#etchells – There's not much interest in recruiting women into the Etchell's class as it prepares for the world championships in Rosignano Solvay, Italy this week if the response to an Irish 'bio break' query is anything to go by.
There was a howl of resistance – mainly Australian in origin – against any special provision for women when Irish skipper Richard Burrows from Howth asked about mother ship facilities for his female crew at this weekend's pre-world Italian championship.
Burrows is sailing with son David and daughter Samantha at this week's Italian championships and next week's worlds at the same venue.
"Bucket and chuck it" appears to be the mantra. Easy for some!
There will be no facility in high temperature and long days on the water. Is this the way forward at an international world championships or should regatta organisers make such a provision?
Or is it a wider issue where it appears class traditionalists would probably prefer if women were not taken as crew in the class?
A glance at the entry list so far shows the Howth trio is one of only two mixed crews in the entire line up.
The regatta site proudly boasts this Italian venue is the 'first Etchells Worlds to be held in a non–Anglo Saxon country'.
It's great to see the venerable class charting new waters but perhaps a more considerate approach to the fairer sex might also help in the drive to boost numbers?
