Contenders from as far away as Australia, California, Texas, Florida, and the Great Lakes will travel to Holland for a four-day battle for the North American Championship honors.

For thirty years the Etchells class has enjoyed solid and steady growth with more than fifty active fleets worldwide. Etchells sailors are enthusiastic and loyal supporters of their boat and class association. The Etchells is a big, fast, simple, stable, and sleek racing sloop that can be sailed competitively and in comfort by three or four average sailors. It can tack in 70 degrees and has a low wetted surface hull form that keeps moving in the slightest breeze. In 20+ knots it absolutely flies. The strict one-design principle of the class was established from the outset and is controlled by a strong, established and well-administered class association. Control of construction by the class association ensures quality and uniformity.

A U.S. National Championship was first held in 1968. By 1975, the competition for the Founder's Trophy, donated by Mary and Skip Etchells, included representatives from North America, Europe and Australia and became the World's Championship. Current Class membership is 1500 sailors from eleven countries.

Class members include America Cup sailing greats such as Dennis Connor, and Russell Coutts, as well as men and women, families, young talent and impressive Masters and seniors divisions. Dennis Connor will be one of several boats competing for the title in the Lake Michigan waters.

The Host site, The Macatawa Bay Yacht Club has celebrated over 100 –years of first class racing and spectacular regattas. Since 1899, the MBYC has been a familiar sight on the banks of Lake Macatawa and a hub of Lake Michigan boating activities.