Etchells Class shifts west for the summer

The focus of the International Etchells Class shifts west this summer as the North American Championship and World Championship are being held in California in 2017.

From August 16-19, over 30 Etchells are expected for the North Americans in San Diego, CA. Competing on the ocean venue called the Coronado Roads, the event will have an international flavor as teams begin their march toward the Worlds. Steve Benjamin, winner for the past two years, will also be defending his title.

Hosted by San Diego Yacht Club, the class returns after holding its 2011 World Championship in San Diego.

“San Diego is a very challenging venue and a great place to sail,” notes Argyle Campbell, who won the Etchells class at the 2017 NOOD regatta in March. “Every race presents opportunities to gain or lose. Just when you think the only way to go is right, the left comes in strong.”

According to Campbell, “Boat speed is especially important in San Diego. The local boats all seem to have it and sometimes the visitors are a little off the pace. The surface chop, wave angle, and current will all play a part in the eventual placings for each race and for the overall regatta. Most of the forgoing can be overcome by great starts.”

The North Americans, which expect to deliver light to moderate conditions, will be a contrast for when the class travels north a month later for their World Championship on September 26-30 in Belvedere, CA. Hosted by San Francisco Yacht Club, the event will catch the tail end of the summer winds that can deliver moderate to strong conditions.

North Americans: http://2017.etchellsnachamps.org/
Worlds: http://2017.etchellsworlds.org/

Source: SDYC, Scuttlebutt