Etchells Mooloolaba Winters looking good in 2009

3:01 AM Thu 13 Nov 2008 GMT

'2008 Musto Winter Etchells, Day three, Graeme Taylor and Magie, just perfect (Photo credit: www-questphoto.net)' &copy

Etchells racing in winter will be at its best in 2009 in Mooloolaba when the international fleet contests the Musto Etchells Australian Winter Championship 2009 on the June long-weekend.

Planning is well underway for the annual national event. This week the Mooloolaba Etchells fleet announced the signing of Musto as the lead sponsor. Musto joins an impressive list of event sponsors and supporters including Queensland Events and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.

Musto's Australian managing director Duncan Curnow says the partnership between the prestigious winter championship and Musto is about the company supporting a highly successful annual event which brings together some of the best one-design sailors in Australia.

'We are pleased to be able to support an event that is well-run, high profile and highly competitive. The event is a reflection of Musto's approach to its product range. We also strive to be leaders. In a very competitive market we offer innovative and practical solutions to on-water and off the water sailing clothing.'

The 13th Etchells Australian Winter Championship will be held from the 4 to 7 June, in Mooloolaba, Queensland. Event organiser chair Trevor Martin says the event remains the pinnacle winter event on the one-design racing calendar.

America's Cup, world champions, Olympic class sailors and the ever-enthusiastic Etchells fleet members see the winter event as the perfect chance to pit their skills in an event that continues to grow each year. In 2007 the event attracted 52 entries.

'We hosted a fleet of 54 boats this year with entries from around Australia, New Zealand and Japan. I fully expect the fleet numbers to be around the same number in 2009. With the assistance of Musto we will be conducting an Australia-wide marketing campaign to remind our likely entrants, particularly those from down south, what a great place Mooloolaba is to visit in the winter.

'The championship remains attractive as we are lucky enough to have one of the best competition venues in Australia with quick access to open water, terrific on-shore facilities, a range of affordable accommodation within walking distance of the venue and the best in warm winter weather.'

Before the sailors head north in 2009 Musto is offering them access to new services and products.

Curnow says their latest innovation is the Musto Online Shop. 'Select any sailing competition item from those listed on the website and place an order. The system is simple to use and the delivery for stock items fast.'

Recognising the limitations of many marine retail outlets to carry the whole range of Musto products, the online shop gives sailors the opportunity to order the competition gear they need and have it shipped to the marine outlet closest to their home address.

During the 2009 Etchells Australian Winter Championship Musto will be profiling many of their latest designs to the competitors and their supporters. The new range of casual wear will be on display with competitors given the chance to get up close to feel the quality and appreciate the style of Musto's outstanding casual nautical range.

Event website www.mooetchells.yachting.org.au/

by Tracey Johnstone

Newsfeed supplied by

#News #Sailing #North #Select

Etchells Mooloolaba Winters looking good in 2009

Sports/News

Weather Forecasts & Live Reports

Buy & Sell/Classifieds