What makes racing Etchells off Mooloolaba in the middle of winter so appealing?
For the last eleven years competitors in the Musto 2008 Etchells Australian Winter championship have found the racing over the June long-weekend on the waters off Mooloolaba ideal. Mooloolaba is one of the closest ports to the ocean. It is only a short distance to sail from the marina to the competition area and clear water once on the course. The Sunshine Coast winter is full of beautiful warm sunshine and competitors are assured of a friendly welcome in a town with full of accommodation and entertainment options. Combine these attractions with top quality sailors racing in a large fleet on one-design boats and you have what it takes to make a great event. The first winter championship was conducted in 1997. It attracted 25 boats and was won by Brisbane skipper David Rose. Since the first regatta the event has grown from strength to strength with previous winners including a whose-who of international sailing. Russell Coutts (1998), Ian Johnston (1999), Julian Plante (2000), Michael C
