The Organizing Authority of the Etchells World Championships and San Diego Yacht Club announced today that the entry list is now at 80 boats from 10 countries: USA, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, France, Italy, Canada, United Emirates, Greece and Bermuda. Former World champions who have entered include America's Cup winner Dennis Conner, two-time World Champions John Savage (79, 88) and Stuart Childerly (02, 01), world champions Bill Hardesty (08), Jud Smith, Vince Brun (2000), and Etchells builder Dirk Kneulman. Other well knowns include Chris Busch, (2d in 2008), Dave Ullman, (holder of numerous world, national and regional championships, including the 470 Worlds), 2010 North American Champion Bruce Golison, 2009 North American Champion Marvin Beckmann, Jeff Madrigali, sailing with Greece's entry, George Andreadis, Argyle Campbell, the Hardenbergh brothers, Ted, Jamie and Mark, Don Jesberg, Craig Healy.
A large contingent from Australia is San Diego Bound, no doubt to sharpen their skills in preparation for the 2012 Etchells Worlds. Former IECA Chairmen Bill Steele and Tim Patton are gathering their forces to assure victory in their private vintage wager, and IECA Chairman Ian Kingsford Smith is serving as a member of the International Jury.
On the marketing and merchandising side, Atlantis Weather Gear http://atlantisweathergear.com is the official supplier to the Race Committee and is making available its well engineered, comfortable outer gear to the competitors. The gear can be ordered on line in time for the Worlds, and made available for pick up in San Diego. Pirates Lair will be providing t-shirts, high performance shirts and regatta gear for the competitors and their guests. Harken and Sailing Supply have teamed up to provide state of the art equipment with an on-site presence, and North Sails OD is working on some great take home items for the competitors. Tim Wilkes is the official photographer, and he is sure to provide outstanding shots of each boat and crew, as well as mark roundings and close quarters sailing. To check up on the latest news, rumors and stealth sail testing campaigns, the competitors can follow the event on the Facebook page at San Diego Etchells.