2016 Etchells Worlds comes to Cowes

Etchells racing off Cowes in the Solent © Hamo Thornycroft / www.yacht-photos.co.uk

Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) is delighted with the news that Governors of the International Etchells Class Association have approved Cowes as the venue for the 2016 Etchells World Championship. Racing will take place from 5th to 10th September 2016, organised by the Royal London Yacht Club, and up to 100 boats will be berthed at CHC's Shepards Wharf Marina where there is an established Etchells dry sailing fleet.

The Etchells is one of the world's leading international one design keelboats outside of the Olympic classes and delivers some of the most competitive racing available. The annual World Championship (New York Yacht Club 2014 and Hong Kong 2015) is a showcase for international talent from 50 fleets worldwide.

Cowes Fleet Captain David Franks, said: "Cowes has a terrific reputation and has held the Etchells Worlds twice previously, so it is great news to be bringing the event back here again.

"The extremely helpful attitude of everyone at Shepards Wharf, along with the marina's investment in a new dry sailing crane and the regatta centre opening this year, has been instrumental in our decision to choose Cowes.

"In addition, we can lay great race courses in the Solent to suit wind from any direction, within just 30 minutes' sail of the marina. All the shoreside facilities and yacht clubs are within walking distance for the competitors, and the class boat builder, David Heritage Racing Yachts is based here, making Cowes an extremely attractive location."

Capt. Stuart McIntosh, Cowes Harbour Master, said: "It is very exciting and a privilege to be holding the Etchells Worlds in Cowes next year and I am delighted that our marina at Shepards Wharf has been chosen to provide moorings for the Etchells fleet. The Harbour Commission continues to work proactively to attract more events to Cowes, and with the Etchells World Championship taking place here in 2016 we can ensure that the yachting world's focus stays on Cowes right through to September."

"The Etchells Worlds attracts top competitors from around the world along with the keenest amateurs, and so we are delighted that Cowes has been selected to hold the event and for the Royal London Yacht Club to be the Organising Authority," commented Peter Taylor, Commodore of the Royal London. "The Solent is renowned for producing exciting and challenging sailing conditions and we look forward to running the racing for one of the most prestigious prizes in sailing."

Manager at Shepards Wharf Marina, Jock Rafferty, added: "This is brilliant news and a fantastic opportunity for Cowes. I am very much looking forward to working with the Etchells fleet and the Royal London to ensure this event is a massive success."

More information will follow in the next few months online at www.etchellsworlds.com, www.rlyc.org.uk, and www.shepardswharfmarina.co.uk.