Shark lesson for record breaking Etchells Fleet

by Steve Hall on 6 Jan 2009 Participants in the Commonwealth Bank 2009 Etchells Australian Championship, starting on the 9th of January in the waters off Outer-Harbor, Adelaide, South Australia will receive, as part of the championship briefing specific instructions on what to do if they come face-to-face and 'eyeball' one of the large sharks responsible for over a dozen reported sightings in the last two weeks.

Wayne Knill, Fleet Captain said 'Whilst we do not believe sharks are a great risk to crews, we need to ensure all competitors are aware of the correct crew retrieval methods if someone falls overboard and what to do if they see a shark, a spotter plane circling or a helicopter skimming low over the water with its siren on!'

Local Etchells sailor Liza Reynolds recently came within a few metres of a large bronze whaler, 'the shark didn't seem to be bothered; more interested in its dinner! though the boat went very fast on its way home!' she said.

With 44 boats officially entered, the event has already broken the record for entries to South Australia's Etchells championships. With excitement building and the opportunity to race in such an outstanding fleet, more boats are expected. Organisers are hoping for more than 50 boats on the start line, with entries closing on the 8th of January.

The championship has attracted some of the best national and international sailing talent to Adelaide's Royal SA Yacht Squadron (RSAYS). Included are likely front running crew of John Bertrand (Skipper of the 1983's America's Cup winner Australia II, Finn Olympic medalist), Ben Ainslie , (triple Olympic Gold medalist, ISAF World Sailor of the Year 2008 and skipper of the 2009 British America's Cup challenger 'Team Origin') and Andrew Palfrey (Olympian and Australian Sailing Team member).

A host of other sailing stars will compete including; Sir James Hardy of America's Cup, Admirals Cup and Olympic fame, Rob Brown - 18 ft skiff World champion sailor, and Australia II crewman. Sydney-Hobart skippers and experienced Etchell sailors; Geoff Boettcher from local yacht 'Secret Mens Business 3', and Mark Bradford from the stunning yacht 'Black Jack'.

Two New Zealand crews are expected to shine in the warm waters of Gulf St Vincent, having shipped their boats; 'Velsheda', skipper Alistair Gair and 'Addiction', skipper Lindsay Kennedy, with many other crews using this event as a 'warm up' to the world championships.

The local and very popular 'dream team' crew of Chris Pratt - Olympian, Simon Estalla and Caillin Howard will be pushing hard and local 'barrackers' are hoping they will do well on their home waters.

Wayne Knill said; 'Our local Adelaide fleet is excited at the prospect of competing against the best sailors in the world.' Continuing he said, ' This is the only boat where the average sailor can work a Monday to Friday job one week, then go sailing against Olympians, America's Cup racers and Sydney-Hobart sailors the next', he went on to say ' To us we feel we are in our own private 'Tour Down Under' racing against Lance Armstrong.'

Another experienced local contender Bruce Henshall said 'What a fantastic opportunity to compete in this class of fleet. I mean, I am a weekend sailor, serious, but definitely, an amateur, so getting a chance to sail in a fleet with the likes of John Bertrand and Sir James Hardy is terrific.'

The Etchells is a three or four person crewed keel boat that is often referred to as the 'racers racer' with boats having similar speed, racing advantage is obtained by superior tactics, combined with knowledge of wind shifts, tides, currents and excellence in crew work.

Wayne Knill said, 'Etchells racing in our gulf is truly exciting in a sparkling summer seabreeze. 18-20 knots of breeze is all you need to surf on the gulf swell. An Etchells at 20 knots provides exactly the same thrill and sensations as a 60 footer at 30 knots'. He went onto say; 'We have an extremely professional race committee led by Malcolm Hughes - Principal Race Officer (PRO) and supported by a national jury containing three international judges; Bill Bell, David Tillett and Lisa Bettcher', continuing he said 'We will be trying to publish race results including results of any protests directly onto the website by 7:30pm each evening'.

Preparations are in full swing with a number of boats already arrived and practicing, gaining vital local knowledge. The championship starts on the 9th of January, and continues through to the 16th.

Sponsors have been quick to jump aboard, recognising the contribution sailing makes to the local community, and keen to associate with a healthy outdoor sport. Sponsors include; The Commonwealth Bank, Coopers Brewery, Musto, Club Marine, Kiesler Wines and Aircommand Australia

Daily race updates and news including video clips will be posted on the website during the championship, the website includes full details of the event, including Notice of Race (NOR) and a locale guide. www.adelaideetchells.org.au