Please select your home edition
Edition
Zhik 2024 December

Fiji and the JJ Giltinan 18 footer championship

by Frank Quealey on 5 Feb 2014
Fiji and the JJ Giltinan - Fiji and the JJ Giltinan 18 footer championship Australian 18 Footers League http://www.18footers.com.au
2014 JJ Giltinan and Australian 18ft Skiff Nationals - While Australia and New Zealand were the driving forces behind the first 32 years of the JJ Giltianan 18 Footer Championship, we mustn’t forget the participation of Fiji as the only other competing nation until the USA in 1970.

The Fijians first entry was Alex Bentley’s O’Vuka at the 1950 regatta in Auckland and led to the 1952 series being conducted by the Royal Suva Yacht Club.

A new 18 Footer was built for the home regatta on Suva Harbour and Laucala Bay and a fleet of ten boats from Australia, New Zealand and Fiji competed.

Conditions for the regatta were ideal for light to moderate weather boats, and, like previous venues, tremendous crowds gathered on the waterfront to view the racing.

The scene in 1952 was vastly different to that of the modern JJ Giltinan Championship, as we can see in the accompanying photos supplied by 18 Footer historian John ‘Steamer’ Stanley.

Two Fijian boats Tarua (F.H Gardiner) and Talei (R. Percy) went to the following championship at Auckland in 1954.

Unfortunately this was the last time Fiji contested the JJ Giltinan Championship.

[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]



[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]






Allen Dynamic 40 FooterMaritimo M50Pantaenius Sail 2025 AUS Footer

Related Articles

Rolex Fastnet Race: IRC Two Preview
With 73 entries in IRC Two, the Rolex Fastnet Race is set to deliver a striking display. Could two new JPK 1050s upset the apple cart in IRC Two? Jean-Pierre Kelbert has a habit of breaking the mould in IRC racing, and his new 34-footer may well be a game changer in this competitive division with 73 entries.
Posted today at 10:36 am
The Long Laser Lunch – a reunion to remember
Sailors from every state reunited over lunch like it was just another regatta weekend. Last month 93 Laser sailors from across the country gathered at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club for what became a truly unforgettable reunion.
Posted today at 10:19 am
Offshore at 16
Will Farnell, the ORCV's Youth Sailor of the Year 2025 The ORCV is proud to announce Will Farnell as the recipient of the 2025 Youth Sailor of the Year award—a young sailor whose love for the sea runs generations deep and whose commitment to the sport has already made waves far beyond his years.
Posted today at 8:52 am
Seldén Rodkicker 50 - manual rigid vang
Specifically sized for yachts between 50 and 55 feet A Rodkicker rigid vang is designed to enhance sail handling during reefing and allows for greater sail trim control.
Posted today at 8:00 am
WASZP Games 2025: Talent & fun descend on Weymouth
Poised to be the largest and most competitive in the class's history The 2025 International WASZP Games, set to take place from July 19–25 at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, are poised to be the largest and most competitive in the class's history.
Posted today at 7:23 am
Queensland Yachting Survey 2025 Feedback
The results are in, gathering valuable insights directly from the sailing community Following this year's Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, a group of passionate and experienced individuals from the sailing community gathered to discuss the current state of yachting in Queensland.
Posted today at 5:18 am
Transpac 2025 Update: Moon River Tonight!
The magic of offshore racing in the 2025 Transpac A vast ocean separates Los Angeles, California, from Honolulu, Hawaii, but the boats racing in this year's Transpac have now crossed the halfway mark. Race leaders are in the tradewinds and making their approach to the Aloha State.
Posted today at 12:26 am
All smiles among first finishers of the AEGEAN 600
The fastest teams crossed the finish line today at Cape Sounion As the fastest teams crossed the finish line today at Cape Sounion and made their way to the harbour at Olympic Marine, there were exhausted smiles all around.
Posted on 10 Jul
British Classic Week day 4
It was a classic Solent day in Cowes for the OneSails inshore race It was a classic Solent day in Cowes for day 4 of British Classic Week with hot temperatures, sunshine and no breeze in the morning before the sea breeze kicked in from the west and it was time to go racing.
Posted on 10 Jul
iQFOiL Worlds a Aarhus day 5
Finalists locked in for new Medal Series format With the sea breeze stubbornly refusing to make an appearance, Day 5 of the iQFOiL World Championship turned into a long waiting game both ashore and on the water.
Posted on 10 Jul