International Etchells
5 Seasons
The class was known originally as E22 until the name was changed to Etchells in 1990. Over the years, the Etchells has become increasingly popular and is now raced by members of more than fifty fleets around the world.
The Etchells is a fast, stable racing sloop that can be raced competitively and safely by three or four sailors. She can tack in 70 degrees and is extremely sensitive to subtle adjustments in tuning and trim. She has a sleek hull with relatively little wetted surface area, which allows her to move well in the lightest breeze. In heavier winds, she absolutely flies. Her sail plan includes a main, jib, and spinnaker.
The class’s strict one-design principles were established in the late 1960s and are controlled today by a strong, well-managed class association. The class and the International Sailing Federation maintain tight control of the construction of these yachts, ensuring the high quality and uniformity of each Etchells built. The one-design principles help the Etchells hold her resale value exceptionally well.
The Etchells is a fiberglass boat with aluminum spars; it has no electrical systems or auxiliary power. It is trailerable and light enough to drysail. The materials and techniques used in her construction make her easy to maintain and repair.
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2016 Coast New Zealand Etchells Nationals
Episode 1
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron hosted the 2016 COAST New Zealand Etchells Nationals Championship in April. Feng Shui skippered by Andrew Wills and crewed by Anatole Masfen and Matt Kelway sailed an almost perfect reggata with five guns. Their worst race was fifth which they were able to use...
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Etchells World Championship 2016 - Day One
Episode 2
The 2016 Etchells World Championship kicks off in Cowes with lights airs and grey skies. The fleet are incredibly close with terrific sights as 58 boats arrive at the top mark more or less together. The top two boats are the only teams that got top ten results in both races, proving that consiste...
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Etchells World Championship 2016 - Day Two
Episode 3
The sun came out for Day 2 in Cowes. Light airs again treated to the fleet to some tricky navigation on the solent and strong tides created major opportunities. Noel Drennan taking control, arriving at the top mark first and retaining his lead all the way to the finish on the five leg, two mile c...
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Etchells World Championship 2016 - Day Three
Episode 4
A dramatic morning, to say the least. With no postponement, the racing got started on time in a grey 12 knots. The sun poked through the gloom as they arrived at the top mark. The second beat featured an ominous bank of sea fog. Two races took place with some over zealous sailors being disqualifi...
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Etchells World Championship 2016 - Day Four
Episode 5
Chop, was the word of the day. Thursday at the Etchells World Championship was exciting and wet. The sailors donned their buoyancy aids as requested by the "Y" flag and racing took place on in a short lumpy sea state. Argyle Campbell, USA, took the win with his simple tactics and Noel Drennan say...
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Etchells World Championship 2016 - Final Day
Episode 6
The final day of the 2016 Etchells World Championship was full of drama! There were numerous postponements due to enclosing weather and multiple recalled starting sequences resulting in many boats being black flagged. However John Bertand sailed to his first win of the regatta proving that consis...
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Etchells World Championship 2016 - Day Five
Episode 7
The Solent was slightly more reserved on Day 5 of the Etchell World Championship but with calmer breeze came larger shifts. Noel "Nitro" Drennan capitalised and closed the gap on leading John Bertrand. Mark Thornburrow and Lawrie Smith scored their first bullets of the regatta, while James "The G...
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Hong Kong Etchells Class Champs 2016 Day 1
Episode 8
The Hong Kong Etchells Class Championship 2016 were hosted over last weekend by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club in champagne conditions. Racing was held at Middle Island and sailed on the Lamma racetrack with close competition with Frank van Kempen and Marty Kaye vying for first place.
Video P...
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Hong Kong Etchells Class Champs 2016 Day 2
Episode 9
Final Day of the Etchells Class Championships 2016 in Hong Kong harbour. Dominated by King of the Pin - Frank van Kempen picking up four bullets out of six races with Marty Kaye's Easy Tiger chasing them throughout for second place. Stunning drone shots of the fleet around Middle Island.
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