Seventeen teams competed in the Etchells European Championships 2024 in Cowes.
The Royal Yacht Squadron organised the event from October 11 to 13, welcoming international teams from New Zealand, the USA, and Ireland.
The opening day of the regatta saw a light breeze of around six to ten knots, with Rob Goddard’s Rocketman taking the lead and winning the first race.
In the second race, Kiwi sailor Anatole Masfen secured victory in Man’s Best Friend.
The final race of the day was won by 2023 European champion, Ante Razmilovic, after a strong performance.
The evening social at the Royal Yacht Squadron celebrated Jan Ford's 30 years as the Etchells class secretary.
There was also a prize-giving ceremony for the Champions of Champions series.
Team Mano collected the series prize for the top overall youth team, Rob Goddard was crowned the Corinthian king, and Grant Gordan’s Louise Racing claimed the overall victory of the 2024 Etchells, after a countback to Shaun Frohlich’s Exabyte.
Day two offered mixed conditions.
Ante Razmilovic won the first race of the day, with David Maclean claiming second place.
Shaun Frohlich secured his first win of the regatta in the next race.
Despite challenging conditions, Grant Gordon took the final win of the day.
The last day of the regatta was cancelled due to a lack of wind, resulting in the event concluding with seven races overall.
The final prize-giving was held at the Royal Yacht Squadron.
David Bromilow on Pulse was awarded first youth after an impressive regatta, finishing seventh overall.
Rob Goddard on Rocketman was named first Corinthian, finishing sixth overall after a strong start.
Anatole Masfen on Man’s Best Friend claimed third place overall, with David Maclean on Ada securing second after consistent performances in five races.
The winners, successfully defending their Etchells European Championships title from 2023, were Ante Razmilovic, Brian Hammersley, and Mark Lees.
Some great performances were seen, especially given the tricky conditions.
Congratulations were given to all the winners and to all the teams for their efforts.
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