INTERNATIONAL ETCHELLS CLASS ASSOCIATION NEWS LIST NEWS ARTICLE Jan 20, 2006 - Rob Brown new Audi Etchells Australian champion In the seven race one drop series that was shortened by one day and one race due to excessive winds, an elated Brown took the series from his former 1983 winning America’s Cup skipper, John Bertrand and crew Ian Johnson and Tim Ede (Triad, Vic) by six points, with another Sydney crew, Cameron Miles/Phil Smidmore/David Sampson (Free Advice, NSW) finishing third. “It feels pretty good – we’re pretty relieved. We sat and waited today to see if we would sail one more race – but they called it off. I am overjoyed – it’s been a lot of hard work. We didn’t get into any trouble out there during the week – just tried to stay consistent,” Brown said. “Browny”, a former 18ft skiff world champion, last year won the Winter Championship and the Milsons Goblet and finished 12th at the Worlds. He said his crew were now looking forward to the Audi Etchells Worlds to be sailed in Perth in November this year. Both Brown and Bertrand spent a considerable amount of time sailing on the Swan River, which should hold them in good stead. With racing set to start at 11.00am, an anxious Brown, along with the other 59 crews which included some of the most illustrious sailors in Australia and a British crew skippered by the 2005 European champion, Nils Razmilovic, waited ashore until racing was finally abandoned at 2.00pm this afternoon. “The calibre of the fleet here – well, it’s the best and the racing was intense, so this is a real highlight for us in this class. Royal Brighton did a fantastic job running the event, really good – everyone here is very happy - and the racing was brilliant. It was great having Audi as a sponsor,” Brown enthused. Surprisingly, Brown’s crew went into the event using the same boat and sails they took to the Worlds in the USA last year. Most others had brand new boats, or at least a new suit of sails. Defending champion, Michael Coxon, with crew Will McCarthy and Peter Van Niekirk (North Sydney Station, NSW), finished 12th. Ironically, Brown and Bertrand finished equal12th at that event. Competitors at the Championship enjoyed a variety of conditions making it a level playing field for all in a class that is top heavy with names. Etchells Australian Championship sponsor, German luxury carmaker Audi, has become a major player in several key sailing events in Australia in 2005 and 2006, including the Audi Etchells World Championship to be held in Perth in November this year. Around the world, Audi has had a long-standing involvement with the sport of sailing, particularly in Europe, as the fundamental principles of sailing are a direct match with Audi’s philosophy of progress through the use of advanced technology. For all information: www.sailmelbourne.com.au by Di Pearson - Sail Melbourne International Regatta 2006 Back To Top Of Page Site © Copyright 2002. International Etchells Class Association Inc. All Rights Reserved.