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