Etchells: Craig Greenwood takes out Coast Pre-Xmas Championships

Craig Greenwood and the Fifteen Crew leading the Etchell's fleet around the top mark - Auckland Pre-Xmas Championships © Billy Woodworth/RNZYS

Craig Greenwood sailing with Chris Salthouse and Jeremy Scantlebury won the 2021 Coast Auckland Etchells pre-Christmas championships held out of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

Racing was scheduled over three nights, with the last night cancelled due to strong wind conditions. Craig and his team had a dominating performance winning four of the six races in what is very tight fleet to finish on 6 points with a drop. Laurie Jury followed in second place, winning the other two races and finishing up on 9 points, with Anatole Masfen third on 17.

Racing was held in varying conditions of 10-20 knots, and consisted of 6 short 20mins races held over two days. Racing was as tight as ever in the 10 boat fleet, with many crews feeling the ‘rust’ of not sailing over the Auckland Lockdowns. RNZYS Performance Programme Skipper Nick Egnot-Johnson was skippering the RNZYS Etchells Bobby’s Girl finished up in 4th place and getting a 2nd in the last race.

RNZYS Race officers Janet Airey and Ross Chapman did a great job as always to punch through the races on good course.

The Coast Post Xmas Etchells series starts 19th January, with the Auckland Championships 14th and 15th February and Coast National Championships on the 2nd and 3rd April.

Overall Results: