When Race Officer Ross Wilson called for an early start, the competitors knew they were in for an exciting first day of racing for the 2024 Etchells World Championships in Fremantle, Western Australia.
“Freo is a beautiful spot to go sailing, and I’m sure that all the competitors will really love what the Fremantle Sailing Club and everyone else is putting on for them here on the West Coast,” said Wilson ahead of hitting the water for the opening day.
“This is my fifth world title here in Freo over the last few years, so I’m well aware of what happens out on the racetrack.”
Originally scheduled for 1300 hours, the warning signal was brought forward to 1000 hours, giving the race committee a solid chance to safely get the first two races away and locking results on the scoreboard.
Wilson made a point of mentioning the high-pressure wind warning that had been issued, igniting the change in start times away from the original schedule. He also advised that the races would be between 65 and 70 minutes long. The windward mark was set at 1.6 nm in a direction of 190 for Race 1.
The forecast for the morning was bang on, with the fleet of 40 Etchells from five nations kicking off with a clear start in 15 knots from the south. As the race continued, the breeze and sea-state began to build, giving the sailors glamour conditions for the opening race of the championships.
AUS1484, Martin Hill, Noel Drennan, Sean O’Rourke and Nagisa Sakai stayed classy all day on a relatively quiet course. The four-up team locked in the first bullet of the championship.
Race 1
- AUS – Martin Hill, Noel Drennan, Sean ORourke, Nagisa Sakai
- AUS – Raymond Smith, Alan Smith, Michael Hughes
- GBR – Graham Vials, Billy Russell, Andrew Lawson
After a short wait, it was into the second race of the day. The wind was already building, and with the fleet starting under the U flag in 20 knots, it was time to get going. Once again, it was a clear start, and the fleet were on their way up a 1.6nm beat, this time at a heading of 200.
Laurie Smith, Richard Parslow, Ruairiah Scott, and Dave Hughes from Great Britain put themselves in a handy position to take out the second race of the championship.
The “Fremantle Doctor” arrived mid-race, with gusts of up to 24-26 knots, and the fleet were on the send when the spinnakers were hoisted – one would assume that the sailors were surfers at that point!
Post-race and back on the dock, Smith said, “The first race wasn’t too bad, but the second race got a bit windy.”
Complimenting his crew, Smith said that he just “does what he’s told and holds onto the tiller with two hands” when things get hectic.
“We had two good starts but made a few mistakes so, you know, we will hopefully get better as the regatta goes on, but we’re very happy after today,” said Smith.
Getting the bullet in Race 2 has put Smith and his team in a solid position. After two races, they are on equal points with fellow countrymen Graham Vials, Billy Russell, and Andrew Lawson.
Race 2
- GBR – Lawrie Smith, Richard Parslow, Ruairiah Scott, Dave Hughes
- USA – Michael Jobin, Keith Swinton, David Gilmour, Ned Breed
- USA – Andy Beadsworth, Brian Ledbetter, Ben Lamb
The Jury team were pleased to advise that no protests had been received on the opening day.
The 2024 Etchells World Championships is a 10-race series hosted by Fremantle Sailing Club, with the support and assistance of Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club and Royal Perth Yacht Club.
Five straight days of racing from the 18th to the 22nd of March, with two races a day, will ultimately decide the 2024 World Champion team.
Racing resumes tomorrow at 1300 hours, Tuesday 19th March, as per the original schedule.
Top 5 After 2 Races
- GBR – Lawrie Smith, Richard Parslow, Ruairiah Scott, Dave Hughes – =7pts
- GBR – Graham Vials, Billy Russell, Andrew Lawson – =7pts
- AUS – Peter Merrington, Ian McKillop, Steve Jarvin – 9pts
- USA – Andy Beadsworth, Brian Ledbetter, Ben Lamb – 12pts
- AUS – Martin Hill, Noel Drennan, Sean ORourke, Nagisa Sakai – 14pts
Event media at this regatta is made possible thanks to the support from HillPDA Consulting.
By Suellen Hurling
Live Sail Die for Down Under Sail
