This week Etchells crews are congregating in Cowes ready for the Etchells Open British National and European Championships, which are both being hosted by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club. A total of 40 crews from the UK, Ireland, Australia and the USA are lining up to take part and the British Open Championship runs from Saturday 17 to Monday 19 June, followed by the European Championship from Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 June.

Those vying for this year’s crowns include previous Etchells World Champions Adam Gosling and Stuart Childerley, who will also be defending his UK National Title, and reigning European Champion Nils Razmilovic and his brother Ante who lost out to Nils at last year’s Europeans by just one point and is looking for revenge!

Others names to watch out for include America’s Cup helmsman Cameron Appleton of New Zealand, Hong Kong’s Laurence Mead, Graham Bailey, who will be helming for the unrelated Stephen Bailey, David Bedford, helming for James Howells, American Tom Hughes and British Olympic representative Andy Beadsworth. John Brinkers has found himself a nice spot helming for Shirley Robertson’s Yngling crew Annie Lush and Lucy MacGregor, while Jervis Tilley is back to have another go at securing the British and European titles.

Six races are planned for the nationals, seven for the Europeans and racing will take place in the central Solent under the auspices of PRO Tony Lovell with Geoff Myburgh chairing the jury. Ashore the sailors will enjoy a full social programme hosted by the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club at its Cowes club house.