ETCHELLS TO SHINE IN THE SUN AT MIAMI’S NATIONALS
The Coral Reef Yacht Club proudly announces its hosting of the 2014 Etchells National Championship sponsored by Mount Gay Rum on March 21-23, 2014. This is the third year for CRYC’s Etchells Nationals and this time will be extra-special: The top five (5) finishing boats in this regatta will automatically qualify for the Etchells World Championship (if not already qualified) taking place in June in Newport.
Also, this regatta is the Club’s signature race, the Coral Reef Cup, named for the Club’s perpetual trophy which is on display in the Yard Arm Bar. In addition to fine sailing weather in one of the world’s most beautiful and competitive racing venues, this year’s race offers participants a chance for national glory and a trip to the legendary Newport sailing venue.
So far, competitors are registered from the U.S., the U.K., Canada and New Zealand — yes, New Zealand, halfway around the world! Intrepid New Zealand skipper Anatole Masfen, an accomplished sailor who owns many top-notch racing boats around the world, has fond memories of last year’s Etchells at CRYC and especially the great hospitality of the club. Masfen will return this year — his third trip to CRYC’s Etchells — to compete against participants he describes as many of the world’s best Etchells sailors.
Masfen finished third in the CYRC Etchells the last two years and commented, “March is possibly the best month of the year to sail in Biscayne Bay and the past two years produced conditions that have been simply magic.” This year, Masfen says he’s “brimming with excitement” as he looks forward to returning with crewmember Philip Carlson. “Can’t wait to see you there,” Masden concludes. “You won’t be disappointed!”
The veteran CRYC team, Christopher Lanza, P.J. Keenan and Henry Chau, are recognized as among the best Etchells sailors. They anticipate a great regatta with the added bonus of the run-up to the Worlds and, of course, a chance for the prize Coral Reef Cup. Watch for details about the event schedule coming soon. Needless to say, CRYC plans to go all-out for both on and off the water activities. So plan to join us for warm hospitality, great competition and plenty of Mt. Gay Rum at CRYC on March 23-25.