Join the Fleet!
The Etchells fleet provides one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to enjoy true one-design racing that is fun, competitive and social. Regardless of your experience or ambitions, the Etchells fleet is a great place to hone your racing skills, without breaking the bank.
Beyond Auckland and New Zealand, the Etchells fleet is truly international, with large fleets regularly competing at national (open) competitions and the annual world championships.
If you would like to join the fleet - as an owner/skipper or crew - please contact us and, in all events, you should join our mailing list.
Beyond Auckland and New Zealand, the Etchells fleet is truly international, with large fleets regularly competing at national (open) competitions and the annual world championships.
If you would like to join the fleet - as an owner/skipper or crew - please contact us and, in all events, you should join our mailing list.
Summer Season
Etchells sailing with the Auckland fleet only requires a minimal time commitment and involves comparatively modest running costs (see below).
During the summer months, the Auckland fleet races out of Pier Z at Westhaven Marina on Tuesday evenings - and meets afterwards at Swashbucklers Bar & Grill. With a six o'clock start, the fleet usually runs about 3 races - depending on weather and daylight.
Auckland Etchells are "dry-sailed" - that is to say the boats are kept on a trailer or cradle on dry land and launched using a crane only on race days. Owners pay an annual fee to have their boat launched and retrieved on race days, which means that they and their crew can just turn up after work and go sailing!
There are usually three regattas during the year including the national championships (often, but not always in Auckland) - and a winter series for the more hardy sailors.
During the summer months, the Auckland fleet races out of Pier Z at Westhaven Marina on Tuesday evenings - and meets afterwards at Swashbucklers Bar & Grill. With a six o'clock start, the fleet usually runs about 3 races - depending on weather and daylight.
Auckland Etchells are "dry-sailed" - that is to say the boats are kept on a trailer or cradle on dry land and launched using a crane only on race days. Owners pay an annual fee to have their boat launched and retrieved on race days, which means that they and their crew can just turn up after work and go sailing!
There are usually three regattas during the year including the national championships (often, but not always in Auckland) - and a winter series for the more hardy sailors.
Crew - All Welcome
The Etchells Class Rules prescribe a maximum total crew weight of 285Kg. This means that boats can have a crew of 3 or 4. Since a crew of 4 provides an extra pair of hands, mixed and all-female crews can theoretically enjoy a competitive advantage.
If you would like to try your hand at crewing, sign up to our crew list and look out for regular emails during the season. It also pays to keep an eye on the facebook page.
If you would like to try your hand at crewing, sign up to our crew list and look out for regular emails during the season. It also pays to keep an eye on the facebook page.
Boat Ownership - Running Costs
The main costs associated with boat ownership are hard-standing (storage) and crane fees. The Class Rules are relatively strict with regards to equipment and sails to avoid a technological 'arms race'. This ensures that even older boats (and older crew!) can remain competitive and keeps running costs down for everyone. Indicative costs for the Auckland fleet are broken down below (note that some costs are variable):
| Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Hard Standing (Storage) | $2,000 |
| Crane | $1,000 |
| Insurance | $400 |
| Class Membership Dues | $200 |
| TOTAL | $3,600 |
New Sails
If you race throughout the season, you may want to get a full set of new sails every year. The Class Rules prescribe the how many new sails you can buy (again, to keep costs down for all). The costs listed below are indicative only and bear in mind that some sails age faster than others.
You certainly do not need to spend this much to get started - there are plenty of good second-hand sails available that will stand you
in good stead most Tuesday nights. However, once you have mastered the basics and are holding your own in the fleet, a new set of sails will make a noticeable difference.
You certainly do not need to spend this much to get started - there are plenty of good second-hand sails available that will stand you
in good stead most Tuesday nights. However, once you have mastered the basics and are holding your own in the fleet, a new set of sails will make a noticeable difference.
| Sail | Cost (New) |
|---|---|
| Main | $2,500 |
| Jib (usually x 2) | $1,600 |
| Spinnaker (usually x 2) | $2,500 |
| TOTAL | $6,600 |
Used Boats & Sails for Sale
Used boats and sails for sale are listed on this website. At the sharp end of the international fleets there is no doubt that newer boats and new sails are faster, but the skill of the crew remains the dominant factor for determining success and older boats are certainly competitive in most circumstances. You would be well advised to use the newest sails you can afford.
Please contact us if you need help location a boat or sales - or if you require any other advice or information on joining the fleet.
Please contact us if you need help location a boat or sales - or if you require any other advice or information on joining the fleet.
