Brisbane Etchells is the local fleet for sailors who are pursuing excellence in keelboat racing — or so we believe, writes Martin Sinclair — so, if you have always admired the sleek, shark-like lines and are looking to sail the best one-design keelboat, then come and try Etchells at RQYS! The fleet is a mixture of sailors from all walks of life, from newcomers to sailing to stalwarts who have sailed Etchells for decades, to the young and old alike. The fleet caters to all and is inclusive and supportive with some of the very best comradeship around. This season has seen new member growth and the return of past members to jump into the cockpit and hit the racecourse. Margy Porter and her crew on Tumba Rumba are doing what is great about Etchells: starting as a novice and getting the support from the rest of the fleet to grow and upskill; every day of sailing is a day of learning and improvement. Helen Wood has also picked up a boat in Athena whilst putting her hand up to assist in the running of the fleet coming in as Fleet Secretary. It is also great to see Tristan Hamilton joining the fleet with his purchase of Bait and Switch. Jake Gundry will be back on the water in the second half with the purchase of an Etchells after he completes his Rolex Sydney Hobart campaign on Yeah Baby. And David Rose has decided he needs another go and has jumped back to his old boat, now named Ballista. David has already had a hit out on the water and, as expected, is no slouch. In the coming 12 months, the Etchells Australia fleet will also be hosting two World Championships back-to-back. In March 2024, one is being hosted by the Swan River fleet in Fremantle, followed in January 2025 by Brighton in Melbourne. These events comprise the best sailors and drive fleet growth and skills development, and this is certainly already being felt at a local level in the Brisbane fleet. Who will win this season with close racing between three boats — and who would have guessed that two of the three are Noel Patterson and David Healey? All we can say is the fleet is working hard to make them earn every point. If you wish to get involved and enjoy one-design close racing, simply pop down to the Etchells hardstand on a Saturday morning and say hello. Someone will always help you out and introduce you to other Etchellers. n Mainsheet 2023 Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Yearbook 48 Brisbane Etchells report Etchells excitement continues to build Upcoming Worlds to be hosted in WA and Victoria inspire a resurgence of interest in this fine-looking class.
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