SAN DIEGO — The 2025 Etchells Midwinters West brought three days of high-stakes, high-skill sailing to the waters off San Diego, where local sailor Chris Busch, alongside crewmates Chuck Sinks and Patrick Powell, emerged victorious aboard Buschido (USA 969). Held March 28 through 30, 2025, the regatta was hosted by the San Diego Yacht Club and sailed on the renowned Coronado Roads. It marked the third leg of the Etchells West Coast Spring Series, which solidified San Diego’s standing as a competitive stronghold in the class.
With 30 boats on the line and a mix of light breeze, big swells, and shifting conditions, sailors faced a classic Southern California test of seamanship and strategic adaptability. After a slow start on Friday due to fickle winds, the fleet powered through the weekend with more consistent conditions by Sunday, completing five races in total.
“It was tight, but great sailing by everyone out there,” Busch said after sealing the win. “This weekend had a little bit of everything. I’m really grateful to Chuck and Patrick — they kept us fast and focused, especially when the swell made it tough to keep rhythm. That’s the sweet spot for our old boat.”
The team’s local knowledge and tactical discipline helped them edge out a deep and talented fleet that included top-tier professional and Corinthian sailors alike.
California Crews Fill the Podium
Finishing second overall was Lifted (USA 1404), helmed by Jim Cunningham with a powerhouse crew of Steve Hunt, Erik Shampain, and Serena Vilage. Just behind them in third place was another San Diego standout, Bruce Nelson on Rhino (USA 986), sailing with Carter Cameron, Paula Schmid, and Nick Ratinaud.
“This regatta had it all — big swell, light air, tactical shifts, and a fleet that just keeps getting deeper every year,” said Nelson. “What makes the Midwinters special is that you’re constantly shifting gears. You need boat handling, brains, and trust in your team. San Diego really delivered the full test.”
Corinthian Talent on the Rise
The Corinthian division saw intense back-and-forth action all weekend, culminating in a bold move from Capricorn (USA 1229) that secured the win. Skippered by Ethan Doyle and Matt Hecht with Nicholas Voss and Lindsay Clark rounding out the team, Capricorn overtook Viva (USA 1429) on the final beat with a gutsy port-side charge to the left, capitalizing on breeze others missed.
“We were buried off the start and needed leverage,” said Doyle. “We gambled left, found pressure, and made it stick. This was our first time racing together, and it just clicked. Huge thanks to the team.”
Veteran Corinthian skipper Don Jesberg, who finished second with Viva, praised the depth of the competition: “The Midwinters always push the fleet. Ethan’s team sailed incredibly well — that kind of racing makes us all better. Corinthian sailors are bringing serious game.”
Fleet 13 Debrief Highlights San Diego’s Coaching Culture
True to Fleet 13 tradition, Friday’s racing was followed by a post-race debrief led by world-class sailors Steve Hunt and Dave Ullman, offering racers across the fleet tactical insight and real-time analysis.
“When the marine layer shuts off the thermal, it changes everything. It’s not about speed, it’s about pressure,” said Ullman, breaking down the nuances of the day’s conditions.
Hunt emphasized the importance of boat handling in heavy swell: “You’ve got to keep the boat in second gear. Sail full and twisty, keep the nose moving forward. Once you lose speed in those waves, it takes forever to get it back.”
These open coaching sessions have become a hallmark of the West Coast Spring Series, reflecting the community’s commitment to continuous learning and performance — another reason San Diego remains one of the premier Etchells fleets in the world.
San Diego Shines on the National Stage
For Chris Busch and his Buschido team, this win wasn’t just a personal triumph — it was a reflection of San Diego’s growing reputation as a breeding ground for high-level Etchells racing.
Local sailor Mark Ruh summed it up best: “Crazy waves, great competition — everyone is just getting sharper as we get closer to the Worlds.”
The event also marked the return of Etchells veteran Alex Camet after a decade-long break from the class. “This fleet is fast, sharp, and really fun,” he said. “It’s good to be back.”
With a successful Midwinters West now behind them, sailors turn their attention to the upcoming Orca Bowl and the 2025 North American Championship, both of which promise more close racing and high-stakes competition.
Top Three Overall Finishers:
- Buschido (USA 969) — Chris Busch, Chuck Sinks, Patrick Powell
- Lifted (USA 1404) — Jim Cunningham, Steve Hunt, Erik Shampain, Serena Vilage
- Rhino (USA 986) — Bruce Nelson, Carter Cameron, Paula Schmid, Nick Ratinaud
Top Three Corinthian Finishers:
- Capricorn (USA 1229) — Ethan Doyle, Matt Hecht, Nicholas Voss, Lindsay Clark
- Viva (USA 1429) — Don Jesberg, John Bonds, Alden Grimes
- D4 (USA 1313) — Mark Surber, Scott Harris, Tim Harris
The 2025 Etchells Midwinters West was more than just a regatta — it was a celebration of skill, camaraderie, and San Diego’s enduring role in competitive sailing. As the fleet continues to refine their performance heading into championship season, the waters off Southern California remain a proving ground for the very best in the sport.
