March 2012 eNews Editor's Spiel

Thank you and well done.

One of the best things about Etchells is that it is a global class. One of the challenges that comes with that, is getting information around to and from all the necessary parties. Without a doubt, the Information Age with all its electronic wizardry has been an absolute boon. The first task of this note is to thank all the wonderful contributors. Your stories are great and I am sure they will be both widely and well received. Check out the video from the Etchells in the Jaguar Cup in Florida, as one example.

All aboard with Iron Lotus - pic © Kylie Wilson/Positive Image.

Further, it has been great to see the network do its job, for without it, there would not be the articles on MCL Transboat or Health and they are both beneficial and full of good information. Hopefully, you will be able to see that this eNews is not only about the Class, but also you the sailors and what you need to keep enjoying this most pleasurable of pastimes.

Downhill in the red - Iron Lotus (AUS925) - pic © Kylie Wilson/Positive Image.

Whenever there has been a World Championship there is always a winner to congratulate, so well done, Iron Lotus - Tom King, Ivan Wheen, Dave Edwards and Owen McMahon. Dave's article is a great read and shows that doing well out on the water is no accident. Of course, all over the world there are Etchells being raced in variety of conditions. Recently, I was out watching some racing of many classes on a day when sitting in front of the fire with a glass of red, watching the rain strem down the window, was far more appealing. Alas, there was a local fleet race being carried out and although many of the regulars were actually at the Worlds at the time, the racing was still tight, the activity still furious and the competition high.

Rounding with Iron Lotus (Bow#25) - pic © Kylie Wilson/Positive Image.

Prepared by John Curnow