World Etchell Title is Mooloolaba

by Ian Grant on 18 Apr 2001 Mooloolaba Yacht Club can expect to see a resurgence in their Etchells class fleet following the announcement that the outstanding International standard venue has been accepted to host the 2004 World Championship.

Brisbane's talented North Loft sail maker Mark Bradford has placed an order for dry store space so he can be prepared for what promises to be the best ever World title series held in Australia.

Bradford has named his crew; they are Gary Adsett who previously raced in international Etchells titles with America's Cup sailor and Olympic Soling skipper Rod Davis and the experienced Brisbane sailor Mike O'Brien.

Both Bradford and O'Brien contested the 2000 Sun City Homes title series with Ben Noble and have an extensive knowledge of racing on open ocean courses.

Now that the announcement has been made official with Mooloolaba winning the series ahead of Melbourne and Perth several top international sailors have confirmed their interest to compete.

America's Cup winners Dennis Conner and John Bertrand who contested the 1993 Tag Heuer World title on Moreton Bay will head the challenge in 2004

Conner, and Russell Coutts who arm wrestled the America's Cup away from the American skipper in San Diego have won major titles over the MYC offshore courses.

Both sailors have also adopted the Etchells to refine their match racing tactics in preparation for the next America's Cup regatta in Auckland.

However while the high profile skippers lift the standard of the event it is the regular crews headed by Sunshine Coast skipper Bill Butler in Fury who contributed to the strength of the class and allowed Mooloolaba to retain it's bid to host the World championship.

Bertrand contested the recent Australian championship in Hobart and has shown interest in racing at Mooloolaba in this years Winter Australian championship in June.

There is also strong speculation that James Spithil and Joe Newton who are members of the Peter Gilmour AC challenge based in Seattle will team up with Luke Molloy who is presently in Miami training with one of the Volvo global race challengers.

Former World title winners Iain Murray, John Savage and Cameron Miles have also been mentioned as likely nominations along with class stalwarts Noel Paterson, David Turton, Richard Coxon and Andrew Hunn.

The title series will also attract strong fleets for the annual mid winter championships as the top Australian crews evaluate the venue.