The impending 2018 Etchells World Championship at Brisbane tells a tale almost as old as time itself. The word we are wandering around is, epic. Come October 18, 2018, this most highly competitive class of one-design sailboats will hold their premier regatta on the waters of Moreton Bay in Brisbane. The event for the Etchells, now in their 50th year, will be staged out of the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, on the shores of Manly.
Inside the world of sailing, both the club, and the fact that around 85 entries have already been received, also fall into the classification of epic. As entries close on September 14, it is expected that around 90 boats, along with their super-keen crews from all around the globe, will be bustling on the start line. So well done to all of those who have made the commitment to be here.
Now leading the overall charge, as it were, the boats have already begun to arrive and fill the immense hardstand area at RQ, as the host club is best known. The competition will be hot, hot, hot on the water. Trying to determine who will reign supreme amongst this armada of former World Champions in this and other classes, America’s Cup stars, round the world ocean racers, as well as Olympic legends, is not something many would be prepared to tackle. One thing that is much easier to nominate and describe, is just how the local Brisbane Fleet will look after everyone in their world-renowned, convivial manner.
David Irvine, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, commented about the current state of play, “It’s wonderful to see the representation from all over the fleet, and also the globe. This is the true Etchells spirit of participation and camaraderie, which is now in its fifth decade!”
“We rolled on from Newport R.I. in 2014, when we were successful in our bid to host the regatta, and have not stopped since. It is a delight to see the result we have to date, and so now we move onto making the outcome for all who are attending exactly what they are coming for, and have come to expect from this team. My thanks to the crew that have made it possible, and also all the competitors for making the journey.”
On that note, it is so interesting to learn so much about the kinds of crews coming to Brisbane. When you also get to learn how crews came to be, and their motivations for attending, you get an insight into the joys of sailing.
Scott Kaufman is the Skipper of USA 1198, America Jane 11, which is one of the 20 or so four-up crews attending the regatta. Scott was actually born in Sydney, but the ex-pat has lived in the USA since 1974. He actually represented Australia in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico in the very pretty 5.5 metre Class.
Crewmen Jesse Kirkland sailed in the 2012 Olympics in the 49er class for Bermuda, and Lucas Calabrase sailed in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics for Argentina in the 470s, claiming a Bronze Medal at Weymouth (2012). These two used to sail against each other in the Optimist Class. The final crewman is Austen Anderson, who sailed for Hobart College in several classes.
“This will be our third World Championship together as a team. Unfortunately we broke our mast in 2016, and were in the Top 10 in 2017. We are also the current North American Champions. The boat itself is in great shape, and has been updated constantly.”
“As a four-man crew we do best in medium conditions, but higher breeze, like those in San Francisco, is not a problem, just more challenging. We will be sailing in the pre-Worlds, as well as the Worlds. Our boat went into the container last week for the 35-day trip to Brisbane. So yes. We are coming and really looking forward to it all.”
Marty Kaye and Marco Pocci HKG 1428 during the 2016 Cowes Worlds. Photo: Jenny Cooper
Marty Kaye is the skipper and co-owner of HKG 1428, Les Freak Sont Chic, with Marco Pocci, who is the bowman on board. They have recruited British Finn (Olympic Class) sailor, Ben “Guns” Cornish, to be the mainsheet hand in the middle. They are completing in their third World Championship in a row, with an Ontario boat (Canada) built for the 2016 Cowes World Championship, and use North Sails to power her along.
“Part of our program is to race against the best there is, in a quality fleet. We placed 22nd in the Worlds at Cowes, then won the British Nationals, and were subsequently top five in European regattas out of Cowes, including the prestigious Sir Kenneth Preston Trophy. We placed 10th in San Francisco (2017 Worlds), with the highlight being winning the last race. So we are improving, and hope to continue to do so.”
“We are racing in European Championship from August 24-27, which will be a last key regatta before the pre-worlds and then World Championship in Brisbane. It is an interesting track out the front of RQ, and a great club to sail from. We are hoping for warm conditions, and with 80+ boat fleet there will be some serious competition, that then gets coupled with the Aussie hospitality. Overall, we are pretty excited!”
“We’re are aiming to line up before the pre-Worlds with our US training partner, Steve ‘Benji’ Benjamin, the reigning World Champion, to fine tune our speed. I think we still need a better understanding of the Brisbane track, but hopefully during the pre-worlds we can get comfortable with the tides and wind.”
So what all of the above means is that it won’t be easy out on the water. Far from it, actually. Conversely, everything off the water, from logistics to entertainment, has been made super easy. Now to find out all you need to know, or to make your booking before it all gets closed off, simply go to https://etchellsbrisbane.com and click away!
For those international competitors who are still in the process of shipping their Etchells to Australia, please refer to the updated notes on quarantine procedures and expecting timings on the Logistics page
Race Seven and regatta winners, The Cure, David Clark, Ray Smith, Alan Smith, Mitchell Luxton. Kylie Wilson/positiveimage.com.au
Since the last Newsletter, Brisbane Etchells have been busy getting Season 2017/18 underway, and also concentrating on the Queensland Championships run in October 2017. As the first of several test events leading to the 2018 Etchells Worlds in October 2018, the event went extremely well and was noted for plenty of feedback, and being user friendly. Congratulations to David Clark and Team on The Cure. Also, congratulations on second to Graeme Taylor and Team Magpie (as well as 2nd in San Fran Worlds 2017, and taking their third straight Australian Title Jan ’18).
The thrust and parry of our World’s Qualifiers is underway, with 32 of our 35 strong Fleet registered and sailing. We are approximately halfway through, so the next two months will be critical. The strength of the Fleet is incredible, and this should see a good pool of Loaner Boats for the Worlds.
Congratulations to David Turton and Team Thing for their second in the recent Nationals, and also to Alastair Cowan and Team Athena for competing from Brisbane Fleet.
The host Club for the 2018 Worlds, Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron have had a hugely successful summer of sailing so far. Between 26 December 2017 and 20 January 2018 the Squadron hosted the following Australian Championships:
9er Australian Championship
Oceania and Australian Open Laser Championships
Optimist Australian Championship
Youth Australian Championship
Finn Australian Championship
Windsurfing Australian Championship
Some simple statistics to show the Squadron had over 860 entrants in regattas, 1200 volunteer days served by 200 volunteers, and an estimated 3,000 visitors come through the Squadron. The success of the regattas is the result of Squadron members understanding and cooperation as we hosted hundreds of sailors, coaches, and parents. Changed our menus and food and beverage options, and squeezed boats into every nook and cranny on Squadron grounds. Feedback from visitors and sailors has been overwhelmingly positive, as the Squadron comprehensively demonstrated to Australian Sailing the capability of the Squadron to deliver world class sailing events.
If you are interested in joining our Fleet Championships (in April 2018) prior to competing in Mooloolaba (June 2018) then joining Brisbane for the Spring Regatta (September 2018) prior to the QLD Champs and Worlds in October, talk with us about parking your boat at RQYS and participating. You can begin the entry process below:
2019 Australian Etchells National Championship: 13 – 19 January 2019
Notice of Race and Entry coming soon!
‘It would make sense to sail the ‘Brisbane Fleet Championship on the 14th – 15th April then to the Australasians in Mooloolaba, store your boat at RQYS until the ‘Brisbane Fleet Spring Regatta’ on the 8th – 9th September and then on to the Pre-Worlds – Worlds in October.
Second in Race Seven and also overall, Magpie – Graeme Taylor, Steve Jarvin, and James Mayo. Kylie Wilson/positiveimage.com.au
Yes it was very much all about being close at the 2017 Etchells Queensland State Championship. Held on the magnificent waters of Moreton Bay, on the very same track that next year’s World Championship will use, the Brisbane Fleet ran yet another successful event from their base at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Manly.
So just how close was it all? Well there were 39 entries, which is close to 40. Now in these modern times that is very handy for a national or world championship, and quite the impressive feat for a State championship. Around the world the Etchells are quite the close family, and also very welcoming, to which the Brisbane Fleet adds their own unique, relaxed, soothing, and entertaining elements that truly creates something special.
Of course, out on the racecourse it was right in close for the nitty gritty, no matter whether you were talking about the podium positions, or something way deeper down the list. That very closeness on the leader board meant there were constant changes to the whole scenario, much to the delight of the many following it all on social media.
Race Seven and regatta winners, The Cure, David Clark, Ray Smith, Alan Smith, Mitchell Luxton. Kylie Wilson/positiveimage.com.au
This meant the excitement continued to build throughout the three-day event, with almost continual leadership changes by just one to two points. Then the very same crews would be right there together at the mark roundings for the very next race. Honestly, it does not get any closer than that, and by way of example, after Race Six, first, second and third overall were in those exact same positions going into the top mark for the first time, as well as the bottom gate, then it all swapped around a little.
Now the sailors could well have had too much on to notice that much, but to the amassed on water spectators and the crowds online, this was what they had come to expect and see from the Etchells, and weren’t they thrilled they got it. With the possible exception of the event organisers, no one could have been more thrilled and delighted, as well as possibly nervous, passionate and hysterical.
Given that the 2018 Etchells World Championships are now just under one year away, and that time flies when you talk about the planning, organisation and travel that happens when everyone comes together to run and participate in something like that, then yes. What once seemed so far away is now all very close, indeed!
Convincing win with a 42 second lead by The Cure, David Clark, Ray Smith, Alan Smith, Mitchell Luxton, in race 7. Kylie Wilson/positiveimage.com.au
Afterwards, Brisbane Fleet Captain, Noel Paterson commented, “We felt the regatta was accepted extremely well by all the competitors, as the feedback that we asked for, has been largely positive. There are a couple of operational items that we need to focus on for our next regatta, which is the Brisbane Fleet Championships in April 14-15, 2018.”
David Irvine, the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the 2018 Worlds added, “From our perspective, this regatta was the first of several test events for next year. It was a great opportunity for the Wilsons (Brothers Kevin and Ross) to work with our RQYS volunteers, and to introduce the racetrack to competitors. We are on track and will be holding debriefing sessions this week. The facilities and the Club are fantastic. All we need to do now is encourage as many Fleets as possible to take up their full allocation, and come the Brisbane next year. We would also very much like to thank our terrific sponsors in Moreton Bay Signs, Gill, Nautilus Marine and Angove Wines.”
David Rose, Peter Hilldyard, Bruce Miethke on a borrowed boat back out racing after a break. Kylie Wilson/positiveimage.com.au
Yet it would be from the winning boat that perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of a regatta like this would emerge. His name is Mitch Luxton, and in his words he states, “It was an awesome regatta. The competition was pretty cool, and I want to thank everyone on the boat. Out there on the water it was just so close and competitive. I started sailing when I was about four years old, and we went to the Whitsundays on our big yacht. Since then I have been progressing up through the dinghies. I am 11 now, and sailing Optimists at RQYS. The Etchells are pretty fast, compared to Optis, but the competition is very serious and you have to tweak a lot of stuff. I am definitely looking forward to sailing more Etchells.”
So then it is time to reveal just how close it all was. The winners were, The Cure, which was Class Governor David Clark, with Alan Smith, Mitchell Luxton and Ray Smith. They finished on 17 points from the seven races with one discard (a DSQ), and had a sixth as their worst effort.
Picture perfect last day of racing on Morton Bay. Kylie Wilson/positiveimage.com.au
Clark commented, “The Race Committee did an awesome job with this regatta. The track is challenging, but is very fair in terms of balance and tide. It is a great racetrack and we loved it. Looking towards the 2018 Worlds I am not sure what direction I’m taking with the whole programme, but we are delighted to win this one. We have invested a lot of time in this racetrack, so we understand it and we have a good playbook. We are just stoked to have won the event, finally!”
Two points astern were the reigning Australian Champions for the last two years, and runners up at the recent World Championship in San Francisco. Magpie, which is Graeme Taylor, James Mayo, and Steve Jarvin are one formidable outfit, and their drop was a tenth place, so that goes some way to explaining how talented and revered they are.
Current Australian Champions, 2nd in the Worlds, Graham Taylor, Steve Jarvin, James Mayo on Magpie. Kylie Wilson/positiveimage.com.au
Taylor, or GT as he is best known, said, “It was a great regatta, and a fantastic venue to sail. We haven’t done a lot of out there over the past 10 years, so it is good to start once more, and it is at the same time as the Worlds next year. We were quite surprised at how hot it is at the moment, especially for Victorians. I am feeling effected by the sun from the last couple of days, we will have to work on our hydration levels, especially having spent the last month sailing in San Fran, which is also cold; it has been a shock to the body, but we had a great time.”
Local Brisbane team, The Saint, Martin Sinclair, David Smith, Liam Murray, Suzanne Tomkinson. Kylie Wilson/positiveimage.com.au
“It will be hard work out on the track next year with 100 boats on it, but it always is. The Club and the facility are phenomenal. It is just amazing what you guys have got here. We will definitely see you here for the Worlds, and will try to do our absolute best.”
In third place and a further four points behind was Yandoo XX, which is crewed by Jeanne-Claude Strong, Seve Jarvin (Steve’s son), Marcus Burke, and Tiana Wittey. Ever the competitor and an absolute delight to be around is JC, as she is affectionately known. Strong commented, “The regatta was really exciting and I just love the competition, it is very hard with a very high level of competition.”
“The track is fabulous, but there are not enough ferries, which is the trouble when compared with Sydney (referring to their right of way under all circumstances and the changes that can bring about). Dave (Clark) sailed really well after our close battles here over the past so congratulations to him, and his crew. We are building up to the 2018 Worlds with the regattas in Sydney (The Goblets) and Perth (National Championships), and the regattas being hosted by the Brisbane Fleet in April and September 2018, so we are very much looking forward to being here many more times next year.”
The Blackjack sailors back on the little boats, Mark Bradford, Vaughan Prentice, Carissa Bridge, Darren Hutchison. Kylie Wilson/positiveimage.com.au
One person who can feel very proud was not even racing. He is the inimitable and effervescent Nev Wittey, who is the coach of both Magpie and Yandoo XX, as well as being Tiana’s father. “What a lovely regatta, with a tremendous venue, and the people who are going to come here to race are just going to be blown away with the amount of space and these brilliant facilities you have got. By way of example, the car park we launched from is bigger than the whole property elsewhere.”
“The 2018 Worlds here in Brisbane are going to be awesome. The weather has been fantastic, and the whole regatta was without wet weather gear, so the Gill guy would not have got many sales for them (said in jest, of course). Out on the water there are enough variables, with tricky tides on a fantastic patch of water. We will be back for the fleets and other regattas here building up to the Worlds. We are very keen as there is no one who wants to be number one more than the guy that is number two!”
A quick scan down the results sees former World Champions in this Class in fourth, sixth, ninth and even 24th places, let alone the other tremendous sailors from other classes that compete inshore and offshore. Matt Chew was the first skipper to win the Australasian Championship twice in its twenty-two year history. Gen XY are always there or thereabouts and may rue a DSQ in the first race of the series, but a set of good results thereafter saw them return more to form.
Chew said, “It was awesome fun out on the World’s course with all the good teams. The fleet was red hot and we were just on the back of them. We have not been in the Etchells that much this year, so we will be ramping that up as we head into the Worlds.” The full results are available from https://www.sailwave.com/results/2017EtchellsQLDChamps.htm
As for other very important stats, well it is interesting to note that the RQYS had 46 volunteers on the water over the weekend for the Etchells and other regattas they were holding. Drinks at the club after racing on the Friday started the camaraderie the fleet is known for, but it was the 153 steaks (along with sausages and hamburgers – salads too!!!) consumed by them all as part of the ubiquitous David and Sue Healey BBQ that showed how much of a blast everyone was having.
As you have heard, the conditions were marvellous to sensational. On the Friday the wind came in to 15-20 knots from the West, so that proves Moreton Bay can serve up a bit of everything. The sun continued on the Saturday, but the wind clocked back to its traditional Nor’easter ranging from 6-14 knots as the day wore on.
Noel “Patto” Paterson, Brisbane Fleet Captain, looking forward to the Worlds here next year! Kylie Wilson/positiveimage.com.au
Sunday had a much softer Northerly of 6 knots or so come down the course, so after two General Recalls, Race Management ensured they could get both of the allotted race sin in time by opting for the Black Flag and enforcing everyone to play nicely. The significant fleet also meant that the long line was compensated for by running courses ranging from 1.3 to 1.5nm, mostly with the fleet finishing back downwind to reduce the time between starts.
Kevin Wilson commented, “Huey (the God of Wind) behaved fantastically. There were very little course changes for the whole time, with true up and down courses, so it was just great. Our research says that the conditions this time of year were for a constant Nor’Easter, and apart from that Westerly it was pretty much so. Hopefully it will be the same next year.”
To begin your Etchells journey please see www.etchells.org.au, and to find out more about the 2018 World Championship in Brisbane, please go to www.2018etchellsworlds.org
