John Bertrand excited for a thrilling Etchells World Championship in January
by Etchells Worlds 2025 30 Sep 17:19 PDT
10-14 January 2025
John Bertrand will participate in the Etchells Worlds in Fremantle © Down Under Sail
Australia will host the Etchells World Championship in January, and passionate Etchells sailor and esteemed Australian champion John Bertrand expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event and Australia’s role welcoming teams from around the globe.
“What an incredible chance! Port Phillip Bay as a racetrack is among the best in the world. Prior to Olympic selections being based on international regatta results, all Australian Olympic selection trials were conducted solely on Port Phillip Bay. There really is no superior location in the nation for sailing,” Bertrand stated.
“The range of conditions is quite varied, typically onshore 8-16 knots. Additionally, the Royal Brighton Yacht Club is an exceptional facility. The neighborhoods surrounding Brighton and Melbourne are vibrant with numerous cafes, restaurants, and friendly Australians!” Bertrand added.
As he readies for the Pre-Worlds, John will race with his team at the Australian National Championships in Metung and the Christmas regatta in Brighton with his boat, Triad2020.
Reviewing the current entries, he notes the presence of strong teams and anticipates intense competition. “There are already several world champions in this competitive fleet. I often remark that the Etchells represent the Olympic class during non-Olympic years. This time will be no different; just look at the list, and they’re all coming!” Bertrand remarked.
As excitement builds, sailors worldwide are preparing for exhilarating warm-up events, with the North American Championships and European Championships scheduled for mid-October.
John is confident that Australia’s backdrop and the skill present will result in another outstanding year at the Etchells Worlds. “The racing will be fiercely competitive. Australia is one of the most remarkable countries to visit, and people will be impressed by the warm hospitality.”
This year has witnessed a notable rise in youth and female competitors in elite sailing competitions. John believes the Etchells class will keep showcasing the best sailing has to offer, not just for youth and women, but also for Corinthian sailors.
“I’m excited to see the resurgence of Corinthian sailors, and the youth represent our future. The Youth America’s Cup in Barcelona was a tremendous success, and the Women’s America’s Cup is on the horizon. It is the responsibility of premier one-design racing in the world, like the Etchells class, to foster this,” Bertrand asserted.
With respected sailors such as John Bertrand at the helm, the World Championship is set to provide not only high-caliber racing but also a lively cultural experience for both participants and spectators. The forthcoming Australian Nationals and Christmas Cup will heighten the excitement, attracting top contenders eager to leave their mark before the World Championship.
