The Etchells Difference
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:
STRICTLY ONE-DESIGN
Our strict one-design rule is designed to reduce costs and maintain a level playing field across the fleet. As a result, all boats, regardless of age, can remain affordable and competitive.
THE ETCHELLS NEW ZEALAND DOES NOT RECOGNISE THE M11 HULL AS COMPLIANT WIH OUR STRICT ONE DESIGN RULE. M11 HULLS WILL NOT BE RECOGNISED IN NEW ZEALAND COMPETION. WE DISCOURAGE THE IMPORTATION OF M11 HULLS.
CLOSE RACING
Our windward / leeward format in the Waitemata Harbour is not only convenient, but makes for intensely close racing every week. The delta between first and last can often be measured in seconds, not minutes, and virtually every race is up for grabs.
VALET PARKING
Etchells racing is immensely civilised. Our crane team launches and retrieves boats before and after racing every week. Owners and crew can simply turn up after work to go racing. After racing, we adjourn immediately to the bar for a debrief and a yarn over refreshments. You will quickly get used to this format - and may never look back.
LOW CREW OVERHEAD
Owners only need to find 2 crew (or 3, if you like). As a fleet, we can always help you to find crew.
STRICTLY ONE-DESIGN
Our strict one-design rule is designed to reduce costs and maintain a level playing field across the fleet. As a result, all boats, regardless of age, can remain affordable and competitive.
THE ETCHELLS NEW ZEALAND DOES NOT RECOGNISE THE M11 HULL AS COMPLIANT WIH OUR STRICT ONE DESIGN RULE. M11 HULLS WILL NOT BE RECOGNISED IN NEW ZEALAND COMPETION. WE DISCOURAGE THE IMPORTATION OF M11 HULLS.
CLOSE RACING
Our windward / leeward format in the Waitemata Harbour is not only convenient, but makes for intensely close racing every week. The delta between first and last can often be measured in seconds, not minutes, and virtually every race is up for grabs.
VALET PARKING
Etchells racing is immensely civilised. Our crane team launches and retrieves boats before and after racing every week. Owners and crew can simply turn up after work to go racing. After racing, we adjourn immediately to the bar for a debrief and a yarn over refreshments. You will quickly get used to this format - and may never look back.
LOW CREW OVERHEAD
Owners only need to find 2 crew (or 3, if you like). As a fleet, we can always help you to find crew.
LOW COST
You can run a well-resourced Etchells campaign with a decent boat, the latest class-endorsed gear, a new set of sails and t-shirts for your crew for roughly the cost of a new Farr 40 jib (see costs below).
CONVENIENT LOCATION AND TIMING
During the summer months, we race out of Westhaven on Tuesday evenings. Our first start is at 18:00 and we are usually back at the dock / bar by 19:45. Ideal timing for those with busy lives and weekend commitments.
TALENT AND SUPPORT
Internationally (and historically) the fleet boasts the greatest sailors of all time. Locally, we are flush with talented helms and crew with a wealth of knowledge and experience - which they are very happy to share. New owners can expect to receive tuning and handling advice and, as a fleet, we never stop learning or sharing knowledge.
INCLUSIVITY
An overall weight limit of 285 kg and generally low loads allow for crews of any age and gender.
CORINTHIAN SPIRIT
Etchells racing is fun. We enjoy close racing, but we value fair-play and friendly competition.
READY FOR A TEST DRIVE?
Boats for sale may be available for a test drive during the regular Tuesday Night Series.
For more information, please contact
Alex Webster
[email protected]
021 667 266
You can run a well-resourced Etchells campaign with a decent boat, the latest class-endorsed gear, a new set of sails and t-shirts for your crew for roughly the cost of a new Farr 40 jib (see costs below).
CONVENIENT LOCATION AND TIMING
During the summer months, we race out of Westhaven on Tuesday evenings. Our first start is at 18:00 and we are usually back at the dock / bar by 19:45. Ideal timing for those with busy lives and weekend commitments.
TALENT AND SUPPORT
Internationally (and historically) the fleet boasts the greatest sailors of all time. Locally, we are flush with talented helms and crew with a wealth of knowledge and experience - which they are very happy to share. New owners can expect to receive tuning and handling advice and, as a fleet, we never stop learning or sharing knowledge.
INCLUSIVITY
An overall weight limit of 285 kg and generally low loads allow for crews of any age and gender.
CORINTHIAN SPIRIT
Etchells racing is fun. We enjoy close racing, but we value fair-play and friendly competition.
READY FOR A TEST DRIVE?
Boats for sale may be available for a test drive during the regular Tuesday Night Series.
For more information, please contact
Alex Webster
[email protected]
021 667 266
Boat Ownership - Running Costs
The main costs associated with boat ownership are outlined below. Note that crane and race-management fees are collected in two installments at the beginning of the Pre-Christmas Season (September) and the Post-Christmas Season (January).
Costs are approximately correct as at September 2023
Costs are approximately correct as at September 2023
| Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Hard Standing (Storage) | $3,450 |
| Crane & Race Management | $2,000 |
| Insurance | $300 |
| Class Membership Dues | $200 |
| TOTAL | $5,950 |
New Sails
If you race throughout the season, you may want to get a full set of new sails every year. However, in most cases, sails can last 2 or more seasons (but bear in mind that some sails age faster than others).
Boats for Sale
Used boats for sale are listed here. 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. Older boats are certainly competitive in most circumstances. but you would be well advised to use the newest sails you can afford.
You may also wish to consider importing a boat from Australia. AUS boats for sale are listed here
Please contact us if you need help finding a boat or sails - or if you require any other advice or information on joining the fleet.
You may also wish to consider importing a boat from Australia. AUS boats for sale are listed here
Please contact us if you need help finding a boat or sails - or if you require any other advice or information on joining the fleet.
Crew
The best way to get involved as crew is to join our crew-finder WhatsApp group and to make yourself available on Tuesday evenings! Join the WhatsApp group here (or scan the QR code below).
