NSW title on the line for Etchells crews

Sam Crichton

Posted: 8  Feb. 2010

The Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron will hold the upcoming 2010 Etchells NSW Championship on courses off Sydney Heads, where the Club intends to hold racing in 2012 when they also host the 2012 Etchells World Championship.

To be held from 26-28 February, entries have already been received from as far afield as South Australia with Jason Ward’s Concubine and Chris Pratt’s La Vie Dansante joining the NSW, Victorian and Queensland boats expected to be competing in the fleet.

A number of teams who raced at the recent 2010 Etchells Australian Championship at Lake Macquarie will be appearing at the NSW titles later this month, including Victorians Graeme Taylor (Magpie), who finished third in the 2010 Australian Championship and Ian Johnson (Banana’s in Pyjama’s) who finished fourth.

“We had a great time sailing in the Nationals up at Lake Macquarie and I’m looking forward to sailing offshore off Sydney Heads,” commented Taylor.

“I really enjoy offshore sailing in Sydney and am hoping to take advantage of the opportunity to get some time on the race course that we will use for the NSW titles and the 2012 Worlds.

“I’m sailing with Wharo (Grant Wharington) and Mothy (Steve Jarvin) who I’ve sailed with for about 12 months and are the team I am hoping will be with me for the 2012 Worlds as well.”

It is anticipated over 45 teams will enter the 2010 Etchells NSW Championship. The fleet will be peppered with former Etchells world champions, America’s Cup, Olympic and Volvo Ocean Race sailors, all vying for the title.

Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medallist Tom King and crew, who finished seventh in Lake Macquarie, will be on the start line along with Julian Plante representing the Pittwater Etchells fleet having finished in the top ten at the Etchells Australian Championship.

Supporting the 2010 Etchells NSW Championship are: Zhik, Tacktracker, Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and Positive Image Innovation.

Further information: www.etchells.org.au/sydney/states/

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