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Spring Break Miami for the Etchells Class

Miami, FL (March 19, 2023) – While Spring Breakers descend on Miami this time of year to escape the end of winter, 156 Etchells sailors took to Biscayne Bay for their own kind of fun: The Coral Reef Cup. This 3-day regatta March 17-19th sponsored by EFG Bank and LA Tropical Brewery served not only as the class’ 2023 North American Championships but the final chance for teams to race at the host venue for next month’s 2023 AON World Etchells Class Championships.

Following a successful four-event Winter Series hosted by Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, their neighbors, Coral Reef Yacht Club, served as host for the 46 teams and ran seven races with social events throughout the weekend complete with a Miami-style Pig Roast.

Chris Lanza, event chair and skipper of Vertigo 2 (USA 1368) said: “Despite a predicated cold front and rain all weekend, the luck of the Irish held on past St. Patrick’s day and provided chamber of commerce sailing conditions the entire event. PRO Carl Schellbach and his team were able to provide seven quality races over the 3 day event.”

46 Teams Start on Day 2 / Photo: Nic Brunk

“Finally really nice conditions in Miami,” said class meteorologist, Chelsea Carlson of Sea-Tactics referring to the multiple cancellations due to weather this winter.  “Biscayne Bay delivered three days of solid wind – exactly what we are hoping for in April and good preparation for the teams.  Friday we had a southeasterly at 11-14 knots, Saturday was a 6-11 knot southerly, and Sunday was northeast 10-15.”

At the end of Friday after 3 races, Steve Benjamin with his brand new Etchells, Stella Blue (USA 1427), was at the top of the podium with all top 10 finishes with George Francisco’s American Baby (USA 1454) just behind followed by the Winter Series Champion Jim Cunningham’s Lifted (USA 1504).

American Baby / Photo: Nic Brunk

Stella Blue / Photo: Nic Brunk

Blackfish (left) and regatta winner’s Lifted (right) / Photo: Nic Brunk

Saturday then started with winds in the 8-12 knot range but then died to 5 knots, so the fifth race was postponed until the breeze filled back in. Once six races were completed, teams could throw out their worst race. Cunningham climbed to the top of the results on Saturday and continued to hold onto his momentum through Sunday becoming the new 2023 North American Champion.

Cunningham and crew, Steve Hunt, Erik Shampain, and Serena Vilage, are finally the brides not the bridesmaids after multiple second-place finishes – including the 2022 North Americans held at Shelter Harbor Yacht Club on Long Island last summer. 

“It feels pretty good to finally break through with the win here at the North Americans,” said Cunningham. “As usual with the Etchells fleet, it is super deep and talented and you have to get it all right to have a good race.  This event was no different as we had seven races with seven different winners. We’re feeling good heading into the Worlds in four weeks.”

Topping the Corinthian podium was also the Winter Series winner, Andy Cumming with Blackadder II (CAN 1451) with fellow Toronto natives,  John Millen, Chloe Congourdeau, and  Erin Sauder. Cunning says he is “deeply committed to the Corinthian spirit in this class” and has been actively working to promote the sub-class to encourage more participation and the health of the sport overall.

Standing on the overall podium and only separated by one point were Jack Franco, Richard Clarke, and Ben Lamb in second place with Odd Ball (USA 1513) followed by Jay Cross, Taylor Canfield, George Peet, and Franny Schulte on Skanky Gene (USA 1464).

Now all eyes and focus of the sailors are on the World Championships that will begin on April 17th co-hosted by Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Coral Reef Yacht Club, and Shake-A-Leg Miami. 65 boats from 9 countries, the largest Etchells Worlds since 2014, will vie for the top award. Among the fleet are 12 World Champions and many National Champions, including today’s winner. Stay tuned to https://2023.etchellsworlds.org/ for the latest.

A special recognition to EFG Miami who supported The Coral Reef Cup.

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