Etchells Worlds – Nitro takes a single win on Day 2

by Louay Habib on 6 Sep 2016 There was some more Aussie cheer, on Day 2 of the Etchells World Championship. Noel 'Nitro' Drennan (AUS), has raced Etchells with Dennis Connor and John Bertrand, and his experience showed today, started at the buoy end of the startline to win Race 3 by a handsome margin.

Only one race was sailed today on the World Championship course set in the Solent, off Cowes, Isle of Wight, England. the world championship has attracted a fleet of 58 boats from 11 nations.

Drennan's win lifts his team above John Bertrand, but only into second place. The Stars and Stripes of Steve 'Benji' Benjamin's team, from Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club Connecticut USA, leads the Etchells World Championship after three races.

“Very challenging today and a lot of fun.” summed up Steve Benjamin. “We were unsure, which side was going to pay before the start. Literally before the gun, the pin came good and we were near that end of the line. It was then about how long to stay on that tack, that was dictated by the tide and the wind, and also the lane we were holding. The lane started to get congested so we tacked over and made it in good shape to the top mark. There is a long way to go in this regatta and the results do not count a throw out yet, so we are taking absolutely nothing for granted. It is a lot of fun sailing in this fleet, the racing is really tight and it is a fantastic mix of sailors, from so many areas of the sport.”

Chris Hampton's team, representing the Royal Brighton Yacht Club (AUS) is now in fourth position. Seamus McHugh's team, including two-time Olympic gold medallist, Luis Doreste, finished second in race three, lifting the team flying the Swiss flag, into fifth overall. Mark Thornburrow's team, representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, and including two-time Olympic gold medallist, Malcolm Page, is now in sixth place. Ante Razmilovic (GBR), sailing with multiple world champion Chris Larson, finished the day in seventh, after another top ten result. Shannon Bush (USA) has broken into the top ten, but Andy Beadsworth's team, representing Warsash Sailing Club (GBR), scored a 20th today and drops to ninth. “I am not use to being mid-fleet in an Etchells, and I don't like it; it is really tough in that pack.”

In 10th place is Andrew Cooper, racing with three-time Irish Olympian, Mark Mansfield, and Calum Healey.Seamus McHugh's team, including two-time Olympic gold medallist, Luis Doreste, finished second in Race 3, lifting the team. flying the Swiss flag, into fifth overall. Mark Thornburrow's team, representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, and including two-time Olympic gold medallist, Malcolm Page, is now in sixth place. Ante Razmilovic (GBR), sailing with multiple world champion Chris Larson, finished the day in seventh, after another top ten result. Shannon Bush (USA) has broken into the top ten, but Andy Beadsworth's team, representing Warsash Sailing Club (GBR), scored a 20th today and drop to ninth. “I am not use to being mid-fleet in an Etchells, and I don't like it; it is really tough in that pack.” In 10th place is Andrew Cooper, racing with three-time Irish Olympian, Mark Mansfield, and Calum Healey.

In the Corinthian Class, Martin Webster's team, representing the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (AUS), have taken the lead. Thomas Brennan's team, representing the Royal Thames Yacht Club (GBR) drops to second. James Badenach's team, representing the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, move up to third. The best result of the Corinthian Class today was Mark Downer's team, representing the Bembridge Sailing Club (GBR), lifting the team to fourth in the class. Bill Steele's gentleman's duel with Tim Patton for a bottle of wine is warming up. Tim Patton's team, representing the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, scored a big victory over Bill Steele's team, representing the Royal Perth Yacht Club. Bill will be buying the wine tonight!

Today's daily Prize Giving was supported by Harken and Linklaters. Robert Elliott, Chairman and Senior Partner of Linklaters London, is racing at the Etchells World Championship, representing the Royal Yacht Squadron (GBR). The daily meeting between all the sailors is a great get-together, and the fleet delivered a special present to Samantha Burrows, who has cut short her honeymoon to compete with her father, Richard Burrows, representing the Royal Ocean Racing Club (GBR). Samantha has been sailing with her father since the 2010 Etchells World Championship in Howth. “I love the Etchells, and the best thing about it, is I get to sail with my daughter.” commented Richard Burrows.

Racing at the 2016 Etchells World Championship will continue tomorrow, Wednesday 7th September, with races scheduled in the Central Solent.

For full results click here