Winter in Miami, Spring in San Diego

The Etchells Class has a long history of wintering in Miami. With no better place in the continental USA to race boats (or pretty much do anything else), big fleets for the 31-footer assemble in South Florida for the sunshine and salt air on Biscayne Bay.

Previously known as the Jaguar Series, the four-event Biscayne Bay Regatta Series begins in December and concludes in 2024 with the Midwinters East Regatta on February 16-18. To win the overall series, teams add their Midwinters result to their best two other scores, with Peter Duncan leading the current tally with a 1-1-5.

As most of the 46 boats are not local, the next shift is toward the 2024 Etchells West Coast Spring Series, with four events scheduled at San Diego Yacht Club from March to May in San Diego, CA. The venue hosted the 2011 World Championship and will do so again in 2026.

Jim Cunningham, who trails Duncan by a point in Miami, will return to San Diego to defend his west coast title. Cunningham was dominant in 2023, also winning the North American and National Championship, and was credited for contributing to the off-the-water camaraderie in San Diego.

“I’ve sailed Etchells in San Diego for 15 years and the Saturday debriefs last year were the best I’ve ever attended,” noted Summer Green, as Cunningham’s team of Steve Hunt, Eric Shampain, and Serena Vilage, along with coach Dave Ullman shared the secrets of their success.

The shift west begins the Bill Bennett Cup on March 16-17.