Graeme “G.T.” Taylor has done it again, winning the Etchells National Championship on AUS1486 Magpie, with the return of Ben “Lamby” Lamb to his crew alongside long-time crewmate James “Jimmy” Mayo.
Magpie celebrating their Nationals win ahead of a world championship at home – can they go back to back – Credit – Jeanette Severs
”Lamby is fitting in really well. Obviously not having Richie on the boat leaves a massive void in our team but Lamby is doing a great job,” said Taylor of the change from the prior World Championship winning team. “We are starting to gel as a team and learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses. James has been a constant and leaves no stone unturned in trying to be better on and off the water.”
With an impressive recent slew of results for the team at both a National and Worlds level, Taylor is set to be one of the favourites for the Etchells Worlds at Royal Brighton Yacht Club in January.
“The Etchells world championship is one of the hardest regattas to win and there are always many teams that have a realistic chance,” remarked Taylor. “For us having Lamby return to the team is an easy transition, we sailed together before in 2018 for quite a few regattas. He is a master of his craft and has a thirst for being better that is infectious.”
“As far as favourites go, no thanks, give that to one of the big names like Kostecki! We are just Aussie battlers turning up to do our best,” continued Taylor. “To win takes meticulous preparation, hard work, honesty and a lot of lady luck”.
Speaking on their plan in anticipation for the January Worlds, Taylor’s team are planning to stay around Melbourne and Brighton for the opportunity for extra practice over the next couple of months.
“We plan to do the Christmas Cup and then sail from the 1st of January for pre-worlds and then Worlds,” said Taylor. “The lead up to this event has been tight for all of the Aussie teams and this probably puts the internationals at an advantage coming off the back of their summer.”
Taylor also spoke on the Etchells Class itself and what his favourite things about the class are as a sailor. “The Etchells Class has always been about the quality of the racing and the people you get to race. For as long as the class has existed it has attracted Olympic medalists and Americas Cup winners that sail throughout the fleet.”
Taylor continued, “For us mere mortals it is the only opportunity we get to race the legends of our sport, see how we go and sometimes even beat them. The satisfaction this brings is huge and infectious.”
Another sailor doing well in the Etchells Class in the run up to the Worlds is Jack Abbott, a sailor who is part of a prominent youth and Corinthian team sailing on AUS1484 ‘Lisa Rose’ out of Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron.
Lisa Rose – Credit – Jeanette Severs
“It came together for us in Metung. I speak on behalf of the team when I say it was a great feeling to see our practice reflect in results,” said Jack Abbott. “It’s a familiar race track in Metung, it is where our Etchells journey began. To place well there is a sweet moment.”
Abbott’s team have been doing well this year with support from Martin Hill, and HillPDA, the founder of Club Corinthian.
“Great to win 1st in Corinthian and fly the Club Corinthian banner at this event, it’s something Martin Hill and I are very passionate about,” Jack said.
Lisa Rose celebrating 1st Corinthian, 1st Youth and 3rd Overall – Credit – Jeanette Severs
Speaking on the lead up to January Jack continued, “we do acknowledge that we still have a long way to go! There are many who will be between us and the top come the Worlds in January, so we will try our best to springboard from here. Our intention is to keep learning and be the best we can at Brighton”.
Lisa Rose warming up – Credit – Jeanette Severs
Alongside these two teams there’s plenty of other talent to see in the Etchells Class. Looking towards the end of the month entries for the Etchells Worlds will be closing on the 30th of November. The competition will then have their last chances to race against each other in the Christmas Cup from the 13th-15th December in Brighton before the pre-worlds at the start of January, and then the Worlds.
Head to the Etchells website for access to the registration portal or more information on the entries.
