SAN DIEGO — The highly anticipated Etchells West Coast Spring Series is set to return in 2025, offering sailors another thrilling season of competitive racing. Hosted by the prestigious San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) in partnership with Etchells Fleet 13, this premier series will feature four regattas, attracting elite sailors to the world-class racing conditions off Coronado Roads. With the 2025 North American Championship and the 2026 Etchells World Championship on the horizon, this series serves as a crucial lead-up for top competitors.
Overview of 2025 Event Lineup
The 2025 Etchells West Coast Spring Series kicks off with the Bill Bennett Cup in mid-January 2025 and culminates with the Orca Bowl in late April 2025. The complete regatta schedule is as follows:
- Bill Bennett Cup: January 18 through 19, 2025 (Entry deadline: January 4, 2025)
- Pacific Coast Championship: February 22 through 23, 2025 (Entry deadline: February 8, 2025)
- Midwinters West: March 28 through 30, 2025 (Entry deadline: March 14, 2025)
- Orca Bowl: April 26 through 27, 2025 (Entry deadline: April 12, 2025)
The Midwinters West stands out as the only three-day event in the series and is mandatory for overall Series scoring. This unique format ensures tight competition across all events, making each race a pivotal moment in the Series.
The Etchells West Coast Spring Series has earned a reputation as a key event on the competitive sailing calendar. It not only offers sailors the chance to test their skills in varied conditions but also to prepare for high-stakes regattas later in the year.
Vince Brun, Chairman of the 2026 Etchells World Championship at SDYC, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming series, saying, “San Diego’s great weather, friendly hospitality, and outstanding racing conditions make it the perfect place for Etchells sailors. We’re looking forward to the West Coast Spring Series as an exciting lead-up to the 2025 North American Championship and the 2026 Worlds. Our team is already hard at work to ensure the Worlds will be a memorable and rewarding event for everyone.”
In addition to high-level competition, the Series places a strong emphasis on community and learning. Each regatta will include post-race debriefs and social events, providing participants with valuable insights from seasoned sailors and professional coaches. These gatherings foster a sense of camaraderie among competitors and reinforce the spirit of sportsmanship that defines the Etchells class.
For sailors, these debrief sessions are an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and tactics with direct input from experts, enhancing the overall experience of the Series.
As part of the build-up to future championships, the Etchells West Coast Spring Series serves as a prime training ground. The 2025 North American Championship will follow closely after the Series, with many participants using the Spring Series to hone their competitive edge. Additionally, the 2026 Etchells World Championship, hosted by SDYC, promises to be a world-class event, drawing global attention to San Diego’s exceptional sailing community.
The Etchells West Coast Spring Series is an annual event that brings together top sailors from across the country for four intensely competitive regattas. With its combination of challenging racing and a welcoming community atmosphere, the Series has become a highlight of the sailing season. Hosted by SDYC and Etchells Fleet 13, it offers sailors a unique blend of skill-building, strategy, and sportsmanship.
Founded in 1886, the San Diego Yacht Club is a cornerstone of the global sailing community, renowned for its excellence in bay sailing, ocean racing, cruising, angling, and youth sailing programs. Consistently ranked among the top five yacht clubs in the United States, SDYC is recognized for its world-class facilities and its commitment to fostering a vibrant sailing culture. The Club’s long history of hosting major regattas, including national and international championships, underscores its leadership in the world of competitive sailing.
With its compelling mix of top-tier competition, community engagement, and preparation for future championships, the 2025 Etchells West Coast Spring Series promises to be a landmark event. For sailors eager to participate, early registration is encouraged to secure a spot in this prestigious series.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Melanie Aalbers, WCSS Chair
Phone: 858.729.4431
Email: [email protected]
