NEWS

Benjamin Victorious in the 2017 Etchells Worlds

The overall winner of the 2017 Etchells World Championship, hosted by the San Francisco Yacht Club, is Steve Benjamin (USA), representing the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, with crew of Dave Hughes, Ian Liberty, and Michael Menninger. Benjamin, a past Olympic medalist, 505 World Champion, and 2015 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, finally claimed the championship after numerous attempts. He also wins the Senior (helm over 60 years of age) and Masters (helm over 50 years of age) trophies.

Going into the final race of the regatta, the overall standings were anything but certain. No single boat had dominated this regatta. The race committee, with PRO Jeff Zarwell at the helm, opted for two postponements to ensure a fair starting line given the wind shifts and current influence which had boats piling up on the favored right end of the line. At the picture perfect start, the wind was building from 10 – 12 kts, and only one boat was hailed OCS.

After nine races, the final race brought yet another first place finisher. Marty Kaye (HKG) with his crew of Charlie Cumberley and Marco Pocci were first to finish, putting them in tenth place overall. Dirk Kneulman (BER) finished second for an eighth overall, and Don Jesberg (USA) finished third for seventh overall.

Benjamin was clearly elated, “It feels great to win.  It’s been 37 years since I won my last world championship, and I have to give the credit to my crew. Mike Menninger is our main trimmer and calling tactics, Dave Hughes is on jib and spin trim, and Ian Liberty is our bow/pit guy.”  He added, “We did lots of work to prepare – we built a new boat, a birthday present from my wife Heidi. Dirk Kneulman of Ontairo Yachts built us a great boat, and we also did a lot of work with North Sails on the sail inventory. “

Benjamin’s strategy for the day was to keep his options open since his wind forecast wasn’t very certain. “Our forecast had more wind velocity on the left, so even though the shift would be on the right, there would be more wind on the left,” said Benjamin.  While much of the fleet went upwind on the right side of the course, Benjamin mostly stayed in the middle.  He was seventh rounding the first windward mark, and broke away from the crowd on a wind shift to sail down the middle of the course. This tactical decision was pivotal in today’s performance.  In a day when the wind settled in at 10-14 knots, Benjamin finished the race in fifth place, for a total of 41 points.

Graeme Taylor (AUS) with James Mayo and Steve Jarvin finished the day in 11th place, but held on to place second overall.

Senet Bischoff (USA), the top Corinthian finisher, remained in third overall with an eighth place in the final race. 

Dirk Kneulman (BER), with Grant Simmer and Mark Strube, wins the Grandmaster Trophy (a crew of three with a combined age of 150 or more).

The top woman skipper was Shannon Bush (USA), with Brad Boston and Phil Trinter.

“This was a great regatta with some of the best sailors in the world”, said Julie Wiard, regatta co-chair. “And the camaraderie among the sailors exudes the Corinthian spirit of the sport. With the warm temperatures, we were concerned that this might be a light air regatta. However, the breeze filled in every day, and sailors were treated to some very typical San Francisco Bay conditions – everything from fresh to frightening.”

Final Results (top 10)

  1. Steve Benjamin, USA 1427, Seawanhaka Corinthian YC, (33), 3, 7, 3, 15, 2, 5, 1, 5; 341
  2. Graeme Taylor, AUS 947, Morningtown YC, 15, 5, 6, (24), 10, 3, 2, 3, 11; 55
  3. Senet Bischoff, USA 1349, NYYC, 6, 13, 5, 4, 3, 1, (OCS-52), 19, 8; 59
  4. Jim Cunningham, USA 1404, SFYC, (31), 7, 4, 2, 9, 7, 17, 7, 16; 69
  5. Mark Thornburrow, HKG 1406, 10, 6, 10, 7, 17, 6, (24), 17, 9; 82
  6. Martin Hill, AUS 925, RSYS, 12, 22, 16, 1, 22, 4, 4, 6, (31); 87
  7. Don Jesberg, USA 1429, SFYC, 19, (27), 2, 8, 11, 21, 3, 21, 3; 88
  8. Dirk Kneulman, BER 1454, RCYC, 8, 1, 8, 20, 25, 26, 7, (32); 96
  9. Scott Kaufman, USA 1198, RSYS, SIYC, 20, (28), 3, 16, 1, 16, 20, 16, 4; 96
  10. Marty Kaye, USA 1198, SIYC, 4, 11, 14, (28), 19, 25, 22, 9, 1; 105

For complete regatta information and results, please see the event website at http://2017.etchellsworlds.org

Daily on-the-water reports have been provided by Nic Douglas, Adventures of a Sailor Girl www.nicdouglass.org/etchells2017 

Photos will be available from Rockskipper Photography, www.rockskipper.com

###

Media Contact
Leslie Richter
Mobile: 415-509-1777
lerichter@gmail.com

About The San Francisco Yacht Club
The San Francisco Yacht Club and its members are dedicated to promoting and celebrating yachting and life on the water. Founded in 1869, The SFYC is the oldest yacht club in North America, west of the Mississippi River. With its tranquil setting, its superb harbor and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, it's widely recognized as a premier yachting facility on the West Coast and one of the finest anchorages in the Bay Area. It operates a year- facility including the harbor, a dry-sail area, a full-service restaurant and bar.

The SFYC has earned recognition as one of the leading yacht clubs in the country, hosting local, national and international regattas. It’s home to The Great San Francisco Schooner Regatta, and very active youth sailing and race team programs. Committed to promoting the sport and Corinthian spirit of sailing, The Club also offers sailing instruction for sailors of all ages and private lessons. Club fleets include J24s, Optimists, 420s, Lasers and Flying Juniors. SFYC's youth sailors have risen to compete at national, international and Olympic levels.

About the Etchells Class
For over fifty years the Etchells class has enjoyed solid and steady growth with over fifty active fleets worldwide. Etchells sailors are enthusiastic and loyal supporters of their boat and class association. The Etchells is a big, fast, simple, stable, and sleek racing sloop that can be sailed competitively and in comfort by three or four average sailors. It can tack in 70 degrees and has a low wetted surface hull form that keeps moving in the slightest breeze. In 20+ knots it absolutely flies. The strict one-design principle of the class was established from the outset and is controlled by a strong, established and well-administered class association. Control of construction by the class association and World Sailing ensures quality and uniformity. It's easy to trailer and light enough to dry sail; and Etchells hold exceptional resale value.

Eight Races, Eight Winners, Championship Still up for Grabs

Remarkably, at the end of the fourth day of racing in the Etchells World Championship, each of the eight races have been won by eight different teams. Thirty of the 51 competitors have had at least one top ten finish, demonstrating the amazing depth of the talent in this regatta.

Racers were greeted by typical San Francisco conditions for races seven and eight. As the race committee, headed by PRO Jeff Zarwell, set the line, wind readings were in the 17 – 19 kt range in a waning ebb with big chop.

The first start resulted in a general recall and a short delay while the race committee reset the line. Only two boats were OCS at the restart, but they were two of the top five boats – Jim Cunningham (USA) and the leader going into today’s races, Senet Bischoff (USA). Cunningham returned to clear the line, but Bischoff did not return, resulting in an OCS score of 52 for the race.

Chris Hampton (AUS) and his team of Mark Andrews and Sam Haines finished first, closely followed by Bischoff and local Bay Area sailor Don Jesberg (USA) with his team of Andrea Cabito, Bill Hardesty, and Robbie Dean. The finish of Race 7 triggered the automatic discard of each team’s highest score, and despite their OCS, Bichoff’s team remained in first place.

Race eight got underway with only two boats OCS. Seamus McHugh’s team (SUI) of David Vera San Luis, Leonor Ramia Cabellero, and Luis Doreste Blanco were in the lead at the first windward mark rounding, where wind readings were in the 20 – 22 kt range with gusts to 25 kts. However Steve Benjamin’s team of Dave Hughes, Ian Liberty, and Michael Menninger, and Eric Doyle’s (USA) team of Ezra Culver and Payson Infelise pulled ahead and traded the lead up and down the course. Benjamin finished first with Doyle nipping at his heels putting him in first place overall with 36 points.

“I really appreciate my crew,” said Benjamin. “They work hard, sail well, and there’s great chemistry. We really work well as a team.” He added, “The competition is so tight – it’s exhilarating to be racing in a fleet this good.”

After scoring a second in Race 7 and a third in Race 8, Graeme Taylor (AUS) and his team of James Mayo and Steve Jarvin now sit in second with 44 points. “Today we focused on getting off the line clean after going back twice yesterday, and just sent it,” said Taylor. “We’re really happy to come away with two top threes and we will just have to see how it all plays out tomorrow.”

Senet Bischoff’s disappointing finishes today leave him in third place with 51 points. Jim Cunningham is fourth with 53 points.

With the teams this close in points, and the intensity of the racing, the overall championship is still up for grabs. The ninth and final race of the regatta will be a nail-biter!

Day Four Provisional Results (top 10)

Steve Benjamin, USA 1427, Seawanhaka Corinthian YC, (33), 3, 7, 3, 15, 2, 5, 1; 36
Graeme Taylor, AUS 947, Morningtown YC, 15, 5, 6, (24), 10, 3, 2, 3; 44
Senet Bischoff, USA 1349, NYYC, 6, 13, 5, 4, 3, 1, (OCS-52), 19; 51
Jim Cunningham, USA 1404, SFYC, (31), 7, 4, 2, 9, 7, 17, 7; 53
Martin Hill, AUS 925, RSYS, 12, (22), 16, 1, 22, 4, 4, 6; 65
Mark Thornburrow, HKG 1406, 10, 6, 10, 7, 17, 6, (24), 17; 73
Don Jesberg, USA 1429, SFYC, 19, (27), 2, 8, 11, 21, 3, 21; 85
Scott Kaufman, USA 1198, RSYS, SIYC, 20, (28), 3, 16, 1, 16, 20, 16; 92
Dirk Kneulman, BER 1454, RCYC, 8, 1, 8, 20, 25, 26, 7, (32); 94
Iain Murray, AUS 1119, RSYS, 17, 9, (24), 12, 16, 18, 10, 12; 94

For complete regatta information and results, please see the event website at http://2017.etchellsworlds.org

Daily on-the-water reports are available from Nic Douglas, Adventures of a Sailor Girl www.nicdouglass.org/etchells2017 

Photos will be available from Rockskipper Photography, www.rockskipper.com

###

Media Contact
Leslie Richter
Mobile: 415-509-1777
lerichter@gmail.com

About The San Francisco Yacht Club
The San Francisco Yacht Club and its members are dedicated to promoting and celebrating yachting and life on the water. Founded in 1869, The SFYC is the oldest yacht club in North America, west of the Mississippi River. With its tranquil setting, its superb harbor and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, it's widely recognized as a premier yachting facility on the West Coast and one of the finest anchorages in the Bay Area. It operates a year- facility including the harbor, a dry-sail area, a full-service restaurant and bar.

The SFYC has earned recognition as one of the leading yacht clubs in the country, hosting local, national and international regattas. It’s home to The Great San Francisco Schooner Regatta, and very active youth sailing and race team programs. Committed to promoting the sport and Corinthian spirit of sailing, The Club also offers sailing instruction for sailors of all ages and private lessons. Club fleets include J24s, Optimists, 420s, Lasers and Flying Juniors. SFYC's youth sailors have risen to compete at national, international and Olympic levels.

About the Etchells Class
For over fifty years the Etchells class has enjoyed solid and steady growth with over fifty active fleets worldwide. Etchells sailors are enthusiastic and loyal supporters of their boat and class association. The Etchells is a big, fast, simple, stable, and sleek racing sloop that can be sailed competitively and in comfort by three or four average sailors. It can tack in 70 degrees and has a low wetted surface hull form that keeps moving in the slightest breeze. In 20+ knots it absolutely flies. The strict one-design principle of the class was established from the outset and is controlled by a strong, established and well-administered class association. Control of construction by the class association and World Sailing ensures quality and uniformity. It's easy to trailer and light enough to dry sail; and Etchells hold exceptional resale value.

Breeze on for Day Three of the Etchells World Championship

Belvedere, CA, September 26, 2017 – Racers were overly eager as racing kicked off on the third day of racing in the 2017 Etchells World Championship. Unlike the previous two days, a consistent 8 – 10 kt westerly had filled in by noon and racing started on schedule – except for a general recall in race five, the first of the regatta. Racers were still pushing hard at the restart, with ten boats hailed OCS, and only seven returning to restart.

Scott Kaufman and his team of Austen Anderson, Jesse Kirkland, and Lucas Calabrase were first to the windward mark and held on to win race five.  “This regatta is far more competitive than the 2016 event in England,” said Kaufman, the 2017 North American Etchells Champion. “The top 30 teams are incredibly close. You can’t make any mistakes. We hope we can keep it together for the next two days and finish in the top 10.”

The consistency story of this regatta is the performance of the top Corinthian team, Senet Bischoff (USA), Ben Kinney, and Clay Bischoff. With a third in the first race and a bullet in the second, their lead on the competition has widened. Prior to the start of the regatta, Dave Ullman opined “Any team than has a top ten finish in every race will win the regatta.” At this point, no one has achieved that goal, but Bischoff and his team have come closest. “Bischoff’s team is sailing really well, and they haven’t needed to discard any of their scores so far,” said Dave today. “It’s a powerful weapon to have a throw out to use later in the regatta.”

Mark Thornburrow (HKG), Malcolm Page, and Mike Huang, held on to second place overall despite placing 18th in the first race. Jim Cunningham, with Chloe Holder, Jeff Madrigali, and Mark Ivey moved into third place, and Steve Benjamin moved up one place into fourth. After tomorrow’s seventh race, competitors will discard their highest score.

Racing continues tomorrow through Saturday with two races on Friday and one on Saturday.

Day Two Provisional Results (top 10)

  1. Senet Bischoff, USA 1349, NYYC, 6, 13, 5, 4, 3, 1; 32
  2. Mark Thornburrow, HKG 1406, 10, 6, 10, 7, 18, 6; 57
  3. Jim Cunningham, USA 1404, SFYC 31, 7, 4, 2, 10, 7; 61
  4. Steve Benjamin, USA 1427, Seawanhaka Corinthian YC, 33, 3, 7, 3, 16, 2; 64
  5. Graeme Taylor, AUS 947, Morningtown YC, 15, 5, 6, 24, 11, 3; 64
  6. Martin Hill, AUS 925, RSYS, 12, 22, 16, 1; 51
  7. Scott Kaufman, USA, RSYS, SIYC, 20, 28, 3, 16, 1, 16; 84
  8. Michael Goldfarb, USA, CYC Seattle, 13, 30, 19, 11, 6, 8; 87
  9. Dirk Kneulman, BER 1454, RCYC, 8, 1, 8, 20, 25, 26; 88
  10. Don Jesberg, USA 1429, SFYC, 19, 27, 2, 8, 12, 21; 89

For complete regatta information and results, please see the event website at http://2017.etchellsworlds.org

Daily on-the-water reports are available from Nic Douglas, Adventures of a Sailor Girl www.nicdouglass.org/etchells2017 

Photos will be available from Rockskipper Photography, www.rockskipper.com

###

Media Contact
Leslie Richter
Mobile: 415-509-1777
lerichter@gmail.com

About The San Francisco Yacht Club
The San Francisco Yacht Club and its members are dedicated to promoting and celebrating yachting and life on the water. Founded in 1869, The SFYC is the oldest yacht club in North America, west of the Mississippi River. With its tranquil setting, its superb harbor and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, it's widely recognized as a premier yachting facility on the West Coast and one of the finest anchorages in the Bay Area. It operates a year- facility including the harbor, a dry-sail area, a full-service restaurant and bar.  

The SFYC has earned recognition as one of the leading yacht clubs in the country, hosting local, national and international regattas. It’s home to The Great San Francisco Schooner Regatta, and very active youth sailing and race team programs. Committed to promoting the sport and Corinthian spirit of sailing, The Club also offers sailing instruction for sailors of all ages and private lessons. Club fleets include J24s, Optimists, 420s, Lasers and Flying Juniors. SFYC's youth sailors have risen to compete at national, international and Olympic levels.

About the Etchells Class
For over fifty years the Etchells class has enjoyed solid and steady growth with over fifty active fleets worldwide. Etchells sailors are enthusiastic and loyal supporters of their boat and class association. The Etchells is a big, fast, simple, stable, and sleek racing sloop that can be sailed competitively and in comfort by three or four average sailors. It can tack in 70 degrees and has a low wetted surface hull form that keeps moving in the slightest breeze. In 20+ knots it absolutely flies. The strict one-design principle of the class was established from the outset and is controlled by a strong, established and well-administered class association. Control of construction by the class association and World Sailing ensures quality and uniformity. It's easy to trailer and light enough to dry sail; and Etchells hold exceptional resale value.

Consistency Pays Off for the Top of the Leader Board

Senet Bischoff takes the lead after Day 4 of racing in the Etchells World Championship. Photo courtesy Leslie Richter, Rockskipper Photography.


Day two racing began much as day one, with a two-hour postponement, although today the call was made to hold the racers on shore. When racing began at 2:20 pm the wind had filled in at 16-17 kts from a typical San Francisco Bay westerly direction of 225 degrees.

We’ll say it over and over -- consistency is the name of the game in this fleet. No one understands this better that the top Corinthian team of Senet Bischoff (USA), Ben Kinney, and Clay Bischoff. After today’s two races, they lead the entire fleet with 28 points. “This is the most competitive class in the world, and we like to sail against the best sailors, pro or amateur,” said Senet. “I get to sail with my brother Clay, the best amateur sailor in the world, and my boat partner, Ben Kinney. And every time we go sailing we learn something new.” The Senet brothers were both college sailors and have done a lot of keelboat team racing over the years, but the Etchells is their preferred fleet. “I only have time for the Etchells since I spend the rest of my time driving my kids to Opti events,” quipped Senet.

Mark Thornburrow (HKG) and his all-star team of Malcolm Page, Mike Huang, and Wiley Rogers moved into second place with 33 points. Thornburrow has been sailing Etchells for 40 years, “It’s the best fleet in Hong Kong,” Thornburrow said. “This is only the second time the team has sailed together, and our new boat was delivered in May. Consistency is key, and it’s easy to have a bad race in this talented fleet.”

The day one leader, Dirk Kneulman moved into third place after a deep finish in race four. Jim Cunningham and Steve Benjamin are hot on his heels with top ten finishes today.

Racing continues tomorrow through Saturday with a total of nine races scheduled. If seven or more races are sailed there will be one throw out.

Day Two Provisional Results (top 10)

  1. Senet Bischoff, USA 1349, NYYC, 6, 13, 5, 4; 28
  2. Mark Thornburrow, HKG 1406, 10, 6, 10, 7; 33
  3. Dirk Kneulman, BER 1454, RCYC, 8, 1, 8, 21; 38
  4. Jim Cunningham, USA 1404, SFYC 31, 7, 4, 2; 44
  5. Steve Benjamin, USA 1427, Seawanhaka Corinthian YC, 33, 3, 7, 3; 46
  6. Martin Hill, AUS 925, RSYS, 12, 22, 16, 1; 51
  7. Graeme Taylor, AUS 947, Morningtown YC, 15, 5, 6, 25; 51
  8. Peter Duncan, USA 926, American YC, 23, 4, 1, 26; 54
  9. Don Jesberg, USA 1429, SFYC, 19, 27, 2, 8; 56
  10. Marvin Beckman, USA 1232, Houston YC, 3, 18, 18, 18; 57

For complete regatta information and results, please see the event website at http://2017.etchellsworlds.org

Daily on-the-water reports are available from Nic Douglas, Adventures of a Sailor Girl www.nicdouglass.org/etchells2017 

Photos will be available from Rockskipper Photography, www.rockskipper.com

Media Contact
Leslie Richter
Mobile: 415-509-1777
lerichter@gmail.com

About The San Francisco Yacht Club
The San Francisco Yacht Club and its members are dedicated to promoting and celebrating yachting and life on the water. Founded in 1869, The SFYC is the oldest yacht club in North America, west of the Mississippi River. With its tranquil setting, its superb harbor and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, it's widely recognized as a premier yachting facility on the West Coast and one of the finest anchorages in the Bay Area. It operates a year- facility including the harbor, a dry-sail area, a full-service restaurant and bar.  

The SFYC has earned recognition as one of the leading yacht clubs in the country, hosting local, national and international regattas. It’s home to The Great San Francisco Schooner Regatta, and very active youth sailing and race team programs. Committed to promoting the sport and Corinthian spirit of sailing, The Club also offers sailing instruction for sailors of all ages and private lessons. Club fleets include J24s, Optimists, 420s, Lasers and Flying Juniors. SFYC's youth sailors have risen to compete at national, international and Olympic levels.

About the Etchells Class
For over fifty years the Etchells class has enjoyed solid and steady growth with over fifty active fleets worldwide. Etchells sailors are enthusiastic and loyal supporters of their boat and class association. The Etchells is a big, fast, simple, stable, and sleek racing sloop that can be sailed competitively and in comfort by three or four average sailors. It can tack in 70 degrees and has a low wetted surface hull form that keeps moving in the slightest breeze. In 20+ knots it absolutely flies. The strict one-design principle of the class was established from the outset and is controlled by a strong, established and well-administered class association. Control of construction by the class association and World Sailing ensures quality and uniformity. It's easy to trailer and light enough to dry sail; and Etchells hold exceptional resale value.

A Long First Day for Etchells Worlds Competitors

Belvedere, CA, September 26, 2017 – The first day of racing for the 51 International Etchells teams got off to a slow start with a 2.5 hour postponement on glassy water. When race one finally began at about 2:30pm, the wind had built to a consistent 8 – 10 kts.  By the second race, the breeze freshened slightly to 14 - 15 kts. “The race committee, led by PRO Jeff Zarwell, did a great job completing two races in a short time window, getting everyone back to the dock before sunset,” said race co-chair Steve Fentress, and seconded by many racers.

“It was mayhem on the starting line because everyone is so good,” said Dirk Kneulman (BER), one of the three Etchells boat builders, and a previous world champion. “We had a bad first start but clawed our way back to finish in 8th. We had a great start in the second race, found a clean lane and were lucky to be the first boat to the windward mark.”  Kneulman’s and his team of Grant Simmer and Mark Strube hung on to win the race and are standing in first place after day one.  They lead Robert Elliott (GBR) and his team of Stuart Childerley and Tom Forrester-Coles by two points.

“This is the most competitive Etchells Worlds we’ve been to,” said Steve Benjamin (USA). “It’s just getting harder and harder.” Benjamin placed a disappointing 33rd in the first race and 3rd in the second race to finish the day in 16th place.

The top Corinthian team, sitting in sixth place overall after day one is Senet Bischoff with his team of Clay Bischoff and Ben Kinney.

Racing continues tomorrow through Saturday with a total of nine races scheduled. If seven or more races are sailed there will be one throw out.

Day One Provisional Results (top 10)

  1. Dirk Kneulman, BER 1454, RCYC, 8, 1; 9
  2. Robert Elliott, GBR 1439, RYS, 9, 2; 11
  3. Marty Kaye, HKG 1428, na, 4, 11; 15
  4. James Badenach, HKG 1285, RHKYC, 1, 15; 16
  5. Mark Thornburrow, HKG 1406, 10, 6; 16
  6. Senet Bischoff, USA 1349, NYYC, 6, 13; 19
  7. Graeme Taylor, AUS 947, Morningtown YC, 15, 5; 20
  8. Marvin Beckman, USA 1232, Houston YC, 3, 18; 21
  9. Ante Razmilovic, GBR, 7, 19; 26
  10. Iain Murray, AUS, RSYS, 17, 9; 26

For complete regatta information and results, please see the event website at http://2017.etchellsworlds.org

###

Media Contact
Leslie Richter
Mobile: 415-509-1777
lerichter@gmail.com

 

About The San Francisco Yacht Club
The San Francisco Yacht Club and its members are dedicated to promoting and celebrating yachting and life on the water. Founded in 1869, The SFYC is the oldest yacht club in North America, west of the Mississippi River. With its tranquil setting, its superb harbor and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, it's widely recognized as a premier yachting facility on the West Coast and one of the finest anchorages in the Bay Area. It operates a year- facility including the harbor, a dry-sail area, a full-service restaurant and bar.

The SFYC has earned recognition as one of the leading yacht clubs in the country, hosting local, national and international regattas. It’s home to The Great San Francisco Schooner Regatta, and very active youth sailing and race team programs. Committed to promoting the sport and Corinthian spirit of sailing, The Club also offers sailing instruction for sailors of all ages and private lessons. Club fleets include J24s, Optimists, 420s, Lasers and Flying Juniors. SFYC's youth sailors have risen to compete at national, international and Olympic levels.

About the Etchells Class
For over fifty years the Etchells class has enjoyed solid and steady growth with over fifty active fleets worldwide. Etchells sailors are enthusiastic and loyal supporters of their boat and class association. The Etchells is a big, fast, simple, stable, and sleek racing sloop that can be sailed competitively and in comfort by three or four average sailors. It can tack in 70 degrees and has a low wetted surface hull form that keeps moving in the slightest breeze. In 20+ knots it absolutely flies. The strict one-design principle of the class was established from the outset and is controlled by a strong, established and well-administered class association. Control of construction by the class association and World Sailing ensures quality and uniformity. It's easy to trailer and light enough to dry sail; and Etchells hold exceptional resale value.

2017 Etchells World Championship Preview

Belvedere, CA, September 25, 2017 – The 2017 Etchells World Championship, hosted by The San Francisco Yacht Club, kicks off on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 with the first of five days of racing on San Francisco Bay (9 races are scheduled). Fifty-one teams representing ten countries will be competing in the area known as the Berkeley Circle. This is the fourth time that the Etchells World Championships are being held in San Francisco Bay.

Racing will be incredibly close among this international Etchells fleet, renowned for its deep talent pool comprising a plethora of Olympic, world, national, and local champions. The outcome of this year’s world championship is anything but certain.  “Any of the top 25 boats could win this regatta and no one would be surprised,” said local Bay Area sailor Don Jesberg who will count three-time Etchells World Champion Bill Hardesty among his crew on Viva. Bill Barton, with nine Etchells Worlds under his belt, agreed, “There are so many great sailors – it will be a great battle to see who is most consistent.” Barton will be sailing on his old boat, the oldest in the competition, 666, but this time as crew to skipper Chris Kostanecki.

The recent SFYC Easom Founders Regatta provided a preview into how close the racing would be. After two days of racing in big late summer breeze, Steve Benjamin’s (USA) Stella Blue claimed first place with Graeme Taylor’s (AUS) Magpie close behind in second, and Iain Murry’s (AUS) Northern Havoc in third, in a fleet of 32 boats.  Jim Cunningham’s (USA) Lifted won the Easom Founders perpetual trophy which goes to the top finisher in the local fleet. Named after Bay Area sailing legend Hank Easom, the regatta honors Easom for bringing the first Etchells to San Francisco Bay in 1975, and starting fleet 12.

Peter Duncan’s (USA) Oatmeal was unable to sail in the pre-world event because he was busy winning the J/70 World Championship in Sardinia. “I love sailing in San Francisco Bay, it’s such a terrific venue, and there is an amazing group of competitors among both skippers and crew.” Duncan, sailing with former Etchells champion Jud Smith, and long time crew, Thomas Blackwell, is just one of the talented teams to watch this week.

As we count down to Tuesday’s start, the San Francisco Yacht Club docks and harbor are buzzing with Etchells energy as weigh-ins, sail and equipment measurement, and last minute boat prep fill the sailors days. A practice race is scheduled for Monday, September 25th.

For complete regatta information, please see the event website at http://2017.etchellsworlds.org

###

Media Contact
Leslie Richter
Mobile: 415-509-1777
lerichter@gmail.com

About The San Francisco Yacht Club
The San Francisco Yacht Club and its members are dedicated to promoting and celebrating yachting and life on the water. Founded in 1869, The SFYC is the oldest yacht club in North America, west of the Mississippi River. With its tranquil setting, its superb harbor and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, it's widely recognized as a premier yachting facility on the West Coast and one of the finest anchorages in the Bay Area. It operates a year- facility including the harbor, a dry-sail area, a full-service restaurant and bar.

The SFYC has earned recognition as one of the leading yacht clubs in the country, hosting local, national and international regattas. It’s home to The Great San Francisco Schooner Regatta, and very active youth sailing and race team programs. Committed to promoting the sport and Corinthian spirit of sailing, The Club also offers sailing instruction for sailors of all ages and private lessons. Club fleets include J24s, Optimists, 420s, Lasers and Flying Juniors. SFYC's youth sailors have risen to compete at national, international and Olympic levels.

About the Etchells Class
For over fifty years the Etchells class has enjoyed solid and steady growth with over fifty active fleets worldwide. Etchells sailors are enthusiastic and loyal supporters of their boat and class association. The Etchells is a big, fast, simple, stable, and sleek racing sloop that can be sailed competitively and in comfort by three or four average sailors. It can tack in 70 degrees and has a low wetted surface hull form that keeps moving in the slightest breeze. In 20+ knots it absolutely flies. The strict one-design principle of the class was established from the outset and is controlled by a strong, established and well-administered class association. Control of construction by the class association and World Sailing ensures quality and uniformity. It's easy to trailer and light enough to dry sail; and Etchells hold exceptional resale value.

Information for arrival and measurement

Info for Arrival, Parking, and Drop-Off Area

For full details on the procedure for arrival at San Francisco Yacht Club, read on:

Arrival

The first 25 that register for the Easom Founders/Pre-Worlds may arrive by land on September 11, 2017 or later.  All others participating in the Easom Founders/Pre-Worlds will need to stage elsewhere, but are welcome in The SFYC Harbor.  All others can arrive by land at The SFYC on September 18, 2017 or later.  Those arriving prematurely will be turned away.  Upon arrival, pull vehicles/boats/trailers as far south as possible, while maintaining the fire lane.  Approximately one hour will be given to disconnect trailers and transfer gear before tow vehicles will be required to leave the lot and park off-site.

Parking

Trailers will be kept at The SFYC parking lot for the regatta, but vehicles will be required to park off-site.  One off-site parking pass will be provided to each competitor.  The off-site parking pass will be issued at check-in.  Check-in will be located in the Eldridge Room which is upstairs of the Sailing Center.  The lot is located on Tiburon Blvd near the intersection of Beach Road.  The lot is just northwest of the CVS pharmacy and just east of the Chase Bank. The green area on the map indicates where regatta cars may be parked. FULL DOCUMENT WITH MAP Cars parked overnight will be towed. The walk typically takes 5-10 minutes.  Much of the parking near The SFYC has a 2-hour time limit.

Drop-Off Area

There will be a drop-off area located west of The SFYC main entrance and across from the park-like turning circle.  This area can be used to drop-off/pick-up gear and passengers.  There is a nearby gate for entering The SFYC with gear.

USA West Coast summer activity leading up to the Worlds

Full story in Scuttlebutt article

2017 Worlds Alert

Early registration rates end on June 22 for The 2017 Etchells Worlds, sailed this year on San Francisco Bay and hosted by The San Francisco Yacht Club.  The Worlds events kick off on September 22 and run through September 30. 

The planners at the SFYC are busy putting together not just world class racing on the water, but also fun events on land including  a Craft & Dram night, an Aussie sponsored evening and a great banquet dinner at the neighboring (read: walking distance) Corinthian Yacht Club in their historic wood paneled hall overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and sparkling lights of San Francisco. 

The San Francisco Yacht Club, founded in 1869, is the oldest yacht club west of the Mississippi . The Club is a world class sailing facility, with one of the finest protected anchorages in the Bay Area, operates year round, with harbor, dry-sail area, and a full service restaurant and bar. 

The Etchells, a 30’ fiberglass keel boat, designed by Skip Etchells has enjoyed a thriving global following by world class sailors for the past 50 years.   Etchells World champions include Volvo Ocean racers, America’s Cup winners and Olympic medalists. 

Media Contact: paige@brooksline.com

Registration Open for Easom Founders Pre-Worlds Regatta

Registration is now open for the Easom Founders Pre-Worlds Regatta.  First 25 boats to register will be allowed to park trailers in the SFYC parking lot, others will have to stage off-site.

Notice of Race
Registration
Registrant List (if you are not listed here you have likely not yet paid entry fee)

Welcome to the 2017 Etchells Worlds in San Francisco

Etchells Fleet 12 and The San Francisco Yacht Club welcome Etchells sailors to San Francisco Bay for the 2016 North American Championship and the 2017 World Championship. Please mark your callendars and save each web address to your favorites.

September and October are spectacular in the Bay Area, and the sailing is no exception. Find out for yourself and join the fun, we look forward to having you as our guests!

Registration is open, so submit your entry to race with us in San Francisco!