Bertrand and his team win Etchell World Championship
The team dominated the results winning five of the eight races and securing the title with a race to spare.
The last race showcased some exciting action with winds of 18 to 25 knots. Bertrand’s closest rival, Ante Razmilovic (GBR), had gear problems before the start and had to sail back into the shore for repairs. Fortunately for them, it was a general recall and they made it back to the starting line on time to finish mid-fleet in the race. Bertrand’s team rounded the first top mark in fourth and worked hard downwind to gain inside overlap at the bottom mark and round it in first place. After taking the lead they protected their position accurately and continued to extend from the rest of the fleet. Third place overall also went to an Australian team skippered by Damien King.
After the race John Bertrand said, “I love sailing at the top of the game with the two guys I sail with...the results just follow”. Bertrand was very appreciative of being able to sail with two of the best sailors in the World. Palfrey is a world class bowman; he competed in the Star class at the Beijing Olympic Games and is currently the coach for the Swedish America’s Cup team. Tom Slingsby is a two times Laser World Champion and recently won both Kiel Week and Skandia Sail for Gold. Bertrand pointed out that, “Tom’s ability to see the wind on the water is just fantastic”.
Throughout the event the teams experienced a variety of conditions across the spectrum. The Etchell racing is purely one design so the difference in speed between the yachts is very small. There is a huge emphasis on tactics and attention to detail. A small mistake can end up losing you a critical position in the race. Bertrand’s team spent weeks before the event training at the venue and familiarising themselves with the conditions.
On behalf of all the team here at Perth 2011, well done to our ambassador John Bertrand and we look forward to seeing Tom Slingsby and Andrew Palfrey in action next December here in Perth.
19 – 28 August 2010
For more information visit http://www.etchellsworlds2010.org/
