Sydney Etchells for World Qualifying Series
'Champagne Charlie is one of the fleet of 27 Etchells entered for the RSYS summer series. - Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron summer series'
Peter Campbell ©
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At least 20 of the 27 Etchells already entered for the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron's 2008-2009 summer season have nominated for the World Qualifying Series that starts this Saturday, 20 September.
The Sydney Fleet began a significant season of sailing last Saturday with a three-race mini regatta, sailed in freshening north-east to north-westerly winds that gusted to 20 knots-plus. Only seconds separated the top three boats in each race.
This Saturday, competition is expected to be just as tight as the majority of the fleet begins the 12-race Qualifying Series for the 2009 Audi International Etchells World Championship on Melbourne's Port Phillip. The Qualifying Series will comprise two mini regattas and six long club races between 20 September and 22 November.
Hosted by the Royal Brighton Yacht Club, the Worlds will run from 5-14 March, attracting Etchells sailors from all Australian Fleets and from around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan and New Zealand.
Exactly how many Sydney Fleet boats will be eligible for the Worlds will not be finalised until entries close, but places in the big fleet will be limited.
Adding to rivalry on Sydney Harbour is the revived interclub challenge for the Kopsen Trophy between Etchells based at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and those across the Harbour at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.
After last Saturday's three-race mini regatta, the margin is just one point, with the RSYS on a low score of 24 points and the CYCA on 25 points.
The Sydney Fleet has a big season of home and away racing over the summer, including the:
? Etchells Spring Regatta on Lake Macquarie over the 4-5 October long weekend
? Milson Goblets on Sydney Harbour, a twilight series from 10-14 November
? NSW Etchells Championship at Gosford Sailing Club, with sailing on Brisbane Waters, Gosford, from 28-30 November
? Australian Etchells Championship, Adelaide, from 9-16 January
? Audi Etchells World Championship, Royal Brighton Yacht, 5-14 March
? Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta, 7-8 March
? Port Jackson Championship/Eaton Cup, 4-5 April
by Peter Campbell
Bermagui, NSW
