2014 Etchells Worlds – Newport Rhode Island
In looking back to June, the Etchells Class had one of its most successful World Championships. Hosted by the New York Yacht Club, NYYC and sailed on the former America’s Cup Course. Ninety nine boats, from twelve nations participated in this 2014 event. The sheer number of entries was one thing but the depth of the talent in the fleet was unprecedented. This talent was the greatest assembled at any Class Championships and I am saying “any Class” not just Etchells! 2014 is neither an Olympic Year nor an America’s Cup Year, which played into the Worlds’ Fleet having extraordinary sailors flock into the fray. Fifty four (54) sailors in the fleet had America’s Cup experience and another twenty three (23) had sailed in the Olympics. Collegiate Sailors of the Year and Rolex Sailors of the Year came in at six (6) apiece. What was truly exciting was that we had thirteen former Etchells World Champions on the water for the Worlds in Newport. Each World Champion displayed a gold Etchells logo on their sail to highlight their presence. Three new trophies were added to the awards presented at a World Championship. They are: “The Hans Fogh – Next Generation Trophy” (Donated by the Fogh Family in memory of Hans) which is awarded to a boat with all sailors onboard 35 years and younger. A trophy (Donated by the Burton Family) was established for the “Top Female Skipper” competing in the Worlds. The “Bill Bennett Trophy” was established for the top crew of the Worlds (Donated by Fleet 13 – San Diego). At the end of the day Bill Hardesty won the 2014 Worlds, his third title as Etchells World Champion. Congratulations Bill!
Special thanks need to be given to Commodore Harrington of the NYYC and his Committee chaired by Peggy Comfort for the superb race management and gracious hospitality at Harbour Court.
Extra Special thanks need to be given to Sherri Campbell, our Class Executive Secretary for all extraordinary work put in make the tremendous success of the 2014 Worlds, (and also putting up with me!)
2014 Governors and Annual General Meeting (AGM)
A number of subjects were discussed at the Governors meeting and presented to the Class at the AGM, which was well attended. The financial position of the Class remains sound and it is meeting all financial obligations when due. No changes to dues are being recommended at this time although much better enforcement of collection of dues particularly at the associate/crew level is needed.
Also discussed, but remaining the same, is the crew weight limit of 285 kg.
What will be brought to a vote of the Etchells boat owners will be the following that is being recommended by the International Etchells Governors Committee:
- World Championships eligibility is presently determined by set percentage of fleet qualification. To be added to Worlds eligibility is a percentage of top finishers of Class B Sanctioned Events equal to that percentage given to the fleets. All other eligibility criteria will remain in effect.
- Permitting the “GoPro” style cameras (for video recording purposes only).
- Permitting use of carbon spinnaker poles (pricing now same as aluminum and used by many other classes e.g. J-24’s)
- Permitting the installation of an electric bilge pump. The electric bilge pump idea was brought to the Class by Hans Fogh at the 2013 Worlds AGM stating the success that has had in the Dragon Class. Two prototypes were tested and results presented to the One Design Committee. (As it were to happen one of the testing boats was severely holed and the electric pump was able to pump out all the incoming water allowing the crew to attend to other damage control). The price range of the prototypes’ components is under USD$ 500 and weight is under 10kg. Note a manual pump will still be required.
Additionally to be voted at the end of the year will be the International Etchells Governors for the term of 2015 – 2016. Nominations are now being taken.
All voting this year and going forward will be done electronically.
Ad hoc Chairman’s Fleet Builders Awards
Ad hoc Chairman Awards were announced for Ralph Carpenter of Fleet 27 and David Franks of the UK Cowes Fleet for their outstanding contribution to the expansion/revival of their respective fleets.
Fleet 27 has rapidly built their fleet to 26 boats and is striving for 40. The keys to such have been to focus on the people of the fleet and the visibility of this beautiful boat on Casco Bay. Much of the success is also focused on promoting the Etchells as an intergenerational boat getting all ages involved with a strong alliance with youth sailing programs. They promote the boat as a great second boat to go race to the cruising community and reward sailors with weekly prizes. The Lobster Bowl in Maine was a prime qualifier for the 2014 Worlds and well attended.
Cowes Fleet: There cannot be enough said about the recent International Cup hosted by The Royal Yacht Squadron to promote Etchells sailing. This regatta was terrific event with 11 nations represented and 3 youth teams with many having this their first experience in a major Etchells regatta. Both on and off the water the Cowes fleet could have not been more hospitable. The format of the Invitational was 20 boats provided by the Cowes Fleet to teams from all over the world. A team was given for their use in the regatta a set of new sails and each day they rotated boats. Note that a strong component here was also the intergenerational appeal to an Etchells. A special thanks needs to be given also to Sir Ted Ford. David Franks reports he has hopes of demand for Etchells in Cowes to out stretch supply. There is a great 8 minute video on the Invitational. Please view: https://vimeo.com/103241700
On to Hong Kong – Worlds 2015
The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) awaits the Etchells Class to race in their waters next year in November for the 2015 Etchells Worlds. The RHKYC last hosted the Etchells Worlds in 1997 which was a superb event for both competitors and their families. For those that have not been to Hong Kong you are in for really exciting time. Ronan Collins, 2015 Worlds Committee Chairman and Jenny Cooper, Co-Chair briefed the Governors in June about their terrific plans that are well underway for the event. Principal Race Officers Ross and Kevin Wilson from Australia are onboard for the regatta. You will be seeing double on the race course as Ross and Kevin are identical twins. Many have said that they are Australia’s greatest Sailing Officials of all time. Officiating at 4 Olympic Games, Ross and Kevin are highly renowned and an integral part of International Sailing for over 30 years. Racing will be held in the South China Sea with monsoon winds of 15 to 18 knots. Be prepared to sail in 4 – 6 foot waves as well. As a lead up to the Worlds, RHKYC will be hosting the Asia-Pacific Championships in the last week of October 2015. As a former fleet captain of the HK Etchells fleet I can attest that there is something beyond great racing there….….. RHKYC’s main bar has been voted in the top 5 of yacht club bars for many years running……you will not find a friendlier place!…..see you there!
Best to All,
Gary Gilbert
International Etchells Class Chairman