SLAM 18ft Skiff wins European Championships

by Anthony (Jack) Young on 9 Jul 2008 Winning with two races to spare, the crew of SLAM 18ft skiff and her crew completed an emphatic victory at the recently concluded 18ft Skiff 2008 European Championships held at the delightful seaside town of Six-Fours on the French Riviera last week.

The SLAM team of Grant Rollerson, Jack Young and Tom Partington slowly ground to the top of the pile over the week, and came into the final day of racing with a 6 point break. Several skiffs were within striking distance at that point however the team held their nerve and ran away with three victories and a sixth to close out the regatta.

Helmsman Grant Rollerson noted 'We have been lucky to have come out ahead after a fantastic week of close racing against top flight skiff sailors from Europe, US and Australia, including two previous JJ Giltinan unofficial World Champions. The venue has served as a marvellous backdrop to a highly entertaining week of sailing, and the locals have been most friendly. We put the boat together with limited time resource prior to the JJ Giltinan unofficial Worlds in Sydney in February, so it’s nice to build on that. In addition it’s great to be part of the SLAM team, and we look forward to helping them build the brand through presence in the high performance skiff space.'

Commenting on the win, Andrea Laura, of SLAM, noted 'We are delighted to welcome Grant, Jack and the 18ft skiff team as the most recent members of our SLAM Sailing Team. The result is outstanding and we look forward to seeing them doing well in the San Francisco International in August and thereafter. 18ft skiffs are part of the history of SLAM and it’s good to be back.'

Watch out for SLAM at home in Mounts Bay Sailing Club in Perth before contesting the Australian 18ft Skiff Champs in Sydney held prior to the JJ Giltinan. Thereafter she will compete in Carnac, France for the Mark Foye Trophy in June 2009.

visit the 18s at www.18footers.com.au / www.18footer.org / www.uk18footer.org

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