2022 International Etchells Class Pre-Worlds at Cowes - Overall

The 2022 Etchells Pre-Worlds came to a spectacular conclusion with two races held in the Eastern Solent. A shifting south-easterly breeze, piping up to 14 knots, produced a highly complex race track for the final day of racing.

In the final race, several teams went aground, cheating the strong tide up the mainland shore, which ultimately affected the final results.

2022 International Etchells Class Pre-Worlds at Cowes (l-r) Laurence Mead (Cowes Etchell Fleet) with Lawrie Smith, Ben Saxton - photo © PKC Media

Lawrie Smith's Mila (GBR 1502) scored a 1-3 on the final day to win the regatta by three points. "Thanks to everybody for a great warm up for the Worlds, and especially Paul (Jackson) and the race team that did a great job in difficult conditions. I hope everyone had a great time and we are all looking forward to a bit more wind for the Worlds." commented Lawrie Smith.

Peter Duncan's Oatmeal (USA 1453) finished runner-up for the regatta. Duncan confirmed that Oatmeal was one of several teams that went aground in Race Four. However, Oatmeal got out of trouble and went on to win the final race. Ante Razmilovic's Swedish Blue (GBR 1438) was leading the regatta going into the last race but retired after going aground.

2022 International Etchells Class Pre-Worlds at Cowes day 3 - photo © PKC Media

"I would say that was a ten out of ten difficulty race track, especially Day Two when it was really shifty and hard to read the tide; I had low confidence in a lot of the calls," commented Mila's tactician Ben Saxton. "Day Three was not as tricky on strategy, but in the last race you had to go left and tack up the shore; without a depth sounder that was quite hard! We decided to be low risk and not be the furthest in, and that seemed to work."

2022 International Etchells Class Pre-Worlds at Cowes day 3 - photo © PKC Media

Shaun Frohlich's Exabyte (GBR 1459) scored a 4-9 on the final day to take final podium place, just a point ahead of James Markby's Arena (GBR 1470). Mark Thornburrow's Racer Smithy (HKG 1496) scored a 3-5 on the final day to finish fifth.

"It feels like this is a group of really great sailors, the Etchells Class does attract the world's best," commented Shaun Frohlich. "Margins are really small, even if you get a great start at full speed, if you lose concentration for just a second, you drop your lane. There is no fresh air; a slight mistake can cost you ten places. I bet our visitors to The Solent were surprised to be tacking inside a dinghy fleet in the last race. I have bever been that close to the beach!"

2022 International Etchells Class Pre-Worlds at Cowes (l-r) Laurence Mead (Cowes Etchells Fleet) with Adrian Owles, Barry Parkin, Taylor Walker - photo © PKC Media

Best Youth Team was Ted Blower's Ada (GBR 1409), and Top Corinthian team was Barry Parkin's Bungee Smuggler (USA 1424). "I have raced in The Solent many times in the past but not for last 15 years, and I think it is the hardest place in the world to sail. If you want to test yourself you come to Cowes. We are happy to be the top Corinthian team, but we want to be nearer the front for the worlds, we love racing against the top guys." commented Barry Parkin.

Overall Results:

With the Etchells Pre-Worlds done and dusted, the International Etchells Class will regroup for the 2022 Etchells World Championships, hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron from the 18-24 September. Measurement for the regatta starts Tuesday 13 September. The level and intensity of competition bodes well for an outstanding regatta.

Find the 2022 Etchells World Championships Entry List here.