The legendary Syd Corser regatta, a key event in the Etchells Swan River Fleet’s annual program was hosted by Royal Perth Yacht Club off Fremantle the weekend of 23rd and 24th November.

The event provided the local fleet with stunning sailing conditions as a teaser for what to expect in the 2020 Etchells Worlds in Fremantle. Eleven boats competed with some very close competition across the fleet. The late Bill Steele was in second position in race two, enjoying some incredible sailing when he suffered a major stroke. Very sadly, Bill passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, 25th November.

The Etchells Swan River Fleet gathered a few days later for a sunset drink and 8 bells in maritime tradition to pay tribute to a great man and an important figure in the worldwide Etchells fleet. Bill, a retired senior pilot with Cathay pacific, loved flying and sailing and competed in numerous Etchells World Championships as well as regular racing with the local fleet. Bill was also significant contributor to supporting and developing local talented youth sailors and will be sorely missed.

A special note of gratitude should be paid to the remarkable emergency response provided by Skip Lissiman, Brad Moore, Rob Rooke and Kim Laurence who ensured Bill was safely expedited ashore and transferred to a waiting ambulance.

As Bill would have wished, racing continued but with a more sombre tone. Peter Ahern, Mark Crier, Chris Pratt, Doug Kerr and Mark Whittington (youth team) all enjoyed race wins. The regatta lead was fought out between Martin Webster on Highlander and Chris Pratt on Azure who had some exciting downwind legs and frequently changes places but in the end, Chris claimed the trophy followed by Martin in second place and Doug Kerr on Screaming Plum in third.