Etchells Europeans 2022 at the Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes
by Jan Ford 7 Sep 2022 20:32 AEST
2-4 September 2022
Etchells Europeans 2022 in the Solent © RYS
The Royal Yacht Squadron hosted the Etchells European Championships from 2 to 4 September and after three days of tight racing USA 1427 sailed by Stephen Benjamin won, closely followed by the first European boat of Lawrie Smith (GBR 1502).
The racing started on Friday 2nd September and lack of wind meant that only one race was held which was won by Lawrie Smith on Mila (GBR 1502) This was followed by two days of racing in 8 to 15 knots of wind on the Saturday and Sunday allowing all six races to be completed.
Saturday started with a one hour postponement whilst waiting for the wind to fill in followed by three races with wins by Klaus Diederichs on Fever (USA 1453), Chris Hampton on Tango (AUS 1466) and Stephen Benjamin on Stella Blue (USA 1427). Saturday's racing was followed by a dinner held at the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Sunday was the windiest day of the event with two races each won by Lawrie Smith on Mila (GBR 1502).
The Corinthian trophy was won by Graham Bailey on Matau (SGP 1333) closely followed by Ante Razmilovic (GBR 1438) and Jon Warwick (GBR 1351).
A strong youth fleet competed with Ted Blowers on Ada (GBR 1409) taking 1st youth, followed by James Clemetson on Pulse (GBR 782) and Jack Lewis on board Sumo (GBR 1020).
A big thanks to Peter Saxton and the team at the Royal Yacht Squadron for some excellent racing and hosting the event, along with the team at Cowes Yacht Haven making sure all the boats were in the water ready for the event.