Etchells = Classic One Design Racing
Last weekend (25/26th March) showcased classic one design racing at it’s best with the Brisbane Etchell Fleet racing against competitors from across South East Queensland in an effort to qualify for the World Titles to be held in Perth in 2006.
Brisbane has one of Australia’s strongest Etchell Fleets with an average of 15 racing on a regular basis out of Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. With names like Michael O’Brien, Vaughan Prentice, John Warlow, David Rose, Adrian Finglas and Andy Turton racing against legends such as Noel Paterson, Terry Passey and David Healey, the racing always promises to entice suspense, action and the occasional bad word, but always displays tight tactics and gybing duels with mates against mates and competitor against arch rival.
The weekend’s forecast almost called for a cancellation of the event, with both storm and gale warnings current as of Friday afternoon. Various other events at the Squadron were postponed due to the weather prediction, however the Etchell guys (and girls) held on until the very last minute and were rewarded with spectacular Queensland weather where it can be shocking one day, and magical the next!
Michael O’Brian skippering RacerX with Brian Hillier and Scott Miller won the regatta by two points giving them a clear entry into the World Titles, however it’s an extremely long way from Brisbane to Perth (4335km or 45 hours and 48 minutes to be exact) with most of the qualifying crews unable to attend due to the monstrous cost involved.
All up, it’s estimated to cost between $15,000 and $20,000 (AUS) just to get there. Crews will need to take a month of work, because the National Championships are being held the week prior to the Worlds.
But this is the bit that got me… It will only cost the Americans and Canadians $1,500 (US) to ship their boats from the Northern Hemisphere to Down Under whereas for the Brisbane Fleet to get their boats to the other side of the country is estimated to cost a ridiculous $8,000 (AUS) in a 40’ container!!!
I’m sorry, but does that sound totally insane? This makes me think that Forbes Magazine was right on the mark with yachting/sailing being one of the most expensive sports in the world.
The crews from Brisbane could tow their boats across the Nullabour Plain just like Volvo 70 Racing Yacht Brazil 1 did back in January, however that’s an additional week on top of the month already needed just to compete!
Looking beyond the cost and time needed to compete, the Etchell World Titles always provides the highest standard of racing, no matter which country hosts the event. But it will be a shame if there is a lack of Australians competing, so perhaps we should call the event CANADA & USA AUSSIE OUTBACK ETCHELL TITLES DOWN UNDER SERIES 2006.
But there was more to the weekend racing than just attempting to qualify for the Worlds. The most important and prestigious Etchell award was up for grabs. It’s known as The Brisbane Fleet Championship trophy which is proudly displayed on the wall in clubhouse for all to view and admire, and from last weekends results, the name RacerX will forever be etched into the history of Etchell racing at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.
Click here to view additional photos from the event.
Click here for results.
