JJ Giltinan 18 footers Race 6 blown away

Sat, 23 Feb 2013


All sailing on Sydney Harbour had been cancelled for the day, so officials of the Australian 18 Footers League left their decision as long as possible before deciding whether to race.

With Race 6 of the Winning Group 2013 JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship holding so much importance, they were always trying to 'make it happen'.

Despite the terrible conditions in Sydney, spectators were lining up at the club and having their names recorded for the spectator ferry just in case the race was going ahead.

Race officer Garry Linacre and his team were on the water and monitoring conditions as winds gusted to more than 30 knots.

Crews were put on standby and it was decided that additional time would be given to try and achieve a start.

When conditions hadn’t improved by 5pm, Linacre had no choice but to call the race off for today.

Tomorrow’s race is the last, and deciding race of the championship and will start at 3pm.

There are two spectator ferries following the race and will leave Double Bay Wharf at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.

by Frank Quealey