INTERNATIONAL ETCHELLS CLASS ASSOCIATION NEWS LIST NEWS ARTICLE Dec 11, 2005 - 2005/06 NEW SOUTH WALES STATE ETCHELLS TITLES Late spring on Lake Macquarie provided a spectrum of weather conditions: from light winds to a 35-knot howler, and from brilliant sunshine to drenching rain. The top competitors were able to adapt to the changing conditions. The scheduled eight-race program contracted down to a six-race event. The planned Race 6 was abandoned due to a lack of wind, whilst the proposed Race 8 was blown away. The first race was sailed in a light to moderate sea breeze. The boats that headed left found the advantage, and prevailed at the first mark. Rob Brown on “Steam Packet” went on to trigger the finisher’s gun, a suitable encore to his last Etchells race- a win in final heat at the 2005 Worlds. During Race 2 the northeast breeze clocked around to the right, eventually to southeast. Boats and crews were thoroughly washed during the mid race down pour. Nick Burfoot prevailed to take out the honors. The third race of the day was characterized by another shift in the breeze to the right, soon after the start, much to the further frustration of PRO Russell Cummings. Richard Coxon, veteran sailor went on to smell the cordite from Russell’s shotgun (fired in acknowledgement of his win, not anger!). By Day 2, the wind had swung around to the northwest, and the initial cloud cover had burned off to reveal a warm sunny day. Rob Brown went on to record his second victory of the regatta, with a win in Race 4. Gosford Fleet sailor, Greg Eddy sailing “Slipstream”- the second oldest boat in the fleet- cleverly read the subtlety of the wind in Race 5 to join the winners circle. Shortly after the conclusion of Race 5, the wind completely bid adieu. The much anticipated, and cooling 20-knot northeast sea breeze finally made its appearance, but too late to permit another race for the day. Iain Murray, even though he had not yet recorded a win, was sailing with the necessary consistency (2nd, 3rd, 11th, 2nd, and 8th) to lead the series narrowly from Julian Plante, by the end of day 2. Day 3 started well enough with a pleasant southerly breeze of 10 to 12 knots. Alas, 20 prior to the start, the sky at the southern end of the lake blackened, and the horizon was lost in a rain squall. As the front moved up the lake, thunder and lightning was added to further effect. Racing was delayed for 30 minutes but finally started in winds of about 30 knots. The strong winds and flattish water of the Lake combined to allow a planning run from the top to bottom buoy for those who kept the boats in the required orientation. A number of boats suffering gear breakage, but those who finished came back with stories of experiencing one of the memorable of Etchells downhill spinnaker rides. The race was won by Iain Murray, from Jervis Tilly on “Bushfire”, with Brisbane competitor Mick O’Brien taking out the third place. The final race for the series was abandoned due to adverse conditions. Ian Murray had added a third NSW State Championship to his Etchells sailing resume. Fellow Pittwater sailor Julian Plante finished second overall, whilst Mike O’Brien’s long trip down from Brisbane was rewarded with a fine third overall place. by Bob Griffits Back To Top Of Page Site © Copyright 2002. International Etchells Class Association Inc. All Rights Reserved.