High pressure was the winner on Day One of the Etchells Worlds with no racing possible due to a lack of wind but the spirit in the International Etchells Class shone through.

The Royal Yacht Squadron Race Team spent the entire day on the water, but insufficient wind kept the AP flag flying for most of the day. In the late afternoon the AP was lowered as a south westerly wind promised a chance for racing, but unfortunately the wind disappeared as the fleet were making their way to the starting area.

“One of those difficult days when the wind was light and very variable,” commented PRO Paul Jackson. “The Race Team spent a lot of time on the water without reaching our objective but tomorrow looks like a better day, so onwards and upwards.”

With sailors gathered in Cowes from the four corners of the world, the opportunity to share a deep pool of Etchells knowledge was taken, showing a fantastic spirit in the Etchells Class. The Etchells Worlds Opening Ceremony was held at the Royal Yacht Squadron. Commodore James Holman gave a warm welcome to the sailors gathered on the RYS Lawn confirming that everyone was an honorary member of the historic club for the regatta.

Commodore Holman commented: “This is a genuine world championship, and the Royal Yacht Squadron is very proud to be holding this regatta. The Etchells Class is an elite class in world sailing, and we thank all of the competitors for coming. A huge thanks to Etchells Fleet Captain David Franks, without his drive an initiative, this event would not be happening.”

“There are far too many good sailors here,” smiled David Franks who has been the Cowes Etchells Fleet Captain for well over a decade. “We have multiple Olympic Gold medallists World Champions and we also have passionate amateurs.

RYS Commodore James Holman gave a warm welcome to the sailors gathered on the RYS Lawn – 2022 International Etchells Worlds – photo © PKC Media

However, we all know that the future of our class are young people, and we have a lot of young teams at the Worlds. I am one of the oldest helms at the regatta and I would encourage all us old boys to support the youth in their own countries.”

Entry list for the 2022 Etchells Worlds available here.

Racing at the 2022 Etchells World Championship, hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron, continues Wednesday 21st September. For regular updates, pictures and results follow the UK Etchells Fleet Facebook page.

by Louay Habib