REGATTAS
PITTWATER ETCHELLS FLEET CAPTAINS REPORT – JULY 2017
CLUB YACHTING
The preceding sailing season has seen a prolific sailing programme for the Pittwater Etchells. Locally, the RPAYC, in conjunction with the Pittwater Fleet has hosted a National Championship( 5 races), a State Championship( 6 races), 4 One Design Regattas( 21 races), Sprint Races( 9 additional races), Broken Bay races( 7 races), plus an abundance of mixed class races. Congratulations to the crew of Kalika III, Ian Audsley, Gordon Otten and Peter Kelly for being the most active participants.
I thank the RPAYC for hosting excellent Etchells National and State Championships in its Sesquicentenary year. Additionally, I thank the volunteers’ generosity with their time and Club staff for their enthusiastic support of this event. Regattas of this size are a substantial undertaking and the local weather added some additional complexities. It could not happen without the support of the Club’ s broader community and demonstrates the depth of affection our Club has for Etchells. The Sailing Office and waterfront staff also did a great job at pulling the regattas together. A special thanks to Richard Coxon for executing the position of Race Director with great skill and enthusiasm, Ric Welsh for assembling the ground forces, Ted, Merro, Rosemary, Learne and the race committee for their tireless support, Bob Johnson for co-ordinating the tows, all the tow boat owners and crew, Peter Kelly for manning the cranes in oppressive heat and Tom Crow for applying bow numbers for eight hours in what looked like a scene from Beau Geste.
The coming season will see a shift in our race programme. In particular, the 2018 Etchells World Championships in Morton Bay will raise participation by accomplished sailors in our Class. Hence we plan to hold our World Qualification Series concurrent with two One Design regattas and three additional Sprint Races. Proposed dates will be discussed during today’ s Fleet AGM.
With no major Etchells championships being hosted by RPAYC, more focus will be on the One Design Regattas( 24 races), Sprint Races( 12 additional races) and Pittwater mixed yacht events. Broken Bay races will focus on two Saturdays, combined with Gosford sailing Club, who are keen to get some offshore experience.
This mix of racing should satisfy the broad requirements of our Fleet. The One Design regattas are strongly contested by some world class Etchells sailors. The Sprint Races are also very competitive on a more local basis. The Pittwater mixed yacht events, including a significant number of 5.5 metre yachts, will provide an opportunity to introduce new talent into the class in a less intense environment.
A significant new initiative has been introduced by Bruce Ferguson. Through the generous support of a number of RPAYC members, the RPAYC will support two teams to compete in the 2018 Etchells Worlds in Brisbane in October 2018. The programme will be underwritten by the Youth Support Patron Group( an informal group of senior members) plus fundraising and support from sponsors. Successful applicants will be provided with an Etchells for training, Club, state and national events, as well as the Worlds Qualifying events. In addition, the cost of storage, maintenance, sails and entry to the Worlds will be underwritten by the Patrons Group. The intent of this program is to support Senior Youth Members of the Club, who are between the ages of 20-30 to develop advanced fleet keel boat racing and programme management skills, while showing commitment to the Club and the Pittwater Etchells fleet. Bruce is to be commended for putting this programme together.
Congratulations to the crew of Whisper, Bruce Ferguson, Cameron Miles and James Meggison 13th in the 2016 European Championship and 42nd in the 2016 Worlds at Cowes. Also Whisper II campaigned strongly this season at the NSW States, Nationals, Victorian States, Milson Silver Goblets and Mooloolaba.
Congratulations to Pittwater Fleet member Iain Murray and the crew of Northern Havoc, Euan McNicol and Richard Allanson for a 2nd in the National Championships and 6th in the NSW States.
Congratulations to the crew of Odyssey, Jill Connell, Ben Morrison-Jack, Wade Morgan for campaigning strongly this season at the NSW States, Nationals, Victorian States and Mooloolaba.
Closer to home the Spring One Design Regatta was won by Trinity( Jan Scholten), followed by Whisper( Bruce Ferguson) and Trekka( Jason Antill). Autumn OD result was Pam( William Dargaville), Whisper II( Bruce Ferguson) and Kalika III( Ian Audsley).
The One Design Sprints was won by Kalika III( Ian Audsley) followed by Black Knight( Bruce Dey) and Miramar( Mark Doyle).
The Broken Bay Series was won by Kalika III( Ian Audsley) followed by Black Knight( Bruce Dey) and Miramar( Mark Doyle).
The 2017 World Qualifying Series was won by Whisper( Bruce Ferguson) followed by Trekka( Jason Antill) and Trinity( Jan Scholten).
I look forward to the coming season and another opportunity to see new boats and crews participating in Etchells at this wonderful amenity of Pittwater and the RPAYC. Good sailing, Bruce Dey
42 YACHTSMAN