The 12th annual Australian Etchells Winter Championship has wrapped up for another year after a weekend of close competition and some exciting and variable weather.
Sailing conditions covered the whole spectrum with the light shifty conditions on the first day seeing Graeme Taylors Magpie win by 30 seconds after leading the fleet around the course.
The start was delayed due to lack of breeze and then went through 3 general recalls as the eager 54 boat fleet fought for a good position before finally getting underway. Unfortunately, last years winner, Skip Lissiman crossed the line early earning him a disqualification on the final start.
Day 2 saw an increase in wind strength with 12-18 knot southeaster and a long day on the water with 3 races sailed to get the 6 race format back on track. Magpie and her crew of Graeme Taylor, Grant Wharrington and Simon Gorman were able to consolidate their earlier win with a 7th, 1st and a 2nd.
The last day had some tough and challenging conditions, race 5 was sailed in SE 16-18 knots with rain squalls causing some major windshifts. During the last race the wind increased to 22-25 knots with a steep chop on top the regular swell causing 11 boats to retire from the gruelling conditions.
Racer XY made a good start in the last race and built a lead of more than minute on the next boat Critical Balance with Magpie making 4th place behind Funky Cold Medina. Able to discard their 18th place in race 5 , Magpie won the championship with15 points, ahead of Critical Balance on 19 points with Racer XY a very close third.
For more information see the Mooloolaba Etchells website.
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