Etchells West Coast Spring Series concludes with spectacular Orca Bowl finale
by San Diego Yacht Club 22 May 16:32 PDT
May 18-19, 2024
2024 Etchells West Coast Spring Series © Mark Albertazzi
The 2024 Etchells West Coast Spring Series, hosted by the San Diego Yacht Club, concluded with the Orca Bowl this past weekend. The series, comprising four prestigious regattas—Bill Bennett Cup, Midwinters West, Pacific Coast Championship, and Orca Bowl—showcased the pinnacle of competitive sailing and brought together a vibrant community of sailors from across the country.
The Orca Bowl provided a fitting conclusion to the series, featuring fierce competition and remarkable sailing talent. Entering the last day of the regatta, six boats were vying for the win. The regatta celebrated both Overall and Corinthian achievements, highlighting the best in the sport.
Orca Bowl Top 3 Overall:
Big E (USA 1394) - Rick Merriman / Eric Doyle / Payson Infelise
Rhino (USA 986) - Bruce Nelson / Carter Cameron / Melissa Denman / Parker Mitchell
Happy Ending (USA 969) - Chris Busch / Jim Madden / Ben Mitchell / Patrick Powell
Orca Bowl Top 3 Corinthian:
Capricorn (USA 1229) - Ethan Doyle / Brad Rodi / Matt Hecht / Harrison Doyle
Second Wind (USA 985) - Will La Dow / Jake La Dow / Andy La Dow
Triskaidekaphobia (USA 1313) - Nicholas Ratinaud / John Rudderham / Claire Maco
The Saturday Orca Bowl BBQ was sponsored by Kjeld and Kers, long-time fixtures in Fleet 13. The social event brought together sailors, families, and friends, highlighting the camaraderie that defines the Etchells community.
West Coast Spring Series Overall
The Etchells West Coast Spring Series concluded with an exhilarating triumph for the teams. In the overall division, reigning champs Lifted emerged as the victors, keeping their title for another year. Meanwhile, in the Corinthian division, Capricorn showcased not only their sailing expertise, but also their commitment to fair play and sportsmanship.
Series Top 3 Overall:
Lifted (USA 1404) - Jim Cunningham / Steve Hunt / Erik Shampain / Serena Vilage
Rhino (USA 986) - Bruce Nelson / Carter Cameron / Paula Schmid / Parker Mitchell
Louise (USA 1481) - Thomas Carruthers / Jeff Reynolds / Skip Dieball
Series Top 3 Corinthian:
Capricorn (USA 1229) - Ethan Doyle / Brad Rodi / Matt Hecht / Harrison Doyle
Triskaidekaphobia (USA 1313) - Nicholas Ratinaud / John Rudderham / Claire Maco
Mostly Harmless (USA 909) - Summer Greene / Louis Tuey / Erika Barth / Paige Johnston
"I always enjoy sailing at San Diego Yacht Club. This year's West Coast Series was fantastic as it included high caliber Etchells Sailors from around the US, the ocean sailing venue and after race sharing of knowledge at organized debriefs. The local fleet member camaraderie, race organization and club hospitality really make the event." - Marvin Beckmann
Reflecting on the overall series, Melanie Aalbers, Chair of the series, remarked, "The West Coast Spring Series has truly been a testament to the skill, determination, and sportsmanship of sailors from across the region. We congratulate all the winners and participants and look forward to another season of thrilling competition and camaraderie."
The competition was intense, with sailors demonstrating exceptional skill and tenacity, navigating through challenging conditions to secure their positions.
Special thanks to San Diego Yacht Club and Etchells Fleet 13 for a fabulous series and of course our sponsors: Steve Hunt Sailing with Steve Hunt and Dave Ullman, North Sails, and Melanie Aalbers with Aalbers Real Estate Group.
2024 Etchells Orca Bowl results available here.
2024 Etchells West Coast Spring Series results available here.