Your chance to try Etchells racing this Tuesday at Westhaven

by Sail-World.com NZL on 1 Nov 2015 The Etchells class is renowned around the world for offering some of the closest one-design keelboat racing available.

Since being designed in the late 1960's for the then IYRU Trials to select a new Olympic keelboat, the Etchells has gone from strength to strength with large fleets in most of the world's major sailing centres.

The boats are an eclectic mix of old and new with the strict one design rules working well to keep older boats competitive, and in the fleet - but making excellent entry level boats for reasonable financial outlay.

In Auckland the fleet sails from Westhaven marina, with the boats dry-sailed and launched using an electric gantry.

Racing takes place on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer.

This coming Tuesday the class is holding its Invitational event, open to anyone who wants to try Etchells sailing - either as a potential owner or a sailing crew member.

When: Tuesday 3rd November, from 5:00 p.m.
Where: Z Pier, Westhaven, Auckland
What: A chance to get involved with a fun, fast, competitive fleet
Who: Anyone who would like to learn more - no experience required!

Format:
The Etchells Invitational is run as a 'Pro-Am' event: there will be some experienced skippers (including some genuine sailing rock-stars), but no experience is required and all comers are welcome to sail and possibly helm.

If you at all interested in buying an Etchells, this is your opportunity to test drive and learn more about what makes this fleet competitive, fun but affordable.

If you think you might like to crew, this is a chance to meet the skippers and crew and get out on the water.

We will be running short format races on the Waitemata, on our usual course, just off the Wynyard quarter, allowing everyone to experience the excitement of close fleet racing.

There will be refreshments after the racing

Participants:
All current owners and many of the regular crew will be on hand to welcome you aboard and show you the ropes. If you are interested in any of the Etchells currently for sale, we recommend making contact as soon as possible to ensure that you can see the boat and test drive, as required.

Contact:
To register your interest, or if you have any questions relating to Etchells, please contact Alex Webster: alex@etchells.org.nz.

Please also join our crew mailing list for updates, results and race reports

See Facebook www.facebook.com/etchellsnz