INTERNATIONAL ETCHELLS CLASS ASSOCIATION NEWS LIST NEWS ARTICLE Nov 25, 2005 - Etchells Revival in New Zealand After a relatively quiet couple of years after the Worlds here in NZ there is renewed interest in the class. Several boats have changed hands along with two brand new boats joining the Auckland fleet. Fleets are now established in Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Wanaka. The Auckland fleet based at Gulf Harbour Yacht Club reports a strong start to the season with Simon Minoprio edging out Andrew Wills and Rob Bassett in last weekend’s racing. Etchells will be competing in the Peter Blake regatta next month and the Bay of Islands Regatta in January. A busy last half of the season is planned with the Auckland Champs and Nationals planned for March to be sailed from the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club. Regattas are also planned in Wellington in April with several Auckland boats attending. A strong circuit in Australia is planned for next year to which NZers will be attending. New Zealand will be represented at Victorian State Champs next month in Melbourne and Australian Nationals in January. A number of boats are planning to sail the Australian Winter Champs in Mooloolaba in early June with the Worlds in Perth later next year. There is fantastic big fleet one design keelboat racing at affordable prices is at our doorstep thanks to our major fleet sponsor ANZDL. Our other major sponsor is John St Clair Brown of Waiwera Infinity Water who provides a barbecue and all you can drink after racing, on his floating clubhouse at Gulf Harbour! So there are great times and racing to be had in the Etchells class whether it be in your local fleet, National or International, that interests you. With renewed interest in the class here in New Zealand second hand boats are in short supply. Enquiries are being made in Australia for purchasing boats in all price ranges. So if you would like to join any of our fleets after Christmas you may need to plan for it now. For further information on buying boats or crewing in this fantastic class please call Lindsay Kennedy at 021 530 177 or 521 0358 evenings. by Lindsay Kennedy Back To Top Of Page Site © Copyright 2002. International Etchells Class Association Inc. All Rights Reserved.