points have been introduced, and the Hull Datum Point is now the old “Point C” on the transom (it doesn’t get damaged as much as the bow).
New boats will match the prototype inside tight guidelines. The builders are cooperating to harmonise construction protocols.
At major events, boats will be inspected and compared with their own Measurement Form (like a passport) to confirm they have not been modified inappropriately.
Existing boats that have not been modified inappropriately have nothing to worry about.

The team is going to host Zoom calls to introduce/explain how we think the updated documents & process achieve the stated aims. Nothing is set in stone. We seek input on what we’ve come up with so far, and guidance on the direction we’ve taken. We welcome being informed of things we’ve missed, and unintended consequences of things we’ve put in. We’re unlikely to solve everything on the Zoom, but it’ll be a better outcome with your input.

1. Wed 16 Feb: 1800 Sydney
Join here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81980934807?pwd=N09NYjhTK0FXamVtdktOWmZ1Zk9FUT09

2. Wed 16 Feb: 2000 London
Join here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88979115803?pwd=d0kvU0FpcS91U0p4dnVwdldqNDgxZz09

3. Thur 17 Feb: 2000 New York
Join here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85202627707?pwd=Qm9jWWp6WTNlMHVwblBudFc0MkNkQT09

These links may be helpful as reference material:

Equipment Rules of Sailing (referred to throughout our Class Rules wherever a word is in bold)
- https://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/EquipmentRulesofSailing20212024-[26661].pdf
Current IECA Class Rules
- https://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/ETC2021CR20210212v1-[26953].pdf
Current IECA Plans
- https://etchells.org/class/technical/plans
Current IECA Measurement Form
- https://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/ISAFMeasurementForm2013-[820].pdf

If you have any questions or comments, please contact etchellsoffice@gmail.com.

Louise Racing team, Grant Gordon’s Etchells just launched

published 02/15/2022

The Etchells getting some love on Valentine's Day! Check out the Louise Racing Team talk about their experience as new Etchells sailors!

Louise Racing team, Grant Gordon's Etchell just launched
Sailing Etchells | 4.85 min

Proposed Constitution and Rule Changes Passes

published 02/14/2022

Vote Results

Voting for the proposed Constitution and rules changes closed on 6 February 2022. All six items passed with more than two-thirds of the votes received in favor. Thank you to everyone who cast a vote.

International Class Annual General Meeting Minutes

published 12/17/2021

2021-12-09 AGM Minutes & Docs
2021-12-09 Proposed New Class Constitution
2021-12-09 Proposed Class Rule changes

The International Etchells Class Association Annual General Meeting was held virtually on December 9, 2021. The minutes and supporting documents are now available. Also available are the proposed new Class Constitution document and the proposed changes to the Class Rules details.

2021 Ice Bucket Championship

published 10/29/2021

Cowes 16-17 October

18 Boats entered the Etchells Ice Bucket regatta, sailed in the Solent and run by the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club. Normally this event has 8-10 boats turn up as an end of season sail but the new interest in the class with the 2022 Worlds being in Cowes increased this to 18.

Day 1 saw a light breeze in the morning which led to AP being displayed. AP was dropped at 11 after a 4-5knt westerly filled and the fleet started to leave the dock. The first race saw newcomer Paul Brotherton sailing onboard Man’s Best Friend with James Fawcett and Mark Asquith take the win. Not a bad way to mark your entry on the class. However, the leader after 3 races was Jolly Roger sailed by Tom Abrey sailing with his usual crew Matt Reid and Bruno van Dyke they managed to sail a very consistent 1,2,4 making them overnight leaders

Day 2 forecast was for a southerly, wind speeds of 8-10knots only 5 points separated the top 5 boats it was all to play for. David Franks onboard Strait Dealer started the day with a 1st with Grant Gordon’s Louise Racing got a solid 2nd place. 7 points separated the top 5 by the last race and with two of the top 5 being UFD after multiple general recalls Grant Gordon ended up winning the race and also the event.

Full results on Yacht Scoring https://yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eid=14468

Submitted by Azat Ulutas
Photo by Gavin Ford

Technical Update - 003 Fittings & Deck Recesses

published 10/20/2021

Link to document

Technical Update - 002 Mast Step Fitting

published 10/20/2021

Link to document

Etchells British Championships September 17-19th 2021

published 09/22/2021

2021 Etchells British Champions: (L to R) Noel Drennan, Brian Hammersley, Ante Razmilovic

23 boats came to the start line for the Etchells British Championships on the weekend of September 17 / 18 and 19. Hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron this was a highly competitive fleet, with three or four potential winners of next year’s World Championship in Cowes. Who knows if next year‘s World Championship in Cowes, to be sailed over the same dates, will be as sunny, but in 2021 the Solent delivered warm sunshine and three great days of racing. The first two in a south-easterly breeze at 7 to 13 knots, the last in a more variable northerly with some big holes in the breeze, particularly to the left of the course.

Although the fleet was never tested with more than 13 knots of breeze, we had eight very good races. The winning team of Ante Razmilovic / Brian Hammersley and Noel Drennan thoroughly deserved its victory, finishing each race bar one in the top 5. Razmilovic has always been at the top of the fleet in stronger breezes, but here he put together a series winning score line that was sealed on the last day when the wind was at its lightest.

“The Etchells fleet in the UK is now as strong as it's ever been in terms of competition, with the racing very close both in individual races, with many boats being able to win a race, and also in the overall standings. The regatta was only decided on the last run of the last race! We look forward to more high quality racing leading into the 2022 Worlds in Cowes next September.” Ante Razmilovic, British Champion 2021

Paul Ward, just back from sixth place in the J 70 World Championship, and second place in the J 70 European Championship, ended up second overall after a good last day.

“One of the best weekends racing in the Solent this year. Close competition for all of the UK fleet and some great sailing. It’s getting interesting as we head towards the Etchells Worlds Championship next year!” Paul Ward

Whilst Paul is new to the Class, his crew (Charlie Cumbley and Andrew Mills) know the Etchells well and confirmed that they have a little more work to do on their boat speed in stronger winds, but tactically they kept themselves at the front of the fleet to end the weekend as runners up.

James Howells (Ruairidh Scott and Jamie Lea) led proceedings earlier in the weekend. They seemed to have a slight speed edge in the stronger wind on both of the first two days, putting together a 1 / 2 / 1 /2 sequence which looked very dominating, but they were undone on the last day with an 8 / 19.

Howells finished third ahead of the new team of Grant Gordon who were on David Heritage's charter boat whilst they wait for their own to come out of the mould ready for 2022.

“ An incredible standard of competition and race management yet again. There’s now a large number of boats that can not only win races but are consistently challenging for event victories. The U.K. Etchells fleet has never been in better shape.” James Howells

The Etchells is in a unique position with lots of youth teams competing (mainly thanks to the generosity of David Franks and the Royal London Youth Academy) as well as lots of mixed teams. Grant Gordon’s team kept the youth element going, fielding Elliott Hansen, Team GBR's representative in the Laser class in Tokyo six weeks ago, and doubled up on the Olympic connection by having Luke Patience, 470 Olympic silver medalist, calling the shots, along with another youth, Arran Holman.

With the 285 kg weight limit (the same as the Dragon class) the class is ideally suited to mixed gender teams. 6 of the 23 had women sailors on board, 2 of whom were on race winning boats, from the 7 different race winners over the weekend.

Only James Howells was able to win 2 races.

The fleet had a daily debrief from America’s Cup coach Andrew Palfrey, who made the point that the team which gets their boat to full power soonest, through good sail trim and rig tune, probably has an advantage, and as they were also hiking the hardest it suggested that the James Howells team on Gelert achieved that goal. Maybe that was a clue to their speed advantage.

The class enjoyed three great days of friendly but hugely competitive racing. There were no protests, although a number of boats acknowledged rule infringements and did penalty turns. The Royal Yacht Squadron utilised the race configuration with a second windward mark placed approximately three boat lengths short of the real windward mark to minimise boats on the port tack lay line piling in at the top mark. Used in plenty of other events before, it certainly did seem to make the windward marks a lot less stressful for competitors.

Along with the daily fleet-beers on the dock after racing each day, the Etchells now delivers not only some of the most competitive racing on the Solent, but also some of the friendliest. Whilst not an easy boat to race at the top of the world championship, with either a three or four person crew, it’s highly competitive racing at a cost-effective price, for an easy to manage crew list.

Competitors gathered at the Royal Yacht Squadron for the prize-giving as the fleet looks forward to what should be an exciting and enjoyable 2022 season.

Tracking available here and results available here

2022 calendar available here. Boats for sale available here or contact fleet captain davidfranks80@gmail.com or 07768063868.

Credits:- Laurence Mead for Words, Gavin Ford for Photographs

International Class Annual General Meeting Announcement

published 09/15/2021

The International Governing Council will hold the International Etchells Class 2021 Annual General Meeting virtually via Zoom on December 9 at 2200 GMT. Further details will be sent via email to all Active/Owner Class members.

Resin, Urethane or Similar Applied Non-Slip Deck Surfaces

published 09/13/2021

Is it permissible to not have a moulded non-slip deck surface and, in lieu, apply a resin, urethane or similar based applied (or similar) non-slip surface?

C.7.1.(a) and D.2.6.(d) apply.
A non-slip surface may be incorporated in any area of the deck. The word “may” provides for choice, so yes it is permitted to have, or not to have, a moulded non-slip deck surface.
It is permitted to apply a resin, urethane, or similar non-slip surface.

Submission from Swan River Fleet, April 26, 2021

Spreader Adjustment Fitting

published 09/13/2021

Can the Spreader be Fabricated to Include an Adjustment Fitting?

Does the new spreader design comply with the Class Rules?
- During the research conducted in order to respond to this question, some issues with the Rules and the Plans became apparent. Therefore the ODTC/IGC are reviewing the Class Rules & Plans around spreaders and spreader brackets and will respond further when this is completed. Thank you for helping us identify this area of concern.

Submission from Swan River Fleet, June 12, 2021

Changing an Approved Mould without Approval

published 09/13/2021

Is it permissible to change mould and tooling to change the hull to deck join without obtaining World Sailing Approval?

The Class Rules INTRODUCTION applies. Equipment is required to comply with the International Etchells Building Specification and is subject to a World Sailing/ISAF approved manufacturing control system.
No, it is not permitted.

If no, does a boat from the resulting mould comply with the Class Rules?

No, it would not comply.

Submission from Swan River Fleet, April 26, 2021

Wide Concentration of Hull Strakes at Chainplate Knee from Gunwale to Keelson

published 09/13/2021

Wide Concentration of Hull Strakes at Chainplate Knee from Gunwale to Keelson

Is it permissible to adopt a lateral strake method?
- Yes, it is permitted.
Is it permissible to adopt a lateral strake method that creates a substantial increase in laminate from the gunwhale to the keelson at the chainplate?
- No, it is not permitted.

Submission from Swan River Fleet, April 26, 2021

Replacing a Deck when Not Damaged

published 09/13/2021

Replacing a Deck when Not Damaged

Is it permitted to completely replace a deck with a new deck, or substantially replace a deck when the original deck is not damaged to an extent that repairs could not otherwise be carried out?
- Yes, it is permitted for a licensed builder to replace a deck with a new deck, or substantially replace a deck.
If it is permitted to replace or substantially replace a deck, then can an owner, builder or measurer solely determine if a deck is damaged to an extent that repairs could not otherwise be carried out?
- It is permitted to replace or substantially replace a deck, whether as a repair or not.
If it is permitted to replace or substantially replace a deck, then is it permitted to replace a deck with a deck from a mould that was not the mould from which the original deck was constructed?
- Yes, it is permitted.
If an existing deck is completely replaced with a new deck, or a deck is substantially replaced, is the boat subject to a new measurement process, plaque, Measurement Form completion and new Measurement Certificate?
- Yes, the boat is subject to a new measurement process.
- No, the boat does not require a new plaque.
- Yes, the boat needs a new Measurement Form.
- The boat may need a new Measurement Certificate, subject to Class Rule A.13.1.(a) “A hull certificate becomes invalid upon the change to any items recorded on the hull certificate as required under A.11.”.
If an existing deck is completely replaced with a new deck, or a deck is substantially replaced, is the boat still the boat that was originally certified? Does it constitute a new boat that must comply with the then current Class Rules?
- Yes, it is still the boat that was originally certified.
- No, it does not constitute a new boat.

Submission from Swan River Fleet, April 26, 2021

Is Fairing of the Hull Permitted

published 09/13/2021

Please also refer to IECA website, 04/11/2019: https://etchells.org/news/article/removing-gelcoat

Is reducing the thickness of the moulded gelcoat over large areas of the boat by grinding, planing, sanding or fairing permitted?
- C.7.1.(b) applies.
- No, it is not permitted.
Are highs and lows in the finish of a hull surface caused by resin shrinkage during curing “local imperfections”? If yes, then is it permitted that they be changed by grinding, planing, sanding, fairing and/or the application of putty fillers and coatings?
- It is not possible to respond with certainty on “highs and lows in the finish of a hull surface” without dimensions. Members and licensed builders are advised to check with a measurer for guidance as to what constitutes local imperfections.
- For local imperfections, yes it is permitted.
Is the degree of fairness of a hull or a part of a hull that is inherited from its mould, “local imperfections”? If yes, then is it permitted that they be changed by grinding, planing, sanding, fairing and/or the application of putty fillers and coatings?
- It is not possible to comment on the degree of fairness without dimensions. Members and licensed builders are advised to check with a measurer for guidance as to what constitutes local imperfections.
- For local imperfections, yes it is permitted.
Is removing any asymmetries in a hull inherited from its mould, by fairing, permitted?
- C.7.1.(b) applies.
- No, it is not permitted.
Is removing any asymmetries in the skeg or rudder, by fairing, permitted?
- C.7.1.(b) applies.
- Members and licensed builders are advised to check with a measurer for guidance as to whether to asymmetries either (a) are local imperfections, or (b) render the skeg or rudder outside measurement tolerances. In these cases, yes it is permitted.
Is “full hull fairing” permitted to a new hull prior to assembly with the deck?
- C.7.1.(b) applies.
- Not if the hull fairing changes the hull shape beyond local imperfections.
Is “full hull fairing” permitted to a new or near new hull?
- C.7.1.(b) applies.
- Not if the hull fairing changes the hull shape beyond local imperfections.
Is “full hull fairing” permitted to an aged hull?
- C.7.1.(b) applies.
- Not if the hull fairing changes the hull shape beyond local imperfections.
Is “profile removal” permitted?
- C.7.1.(b) applies.
- Not if the profile removal changes the hull shape beyond local imperfections.

Submission from Swan River Fleet, April 26, 2021

What is the Garboard Measurement Criteria

published 09/13/2021

What is the measurement criteria for the garboard?

The shape in this area is defined by the mould, and is checked with the “Iron Maiden” garboard measurement template.

Submission from Swan River Fleet, April 26, 2021

Leading Edge Radius and Shape Detail at the Front of the Keel Stub

published 09/13/2021

What is leading edge radius and shape detail for the front of the keel stub near where the keel meets the hull?

The leading edge radius should be the same as the keel leading edge radius and the measurer has allowed a maximum 4” vertical area above the keel for the builder to fair this area in. The shape in this area is defined by the mould, and is checked with the Keel Stub Stem Template.

Is it permitted to change the approved mould in order to change the leading edge radius and shape detail at the front of the keel stub near where the keel meets the hull?

D.2.6.(d) applies.
No, it is not permitted.

Submission from Swan River Fleet, April 26, 2021

Packing of Structural Knees Off the Hull

published 09/13/2021

Is it permissible to insert packing between the structural knees and the hull?

Yes, it is permitted in a small size and solely as part of creating a radius in the glassing-in of the knees to the hull.

Submission from Swan River Fleet, April 26, 2021

Additional CSM Strakes in the Bilge

published 09/13/2021

Is it permissible to introduce additional CSM strake(s) in the bilge of the boat to that specified?

Note 2 to the Construction Plan, DWG No. 3MKB-10G applies.
The hull layup schedule is shown in the note; it is not permitted to have more, or less, strakes than that

Submission from Swan River Fleet, April 26, 2021

Deck Recesses

published 09/13/2021

Are recesses a permitted feature within the Class Rules?
- C.7.1. and D.2.3 apply.
- Yes. This was approved at the IGC meeting in August 2010.
- A further clarification of deck recesses will be issued shortly.

Submission from Swan River Fleet, April 18, 2021

2021 European Championship

published 08/31/2021

2021 European Champions: Stuart Childerley, Ben Childerley, Roger Marino

2021 European Youth Champions: Anthony Parke, Ross Mackley, Josie Meredith, Jack Aitken

International Etchells European Championship 20-22 August 2021

Run by Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes

In short, a brilliant weekends racing with some very tight and enjoyable competition throughout the fleet. Day 1 (Fri) saw the AP up early on while Peter Saxton, the PRO, waited for the wind to fill in.

Eventually it came in from the West around midday and racing got underway shortly after. The first race saw most of the fleet head left early on with a few electing to tack off, but it was K2, the leftmost boat, that was first round the windward mark. Gelert managed to pull ahead by the bottom mark and then lead the rest of the race with a close fought battle at the finish as they were followed closely by K2 and Polaris. Race 2 saw newcomer's to the fleet Angus Galloway and crew in GBR957 lead the fleet out on starboard after a brilliant committee boat start, they were just pipped to the windward mark by Eat Sleep E Repeat but held on around the course to take 5th overall, Stuart and Ben Childerley in Polaris taking the Race 2 win in the end. The final race was a similar story with the left hand side of the course paying off, Polaris took a second win to set the bar for the rest of the regatta, closely followed by Rob Goddard in Rocketman and then the youth boat of Sumo with Anthony Parke and crew in third.

Day 2 saw another early AP up while the wind settled. Similar to day 1, the fleet headed out after lunch and were greeted with light and fickle winds while the race officers tried their best to set a fair course. Eventually the wind settled sufficiently to get race 4 underway but a pin biased line caused a few too many boats to drift over the line leading to a general recall. The wind shifted further left during the restart but the Uniform flag was displayed and had the desired effect of keeping everyone behind the line as Race 4 finally got away - the majority electing for a straight tack onto port at the earliest opportunity. Angus Galloway in GBR957 played this perfectly and lead for the entire race, closely followed by Polaris and Gelert. Races 5 and 6 caused a good mix up of the results as the shifty condition caused a few of the leading boats to get caught up in the mid-fleet. This gave some of the Corinthian boats a chance to score some impressive results with No Dramas getting 3rd in races 5 and 6 and Sumo getting the bullet in race 6. Swedish Blue also got their first race win of the regatta in race 5.

The third and final day had forecasted similar conditions to Saturday afternoon but with a northerly breeze - and no AP this time. The results were tight and this meant that any of the top boats could theoretically take the overall win if things went their way. Race 7 saw a split in the fleet with those electing to go onto port early and into the channel gaining the most. Sumo was right in the mix and thanks to the tide rapidly taking the fleet towards the windward mark, they called the layline perfectly from almost half a kilometre out and rounded first ahead of Gelert, followed closely by Exabyte. Sumo managed to overstand the newly laid windward mark for the second beat and it looked like Gelert would take the inside, but they held on and took it all the way to the finish to score a second win in a row. David Franks had already commented on this being one of the best performances by a youth boat so far during the RYS dinner on Friday night, and this certainly backed that up, perhaps the suggestion he jokingly made of selling the boat made Anthony and crew sail a bit harder! Race 8 was a similar story with but the course was more evenly split this time, most boats still going onto port early to make the most of the tide. Polaris was first round the mark and held on the entire way to the finish followed by Alfie who scored their second second in a row, then Gelert in third. Race 8 left it all to play for with Polaris looking favourite to take the top spot overall, it was Swedish Blue who took the win in the final race to seal their position as second overall but Polaris came home second making them the 2021 European Champions. Gelert fought hard but an unfortunate last race meant they had to settle for third overall in the regatta. Sumo also held onto forth overall after a not so great last race but still a very respectable finish. First Corinthian boat was No Dramas sailed by Andrew Lawson and crew coming home in 8th overall.

A great regatta and thanks to everyone that made it such a success in the sometimes tricky conditions of the Solent, especially the RYS race team headed by Peter Saxton and to the on-shore organisers, special mentions to Jan the class secretary and Graham and Karl for organising the youth boats and getting them ready in time. Finally, well done to Stuart, Ben and Roger on Polaris for taking home a well fought overall victory.

FULL RESULTS

Submitted by Sam Jones (Mano GBR1194)

Invitation to the 2022 World Championship

published 08/09/2021

2022 Worlds Invitation

The Cowes Etchells fleet are pleased to invite sailors from around the world to the 2022 World Championships being held in Cowes, UK, in September 2022. A brochure has been prepared and may be viewed here.

In conjunction with the Royal Yacht Squadron the UK Etchells fleet promise all sailors a warm welcome, and whatever assistance that we can provide to make logistics as easy as possible.

As always, David Franks our Fleet Captain and other UK members are at your disposal. Feel free to contact David at davidfranks80@gmail.com or Rob Godard on rob@robgoddard.com

2021 UK Saida Cup

published 07/14/2021

Photo by Rob Goddard

The 2021 Etchells Saida Cup run by the Royal Thames Yacht Club was held on the 10th-11th of July in Cowes. 15 boats entered meant that everyone was looking forward to a weekend of racing but unfortunately the wind did not want to play ball on the Saturday. Very light winds coupled with spring tides meant that no racing was possible on day one, with the few boats that did venture out having a long paddle in against the tide, followed by a tow.

Better wind on Sunday allowed 3 races in a light southerly breeze, with the youth team of Anthony Parke, Will Birchall, Ross Mackley and Anna Ratnage on Sumo getting off to a great start with a bullet in race one.

There was more light and fickle breeze for race two, with big shifts and changes in pressure over the whole course meaning that no one was ever comfortable in their position, but the team that managed to navigate the tricky conditions the best was Andrew Cooper’s Ice, taking the win in race two.

After a short postponement as the wind flicked round to the south-east, race three got underway. The points were tight, with a few teams still having the chance to win the regatta but Bruno Van Dyke’s Jolly Roger managed to take the win in the final race, and with it the regatta.

The winners of the Saida Cup 2021 were Bruno Van Dyke, Matt Reid and George Downer on Jolly Roger, with Shaun Frolich, Duncan Truswell and Ben Cooper second on Exabyte. Third overall and first Corinthian team was Swedish Blue, sailed by Ante Razmilovic, Nils Razmilovic and Brian Hammersley. First youth team was Sumo, sailed by of Anthony Parke, Will Birchall, Ross Mackley and Anna Ratnage.

Thanks must go to the Royal Thames Yacht Club race committee, led by PRO Phil Hagen, for getting three high quality races in very difficult conditions and making the most of the time on the water.

Submitted by Jake Hardman

FULL RESULTS

2021 Royal London Youth Academy Teams Named

published 07/10/2021

The Royal London Etchells Youth Academy prizegiving and drinks reception were hosted by the Royal London Yacht Club this weekend during the Etchells South Coast Championships.

At the reception Commodore Martin Thomas gave newly-inducted sailors a hearty welcome. This was followed by an insight into the rich history of the club and its significance as one of the major yacht clubs in Cowes.

A program of training plus success in the Etchells Academy trials entitles teams access to racing in the active and welcoming Cowes fleet. This includes the use of a competitive Etchells keelboat and a year’s membership of the Royal London Yacht Club. With the 2021 European Championships and 2022 World Championships scheduled in Cowes, these sailors have a real chance to make a mark on the fleet.

The class Academy is generously supported by David Franks and the Royal London Yacht Club. The class is also very fortunate to have David Bedford for coordinating the training and the coaches, Graham Sunderland and Karl Schafer for the maintenance and upkeep of the boats, and all its very supportive members. The Etchells Academy can boast a wealth of successful sailors as alumni who have progressed to compete in the professional sailing scene.

For 2021, two new teams were granted a boat from the trials event in May, with a team from the Royal Thames Yacht Club, and two alumni outfits. Teams were presented with new branded kit at the reception, so do keep an eye out for the sailors donning it!

Those teams are led by:

· Ines Pont Sanchis, sailing Shamal

· Will Birchall, sailing Sumo

· Thea Crawshaw, sailing Ziggy

· Jake Hardman, sailing Pulse

· Sam Jones, sailing Mano
Congratulations to all teams for earning their spots, and wishing all sailors a successful season ahead!

International Etchells South Coast Championship

published 06/29/2021

Results

Saturday morning dawned sunny and windless as competitors from 17 boats made their way down to the docks. Thankfully, a message from the race committee confirmed the breeze was filling in and the forecasted 8-12kts arrived just in time for Race 1.

After a strong start, No Dramas led the fleet to take race 1 closely followed by Rocketman and Swedish Blue. The strong tide around the windward mark caught many boats by surprise, with multiple teams having to make extra tacks, and Sumo putting in a great performance to take the win in race 2.

Race 3 saw No Dramas take first again and top the overall standings at the end of the day. Sumo sat close behind, as second overall and leading youth boat, followed by Swedish Blue in third going into day 2.

The start of day 2 came with a forecast of 15kts dropping to 6kts by the end of the day, presenting a challenge for teams to set their boats to the conditions. Race 4 had a fiercely competitive pre-start and four boats were marked OCS, while Swedish Blue continued their strong performance from Saturday to take the win, followed by Straight Dealer in second and Ice in third.

A general recall in race 5 brought all boats back for a second attempt, and No Dramas once again proved they were the team to beat after taking first place. Polaris took second place and Exabyte finished soon after in third.

The final race saw the breeze drop off and Polaris took the win, putting in a strong performance after not racing on the Saturday, followed by Straight Dealer in second and Exabyte in third.

A consistent performance throughout the weekend saw No Dramas, sailed by Andrew Lawson, Andy Beadsworth and Simon Fry, take top prize, followed by Ante Razmilovic’s Swedish Blue, crewed by Brian Hammersley and Andrew Mills, in second place and Straight Dealer in third, sailed by Graham Sunderland, Vita Heathcote, Tommy Hough and Ryan Orr. Top Corinthian team, and leading youth boat, went to Sumo, who also finished fourth overall and was sailed by Anthony Parke, Will Birchall, Will Taylor and Josie Meredith.

Thanks to the Royal London Yacht Club Race Officer Peter Taylor and his race team for running 6 competitive races in varying conditions and putting on an excellent event.

Chairman’s Letter to the Membership

published 06/25/2021

As we celebrate the mid-year solstice it behooves me to take stock of what your current IGC has achieved in the first six months of its two-year tenure. Unlike any before it, this IGC has been meeting monthly on zoom with a full agenda and some lively debate about all the issues which face our august sailboat class, and there have been many.

Mould 11 Update

Top of mind for many Etchells sailors, not only in Australia but around the world is the status of the M11 controversy at this moment in time. Unfortunately, I am not yet in a position to communicate the definitive outcome of the M11 issue, but I can say that in the past couple of months there has been a bona fide and bilateral (meaning active and collegial cooperation between the IECAA and the IECA) communication and some immense strides achieved towards a solution. I am quite certain that I will be able to communicate more definitively on this important matter within a scant few weeks. We must get this right. The M11 crisis may be the biggest threat to the future of the Class that we have ever faced, and so taking a few more weeks to get it right is certainly worthwhile in my view. More to come imminently.

World Championships Update

As you know the 2020 Worlds in Perth, AUS were delayed due to Covid. As the pandemic continued to create havoc globally for travel and public gatherings, the 2021 date for a Perth Worlds has also had to be set aside. So we will have had no Etchells Worlds for two years (since Corpus Christi in June 2019) and will not have one by the end of this year. After much deliberation and debate, and critically assessing the possibility that Western Australia may not be fully open to world travelers even in the fall of 2022, it was decided to push Perth forward a few years and move to Cowes for the 2022 Worlds. So mark your calendars for a Solent Worlds 18-24 September, 2022. Miami, originally scheduled for (Northern Hemisphere) Spring of 2022, has been pushed back to 12-22 April, 2023. So those events are firm and the dates are established. The Perth Worlds is now scheduled for 18-24 November, 2023. Other venues for the next few years include Melbourne January 2025. Under consideration for 2024 are Shelter Island NY, San Diego, Hong Kong and Auckland. A definitive 5-year plan for the Etchells Worlds will be decided upon in the coming months and communicated to you when plans have been finalized.

ODTC Update

One of the most active committees in the Etchells class management has been the One-Design Technical Committee, Chaired by Scott Kaufman and ably attended by 6 other prominent Etchells sailors. The ODTC has been methodically going through the outstanding issues where there is ambiguity or conflict between drawings and precise wording of class rules, previously made but poorly documented If you require further information or assistance, please email the Fleet on etchellsoffice@gmail.com interpretations and other confusing matters which have confounded members, builders and others for decades. As these issues are resolved and final decisions made regarding interpretations, typically done in consultation with members, builders, the class measurer (Bill Abbott) and approved by the IGC, technical memos are created which encode the results of the work. These then appear on the Class website at www.etchells.org/class/technical/technical-documents and www.etchells.org/class/interpretationslist/interpretations-and-rulings for ready reference by all interested parties. This is an ongoing and continuous process so please peruse your Class site often to see the latest interpretive materials.

Class Audit Update

One of the most important initiatives undertaken by the previous IGC (2019/20 Chaired by Jim Cunningham) was the development of a Class Audit. I have spoken about this before but the vision was for a comprehensive review of all documents, drawings, specifications and rules, as well as scans of all existing moulds and recently manufactured boats from those moulds, all as a gesture to affirm our strict one-design ethos withing this Class, as well as weed out any contradictions and inconsistencies within the complex of documents that define and manage our class. Stuart Childerley, Vice Chair of the IGC has taken on the task of leading a committee to prosecute this Class Audit. While both the last IGC and this current one have had the lion’s share of their time and attention consumed by the M11 issue, everyone involved realizes that the greatest achievement that this IGC can hope for is to define and complete this Audit during the current tenure, scheduled to expire in December 2022. Progress is being made on several fronts. The Audit committee consists of several members of the IGC and the ODTC in addition to a number of dedicated participants from across the globe, from all the jurisdictions where Etchells are raced. The Audit Committee also has been meeting monthly, typically two weeks after the IGC has met. To date, the most significant achievement has been the drafting of a brand-new Constitution for the Class, much like other International Classes have. Heretofore, the Etchells Class has not had a Constitutional document. Currently, the Association Rules cover most of what should and shall be in our new Constitution. Still in early draft form, it is being reviewed as I write this for final edits before being presented to the IGC for further review and commentary. This is exciting. Again, provided we get this right, this document will serve to codify and ensconce our principles of one-design and governance for decades to come, helping us to remain the pre-eminent one-design racing Class on the planet.

As the southern hemisphere heads into winter and fewer events and regattas and the northern heads into summer and a bounty of events, especially as the US, Canada, Bermuda, the UK and the Netherlands start relaxing covid restrictions, we the IGC continue to work on behalf of our Class and you, our members.

Andrew Cumming
Chairman, Elected Governor

Steve Benjamin Wins Etchells US Nationals

published 06/24/2021

Results

Steve Benjamin topped 30 teams to win the 2021 Etchells U.S. National Championship held June 18-20 in Marblehead, MA. With crew Michael Menninger, Ian Liberty, and Dave Hughes, Benjamin posted a 10-2-17 before making their move to the top, closing with two bullets to win by 12 points over Tomas Hornos in second with Donald Mense a point further back in third.

First Tracks storm home to secure Etchells Nationals

published 06/14/2021

Peter Merrington and his team of Ian McKillop and Steve “Mothy” Jarvin on First Tracks AUS1485 took the wins in the Etchells Australian Nationals and the Australasian Championships on Sunday 13 June winning the final race of the regatta over Martin Hill’s Lisa Rose AUS1484, and Mark Bradford’s Pie AUS947 which were also the overall regatta placings.

Race 8

The fleet were sent out on time for a 1000 hours start in a southerly breeze.

After a lengthy on water postponement, the breeze finally started to fill in at midday around 235 degrees. The starting sequence kicked off by 1230 when the wind stabilised at 245 degrees, and the Race Officer set the two-lap course with a 0.9 nautical mile first work.

First Tracks AUS1485 nailed the start in the middle of the line, but it was the boat end boats of Flying High AUS1435 skippered by JC Strong and Yandoo XX AUS868 skippered by Neville Wittey who were the early leaders on the first work.

Ciao AUS1244 skippered by Douglas McGain, who were the leaders after day one of the event, rounded the top and gate in third followed by Paul Thackray’s Tranquility Base AUS1377.

As Lisa Rose AUS1484 was the only other boat that could potentially push First Tracks AUS1485 from the top of the leaderboard, it was no surprise to see these boats close together at the top of the work seventh to Martin Hill and tenth to Peter Merrington, and then on top of each other down the first run.

Yandoo XX AUS868 and Flying High AUS1435 were well in front at the bottom of the run, taking the starboard and port bottom gates, respectively. Before both headed to the left-hand side of the work which had paid on the first work.

Meanwhile, the battle for the overall lead had firmly moved into the hands of First Tracks AUS1485 who had moved up to sixth around the gate having also passed Lisa Rose AUS1484 on the run who rounded the bottom in ninth.

While it appeared that Nev Wittey and his youth Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron crew on Yandoo XX AUS868 were continuing to open their lead on the fleet up the second work, the breeze had other ideas, as it started to pivot to the right-hand side of the course. This resulted in a major shake up of the placings.

It was the regatta leaders on First Tracks AUS1485 who fared best to lead around the final mark of the course, followed by Tag AUS1330 skippered by Todd Anderson, Lisa Rose AUS1484, Mark Bradford’s Pie AUS947, and Yandoo XX AUS868 fell back to fifth.

The places by the finish mimicked the overall championship results, and solidified the win for Merrington, McKillop and Jarvin on board First Tracks AUS1485 who had secured the win without needing the ninth race of the series in the National Championship, but not the Australasian Championships.

Live stream of Race 8 finish

Race 9

After another on water delay following the large right hander in Race 8, the Race Officer got the racing away for Race 9 just after 1400 hours with the limit for racing looming at 1430.

Live stream of Race 9 start

The race was not to be and was called off at 1426 hours while the boats were approaching the top mark with breeze threatening the course from both sides.

“As far as the conditions for the four days, they were really challenging, not just for us but for the competitors” said Race Officer Louise Davis of the conditions for the Etchells Australia National Championship.

“To win in those conditions, and by such a margin is a pretty impressive feat” she commented on the performance of regatta champions First Tracks AUS1485 who secured not only the Etchells Australia Nationals, but also the Australasian Championship, “it was just not easy”.

Live stream with the winners from First Tracks

Thank you

“It’s always really great to work with people who are so enthusiastic, they just keep coming back smiling no matter what you ask them to do, it is just amazing to work with people like that” said Davis on the Mooloolaba Yacht Club team of volunteers.

It was a tough regatta for the volunteers and organisers following the Victorian lockdown and a major shuffle of the regatta crew, who all had to step up to make the program happen. Congratulations to all.

Special mention to the regatta organising committee, Trevor Martin, Suzanne Mabbott, Warren Myles, Mark Coghlan and Kerri Smith for their efforts to make this event happen given all the challenges.

Thanks also to the regatta sponsors; Sunshine Coast Council, Visit Sunshine Coast, Newport Apartments, Whale Spars, North Sails, Harken Australia, The Wharf Mooloolaba, Mooloolaba Marina, Kelly Green Cranes, Waterfront Agents, Bar Karate and The Dock Mooloolaba.

Results and Prizes

Live stream of the Final Presentation

Best Performing local Mooloolaba Member

Just 2 Funny AUS1144 – Trevor Martin, Ashley Deeks, Rodney Howell

Best Performing Fleet

Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron

Best Performing Classic Boat

Yandoo XX AUS868 – Neville Wittey, James Griffin, Scott Cotton, Zac Quinlan

UK Southern Area Championship

published 06/09/2021

2021 Corinthian Winners 2021 Youth Winners

With an entry of 21 teams, the Southern Area Championships saw the highest Cowes Etchells fleet turnout since the beginning of the pandemic. With the racetrack tucked behind the Bramble Bank, wall-to-wall sunshine at points and a westerly to south westerly wind direction, this all made for a classic weekend of fun Etchells racing. From the outset, the Race Committee, led by Phil Hagen and the Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC), decided to bring one of the Sunday races forward to Saturday which was the breezier forecast of the two days.

Day 1, which generally favoured the left-hand side of the course throughout, saw superior upwind pace and tactical strength from James Howells’ Gelert. A scoreline strung with ones and twos meant a well-deserved Regatta win. In Race 1 it was Gelert that rounded the windward mark first, followed closely by the Childerley’s Polaris and Razmilovic’s Swedish Blue, going on to keep the lead for the race win.

By Race 2 the wind was already exceeding its forecast. Razmilovic’s Swedish Blue had the pick of the starts, winning the pin end. A well-timed tack into clear air that followed meant a low-fuss path to round the mark first and choice of an early gybe to chance at extending their lead. By the second downwind Gelert made keeping this lead a very difficult job, but it is a testament to Swedish Blue’s patience that they held on.

The leaders of Race 3 had a different look with a leading pack of Polaris, followed by Gelert, Ward’s Eat Sleep E Repeat and Smith’s Alfie. However, it was Polaris that deservedly prevailed.

Having best played the tide and the wind, Warwick’s Audrey led at the top mark this time for Race 4, breaking away from the bunch with Gelert on the first downwind. Gelert elected for a split leeward gate rounding; this was the turning point of Audrey’s lead challenge. From this point the lead of the race swung away from Audrey handing the result to Gelert, with Goddard’s Rocketman chasing the two race leaders down in third place.

Day 2 was the chillier and less breezy day, while the predicted drizzle never materialised. In Race 5, Polaris escaped the fray and sailed the tidiest first beat, followed by Stagg’s China Wight. Polaris continued to extend this advantage making the final downwind a toss-up between the likes of Gelert, Eat Sleep E Repeat and China Wight. It was a last-ditch manoeuvre from Eat Sleep E Repeat to force China Wight into a gybe outside the finish that put Eat Sleep E Repeat in second place on this occasion.

Race 6 saw the leaders come from the port end of the line with several boats from that end also called OCS. However, I think that Anthony Parke might like me to mention that theory doesn’t apply with Sumo given he started on port tack from the committee boat end yet made fifth! By the first mark the fleet was very packed but, helped by a big right-hand shift that took effect on the downwind leg, it was China Wight that was best able to take the long tack into the second top mark, then creating a convincing gap over the rest of the fleet for the later upwind finish. Notable mentions in this race go to Gelert, Alfie, and Offord’s The Plant Hunter that also finished in the leading pack.

Congratulations to the Regatta winners, James Howells/Ruairidh Scott/Jamie Lea of Gelert (RORC/RSrnYC), who were followed by Stuart Childerley’s Polaris and Lawrie Smith’s Alfie.

The Corinthian prize (fully crewed by World Sailing Category 1 sailors) was won by Ante Razmilovic/Brian Hammersley/James Downer of Swedish Blue (YCCS) (6th overall), followed by Rob Goddard’s Rocketman (7th) and Jon Warwick’s Audrey (8th).

The first Youth Academy boat was Anthony Parke/Tom Collyer/Cossie Lewis/Will Birchall of Sumo (9th overall).

Well raced all!

Many thanks to the Race Committee, led by Phil Hagen and the Royal Thames Yacht Club, and all the class volunteers for making events like these happen. Particular appreciation goes to Rob Goddard for coordinating the race tracking, which can be found here.

FULL RESULTS

CCCA Keelboat Champs 1 15/16th May

published 06/01/2021

This year’s first Keelboat Champs event run by the Royal Thames Yacht Club, with an excellent race team headed by Jenny Woods, fierce competition and treacherous winds as the five Etchells Youth Academy teams battled it out on the water for the two coveted funded campaigns. The youth teams got a humbling taste of the class as they were joined by 10 other boats on the water. With incredibly challenging conditions all weekend, every team gave a fantastic show on the water

Racing on Saturday was postponed due to flat calms, with the wind picking up heavily towards midday and leading to a day of squalls and patchy gusts, averaging 17 knots and gusting in the high twenties from the South-West. Thanks to the efforts of the race committee, we were able to get three races in in spite of a late start. The Childerleys on Polaris led the pack winning the first and second races of the day, beaten only by Shaun Frohlich’s Exabyte on the third race of the day. As the day progressed the fleet saw a substantial increase in the wind, and a major shift in the final downwind of the day that saw most teams reaching on the jib to the finish line on port. Ines Pont Sanchis’ youth team on Shamal went for the kite and trucked down the left side of the course on a tight reach, planing away towards the front of the fleet.

A wind-battered fleet set off again on Sunday expecting similar conditions, with a strong but shifty SouthWesterly making for some active upwind legs. John Warwick’s Audrey made a stellar comeback winning the If you require further information or assistance, please email the UK Fleet on secretary@etchellsukfleet.co.uk first race of the day, with Ante Razmilovic on Swedish Blue taking the second victory of the day. Due to building conditions and a looming thunderstorm, the day was cut short with the third and final race of the day finishing at the first top mark.

Congratulations to the Childerleys on Polaris for winning the regatta, followed by Bruno van Dyke on Jolly Roger and Shaun Frohlich on Exabyte. Congratulations as well to Anthony Park and his youth team on Sumo for winning the youth class.

UK Red Funnel Regatta

published 06/01/2021

The 2021 Etchells Red Funnel Regatta was run by the Royal London Yacht Club in the Solent on the weekend of the 29th-30th May. 11 boats were entered, and the forecast was for light winds and sun.

As competitors arrived on Saturday morning, there was little wind, leading to the first race being delayed by an hour and a half, but good work from the Race Committee, led by PRO Peter Taylor, meant that three high quality races could be sailed in 6-8 knots from the South-East.

Ante Razmilovic on Swedish Blue started race 1 at the pin and went left to lead in to mark 1 with a lead that he never relinquished to take the bullet in race 1, closely followed by Strait Dealer, sailed by Graham Sunderland with a guest appearance from Lawrie Smith.

The wind was dropping for race 2, leading to a long first beat, but it was Audrey, sailed by Will Bedford, that played the shifts and tide the best to lead at the first mark. After a long downwind the length of the course was shortened for the second lap and Audrey kept the lead to take race 2.

With the wind back up again for race 3, Swedish Blue once again started at the pin and lead at the top mark and only extended their lead throughout to take another win and lead overnight. Thanks must go to the RLYC race committee for getting three races in in tricky conditions and staying on the water into the evening in order to get them in.

Sunday dawned with more sun and slightly more breeze, getting up to 10-12 knots in the afternoon, again from the South-East. Racing started on time at 11am and once again Swedish Blue started at the pin and led at mark 1 but this time Rob Goddard on Rocketman went right up the second beat to take advantage of the tide and pass Swedish Blue to take the win.

In race 5 it was Strait Dealer that managed to beat Swedish Blue to the pin and they used that good start to build a large lead by the first mark. The addition of a third lap almost caught a few of the fleet out but Strait Dealer had no problems converting their lead into a win in race 5.

Going into the final race, Razmilovic’s Swedish Blue led by one point from Strait Dealer with Audrey a further three back, meaning it was still all to play for. Audrey went right up the first beat and led at the top mark, closely followed by Swedish Blue, who then gybed later than Audrey and sailed around them to take the lead at the bottom gate but Audrey then sailed further right up the second beat then put a cover on Swedish Blue to lead at the second top mark, a lead which they converted into the win in the final race.

This result meant that Ante Razmilovic’s Swedish Blue, crewed by Brian Hammersley and James Downer won the 2021 Red Funnel Regatta and also the prize for first Corinthian team with Audrey second, sailed by Will Bedford, Will Heritage, Fraser Woodley and Carys Randeria. Third was Strait Dealer, sailed by Graham Sunderland, Lawrie Smith, Vita Heathcote and Will Heathcote. First youth team was Pulse, sailed by Jake Hardman, Rosie Watkins, Midge Watkins and Harriet Watkins.

Thanks must go from all the competitors to the Royal London Yacht Club Race committee, led by Peter Taylor for running a full programme of six high quality races in some tricky conditions and strong tides.

New for this year in the Cowes Etchells fleet is tracking being used in all racing, for which thanks must go to Rob Goddard. Tracking for all races can be found here: https://tacktracker.com/cloud/regattas/show/282089102?fbclid=IwAR0Ys6r_HFn14O4Flaz2F7HPCN6lB0tKEvGPQOGtseY7nu_Cqn5G_mmYdoM

FULL RESULTS

Round up from the UK Fleet

published 04/23/2021

World J70 Champion Joins the Etchells Fleet

The current J70 World Champion, Paul Ward, has bought a Heritage Etchells to campaign for the Cowes Etchells Worlds in 2022. He follows closely on the heels of two-time World Champion, Stuart Childerley, who launched his new Heritage Etchells last year.

Cowes Week

Laurence Mead, long-term Etchells sailor, has been made Chief Executive of Cowes Week which is a new appointment combining his previous role as Regatta Director. The Etchells have their own start as one of the 42 starts each day at Cowes Week, when we may see up to 20 Etchells competing over 31st July to 7th April. Cowes Week is the largest Regatta in the world and would still be the largest even if it was half the size.

Anyone wishing to charter an Etchells for this, or any other event, contact davidfranks80@gmail.com or +44(0)7768063868.

Cowes First to Get 5G

Cowes will be the first sailing venue to be fully 5G’d in September enabling any spectator and race officers to experience exactly what is happening on the yacht in real time, including wind conditions, and later on catch-up. Anyone interested in more information about the app, cameras, and how to use the technology for your own regatta (Etchells or otherwise) should contact laurence.mead@cowesweek.co.uk

The Etchells Worlds in 2022 will have up to 50 cameras covering the event in real time coverage of all of the boats simultaneously on the app, visible worldwide, including cameras at each mark. It’s a game-changer for spectators.

Cowes Etchells Worlds 2022

The Royal Yacht Squadron, and the Cowes Etchells Fleet, are looking forward to greeting Etchells competitors in August/September 2022 for the World Championship. A state-of-the-art new Committee Boat is being commissioned ready for this event.

Post-race de-briefing:

Etchells fleets the world over are known for their camaraderie. In the Cowes fleet this year we plan to implement a short but informative de-brief after sailing on day one of an event. The setting will be informal and designed to share knowledge from the more experienced Etchells campaigners and long-time Solent warriors to those newer to the fleet and the venue.

Over recent years, I was fortunate to do a number of events in the San Diego Etchells fleet and witnessed the legendary Vince Brun facilitate discussion and ask questions of the teams that had performed well or shone in a particular area of the racing. They lasted for 15 or so minutes, including some Q and A. The feedback from those sessions was overwhelmingly positive. We plan to follow that format.

The location will be by the Etchells container at CYH. Refreshments will be provided and there will be a BBQ in operation. They will take place within 30 or so minutes of arriving back at the dock and well in advance of evening dinner bookings.

Cowes Fleet programme 2021

Event	Date
Bedrock Trophy	17/18 April
Sir Kenneth Preston Trophy	1/3 May
Keelboat Champs 1	15/16 May
Red Funnel Regatta	29/30 May
Southern Area Championship	5/6 June
Keelboat Champs 2	12/13 June
South Coast Championship	26/27 June
Cowes Classics	5/9 July
Saida	10/11 July
Keelboat Champs 4	17/18 July
Cowes Week	31 July/7 August
European Championship	20/22 August
Keelboat Champs 5	28/29 August
National Championship	17/19 September
Ice Bucket	16/17 October

All Etchells events will be on Yacht Scoring, the Keelboat Champs are not run by the Class but include Etchell Starts.

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 ALL

Australia Bermuda Canada Great Britain Holland Hong Kong New Zealand United States ALL

Australian Nationals Bermuda British Nationals Canadian Nationals Corinthian Cup European Grand Masters Great Lakes Hong Kong Irish Long Island Sound New England New Zealand North American Pacific Coast US Nationals US Midwinters East US Midwinters West World Championship ALL

Worlds Equipment Inspection Reminders

Q4 2025 Etchells Newsletter

Updated Class Rules and Modified M11 Exemption

2025 Annual General Meeting minutes

Q3 2025 Etchells Newsletter

2025 Annual General Meeting

ICEA Class Rules Vote Results

Q2 2025 Etchells Newsletter

Notice of Class Rule Change Vote

Luke Lawrence Wins the 2025 Etchells North American Championship

Competition Tightens at Etchells North Americans in San Diego

Cooke, Masfen, and Wilkinson (NZL) Top Position at Etchells North Americans Day 1

2025 Etchells North American Championship Set to Kick Off Friday May 16th in San Diego

Q1 2025 Etchells Newsletter

Magpie match races to win Etchells World Championship 2025

Etchells World Championship 2025 - Magpie Holds On To Lead

Etchells World Championship 2025 - Lightning and Lack of Wind

Etchells World Championship 2025 - A Family Affair

Etchells World Championship 2025 - Day 1

Etchells World Championship 2025 - Practice Race

Q4 2024 Etchells Newsletter

AGM Minutes and Class Annoucements

November IGC resolutions (electronics and qualifying events) - UPDATED with WS permissions

2024 Annual General Meeting

Q3 2024 Etchells Newsletter

Mainsheet block riser

IGC Resolution Amending Electronics Use

European Championship - Date and Venue Changes

IGC Resolutions Regarding Use of Onboard Electronics and 2028 World Championship

Spinnaker sheet block recess

Q2 2024 Etchells Newsletter

Q1 2024 Etchells Newsletter

Magpie soars like an eagle to claim 2024 Etchells World Championships

Shiftier than a bag of snakes! Frustrating conditions on Day 3 of the 2024 Etchells World Championships

Big changes and bigger gains at the 2024 Etchells World Championships

Sendy first day of the 2024 Etchells World Championships, just what the Doctor ordered

RESULTS: Proposed Rule Change: Spreader Adjusters

Extension of M11 Trial Period

Q4 2023 Etchells Newsletter

2023 AGM announcement: UPDATED with Registration Information

Q3 2023 Etchells Newsletter

IECA Code of Conduct

Q2 2023 Etchells Newsletter

Mast Spar Hole: Dimensions and Moving

Mast Collar Insert

Floorboard upgrade

Statement regarding “Dear Men of the Sailing World”

Team Veracity 2023 Etchells World Champions!

Q1 2023 Etchells Newsletter

2023 Worlds Common Measurement Problems

Q4 2022 Etchells Newsletter

IGC Chairman’s Letter to the Membership

2023-24 IGC Announced

New Rules in Effect

Q3 2022 Etchells Newsletter

Notice of Annual General Meeting

2022 Worlds Wrap Up

Inspiring Etchells Youth

Inspiring Etchells Youth

2022 Etchells World Championship Information

Cowes Worlds Allocation Changed to 100%

IGC Chair Thanks the Expert Panel

IGC Resolution for Trial Period of Remediation of M11 Boats

Proposed Rule Changes Pass

Information for the Upcoming Rules Vote

Class Updates: Upcoming vote, new documents, Cowes Worlds NOR

Class Rule Change Proposals

New IECA Constitution in Effect

One Design Project

One Design Project Proposed Documents and Meetings

Louise Racing team, Grant Gordon’s Etchells just launched

Proposed Constitution and Rule Changes Passes

International Class Annual General Meeting Minutes

2021 Ice Bucket Championship

Technical Update - 003 Fittings & Deck Recesses

Technical Update - 002 Mast Step Fitting

Etchells British Championships September 17-19th 2021

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2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

ALL

Australia

Bermuda

Canada

Great Britain

Holland

Hong Kong

New Zealand

United States

ALL

Australian Nationals

Bermuda

British Nationals

Canadian Nationals

Corinthian Cup

European

Grand Masters

Great Lakes

Hong Kong

Irish

Long Island Sound

New England

New Zealand

North American

Pacific Coast

US Nationals

US Midwinters East

US Midwinters West

World Championship

ALL