Etchells prepare for World Championship in Geelong with Etchells Australasian Summer Championship
by Nicole Douglass 30 Jul 09:20 UTC
8-11 January 2026
Etchells World Championship © Nic Douglass @SailorGirlHQ
The next Etchells World Championship in Australia will be held at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club in January 2029. To help Australian sailors prepare, on 8-11 January 2026 the host venue, Royal Geelong Yacht Club, will host the Etchells Australasian Summer Championship, and again at a similar time in 2027, 2028 and then 2029, which will double as the pre-World Championship.
There is already a strong showing of entries, including some of the Etchells class top teams. First Tracks AUS1485, helmed by Peter "Billy" Merrington, Tango AUS1486 skippered by Chris Hampton and Flying Higher AUS1518 skippered by J.C. Strong.
Multiple National and World Champion in the Etchells, and legendary Australia II skipper, John Bertrand AO, owner and helm of Triad2020 AUS1478, is also one of the entrants. He is looking forward to getting to work on the 2029 World Championship Corio Bay course.
"Etchells racing is all about centimetres," described John Bertrand. "A bit here, a little there. These boats are so close," he established.
Bertrand is adamant that with the one-design nature of the boats, real gains can be made by familiarising yourself with the race course.
"To be comfortable on a race track requires time," Bertrand continued. "The fact Corio Bay is the race track for a future Etchells World Championships means any opportunity to race there in the same part of the year should be taken up with passion!"
"Geelong racing is always tight. Wind shifts abound".
"There are so many opportunities to gain (or lose), that's what makes it so intriguing".
When asked about his continued racing in the Etchells fleet Bertrand added, "because it's the best and closest one-design racing in the country. Bar none. I love that".
In addition to a great number of entrants in the lead up regattas, the Royal Geelong Yacht Club opened the Victorian Sailing Centre in May 2025, a purpose built facility for large scale sailing events. The building features modern training rooms, upgraded changing facilities, multipurpose spaces, a classroom, communications facilities, offices, workrooms, short stay accommodation for up to 48, and a publicly accessible Changing Places facility - enabling people of all abilities to fully enjoy Geelong's waterfront.
The perfect venue for the Etchells World Championship 2029, and the warmup regattas at the same time of the year from 2026 through until the main event.
Additionally, the Australian Nationals at Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club will follow the Etchells Australasian Summer Championship, in Perth from 23-27 February.