2025 Asia Pacific Etchells Class Championship

2025 Etchells Class Championship.

Well, as I write, the body is slowly recovering from an excellent regatta which never let up in intensity, close competition, fantastic conditions in Clear Water Bay with bumpy waves and generally plenty of wind causing trouble for crews with a few MOB’s testing all the team’s skills. The first day, Mark Thornburrow 1496 (2,1,1), Nick Burns 1502 (1,3,2) and their crews showed us what serious Etchells racing is all about. Whilst Frank van Kempen 1476 (3,2,3), Jamie McWilliam 912 (6,4,8) and ourselves in 1406 (4,6,4) were trailing our boats and crews.

Day 2 saw Jamie, George and Rachel produce a stunning result with a 3,1,1. Jamie must have learnt a few things about his boat from the day before but also George too as he is relatively new to the Etchells fleet. I say relatively, as I recall him sitting on an Etchells at the dock drinks gathering after our racing as a 7-year-old happily unscrewing fittings of the boat closest to the dock when no one was watching! It was great to see father and son in a big hug after their first win on Saturday.

Mark wasn't too far off the pace on Saturday either, having a 1,2,3 result!

On the last day, we finally got our nose in front of the fleet momentarily until the big guns came through. We have proof as the accompanying photo shows. Nick had a good day, and I admire Ida for her kite trimming skills in those light, bumpy conditions. They were quick uphill and down with a 4,1,1 result.

So, Mark and his team won again. It must be 9 or 10 times now, but it never gets boring and he provides us all with an incentive to improve. Nick came second. He is ageless and is an inspiration to me to keep going in this fabulous sport we call sailing. Excellent effort, top boat on the last day, going very quickly. Jamie got 3rd only 4 points back from Nick in his new/old 912. I'm guessing his sails were even older than ours especially looking at his yellow mainsail which was often in our view. We got 4th which pleased us immensely as beyond expectations prior to racing. Again, thanks to Mei Han for the loan of her boat and event organizer Richie Allen 1457 came in 5^th overall.

It was great to see so many youngsters and females in the fleet. It augers well for the future, especially when Jamie and Mark are happy to divulge their knowledge of the class. Also, nice seeing my old boat 787 doing well finishing in 12th spot.

As a tuning tip for some, due to the varying wind strengths, we were changing our lowers quite a lot during the races (tighter if wind increases, less when it drops) and the mast heel between races (forward if windier) which both helped the helm balance and thus, boat speed.

To sum up, Barry, Lucy, Elberti and their team did a great job managing us with a few general recalls thrown in. The fantastic prize giving and barbie at the Clear Water Bay Country Club concluded a fabulous 2025 Class Champs and was great preparation for the forthcoming Etchells Worlds in Hong Kong in 2027.

Special thanks to Janelle Tong for the welcome bags packed with goodies from our sponsor Dr Jart+ and thanks to Luke from AIA for sponsoring the happy hour drinks.

See you next year.

Cheers,

Warwick Downes