Etchells Spring Regatta a great success

Published 10:07 on 7 May 2024

The first Etchells event of the RLYC season went ahead on the last weekend of April. A lovely write-up from the class mentioned the hard work of the RLYC Race Team. Read on ....

"Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th April saw the return of the Cowes Etchells Series. It was an exciting mix of senior boats, many of whom had been racing hard in Miami and Australia, mixed in with the Youth Boats who had been robustly training all winter with the Etchells Youth Academy.

For many competitors the first day was a learning curve with new teams put together. The first day saw experience pay off with David Mclean's team joint on points with (the welcome return of) Tom Abrey's Jolly Roger. The other win went to Ted Blower's Audrey. The races were characterised by a softening breeze, so banging the corners was the way to go.

Day two saw a cold North Westerly wind and the race course close to Ben F Wood right next to the main channel with a very strong flooding tide. The right hand side of the course was going to pay off and Jolly Roger secured two bullets to win the series. second was Harry Cowell's Alison, with a win, 3^rd and 4^th place. Man's Best Friend finished a strong 3^rd with a 1^st and two 2^nd places during the weekend.

Many of the youth boats improved race on race, especially on the second day. Palaver, with the youngest crew, choosing the right side upwind so moved up to 7^th place overall with a 3^rd and 4^th place.

Notable performances also came from Pulse- with a change in tactician Maisie Harkess' team secured 3 top ten finishes. David's Bromilow's Ziggy also gained a 2^nd and 3^rd place on Day 2, finishing just behind Simon Patterson's Standfast.

The Royal London YC race officer, Mike Randall, and his team were absolutely outstanding on both days. Despite shifty conditions they managed to get 3 races each day underway with near perfect racecourses and a very efficient transition between races.

The weekend highlighted the incredible strength in depth of the Etchells class, with a very high standard of racing and teams from the Etchells Youth Academy, Etchells Youth Performance Academy and dedicated owners bringing a very high standard of competition."

1^st Jolly Roger, 2^nd Alison, 3^rd Man's Best Friend for full results click here.

Last updated 10:10 on 7 May 2024