Howth Yacht Club

Anglo Irish Bank Etchells Europeans at HYC
Day 3 - Final Day - 29th August

Overall Winner - Matatu - Nils Razmilovic - Royal Swedish YC

The fleet enjoyed bright conditions and moderate winds for the final day of the European Championship.

The top 3 boats held their overall positions but some trading of places took place down the field.

The Overall Top 10 are ...

1	Matatu	N Razmilovic	Royal Swedish YC
2	Swedish Blue	A Razmilovic	Royal Thames YC
3	Bushfire	J Tilly	Royal Corinthian YC
4	Wobbegong	D Flynn	Royal Corinathian YC
5	Gelert	O'Grady/Others	Howth YC
6	Tamborine	M Collins	Howth YC
7	Muddy Paws	A Shanks	HYC/RStGYC
8	Ragtime	G Gerard	Gulf Harbour NZ
9	Snatch	A Oddie	Royal Corinthian YC
10	Mayhem	K Tippell	Royal Corinthian YC

Impulse from Royal Mersey YC in full flight on Sunday
(Photo : Barry O'Loughlin)

The Etchells Europeans enjoyed an excellent mix of weather, light to start with on Saturday, heavy - testing conditons on Sunday and moderate for the final on Monday.

The ladies promoting Jameson Irish Whiskey
at the Etchells European Championship reception

Etchells European Championship
27th, 28th & 29th August

Results are posted in the Results Section under Open Events -> Etchells Europeans

Etchells National Championship
20th & 21st August

Results are posted in the Results Section under Open Events -> Etchells Nationals

Anglo Irish Bank joins forces with ISA to support Etchells National & European Championships and the Helmsman's Championships (in Etchells) at HYC

Anglo Irish Bank PLC is to partner with the ISA in what is being identified as a landmark sponsorship for Irish sailing. As part of the one year deal, Anglo Irish Bank becomes title sponsor to HYC's hosting of the Etchells National & European titles and the ISA's Helmsmans Championships, all taking place in HYC between the 21st August and the 11th of September next.

It promises to be a busy time at the club. Both Dennis Connor and Russell Coutts are expected to compete in their Etchells and with Anglo's backing we can expect a considerable amount of activity, both corporate and media, around both Etchells and Helmsman's events.

Our photo captures the importance of the link between ISA, Anglo Irish Bank, Etchells Class, HYC and the Department of Art, Sports and Tourism with Minister for sport John O'Donoghue, ISA President and HYC member Robert Dix and Willie McAteer of Anglo being assisted by Andrea Roche in seamanlike dress in front of Dave Murnane's Etchells on St Stephens Green at Anglo HQ.

Rumours that Andrea will sail in the Europeans have yet to be confirmed but several offers (on weight grounds of course) have been forthcoming from the local fleet. It is believed that the race committee have also offered her a consulting role for the duration of the events!

Introduction to the International Etchells

For thirty years the Etchells class has enjoyed solid and steady growth with over fifty active fleets worldwide. Etchells sailors are enthusiastic and loyal supporters of their boat and class association.

The Etchells is a big, fast, simple, stable, and sleek racing sloop that can be sailed competitively and in comfort by three or four average sailors. It can tack in 70 degrees and has a low wetted surface hull form that keeps moving in the slightest breeze. In 20+ knots it absolutely flies.

The strict one-design principle of the class was established from the outset and is controlled by a strong, established and well-administered class association. Control of construction by the class association and the ISAF ensures quality and uniformity. It's trailerable, easy to maintain and light enough to dry sail; and Etchells hold exceptional resale value.

Fleets of Etchells now exist in the USA, Bermuda, UK, France, Italy, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Canada and Hong Kong.

International Etchells Class Irish Association

This boat was introduced to Ireland in early 2004. It is an International one design Keelboat at just over 30 ft long. The first fleet of Etchells in Ireland is based in Howth Yacht Club. Howth YC's only International keelboat to date was the Dragon class which had a short history in the club. The Etchells now brings an International one design to Irelands premier yacht club and the enthusiasm that has surrounded this new fleet has pushed the boat numbers to 18+ in just one year.

The main attractions of the class to Irish sailors is firstly the strict one design nature of the boat, it is sailed by just three crew which is very attractive considering that a 30 to 33 foot cruiser racer would need seven or eight crew.

The international aspect of the boat means that an Irish club sailor can sail in a European, North American or World championship against the best in the world. This puts Howth Yacht club and Dublin on a world sailing stage. The international class has a loaner boat ethos that allows foreign sailors to travel with their own sails to other countries and take a loan or charter a local boat to compete.