Exciting new 18ft Skiff 2018-19 season

by Frank Quealey 5 Oct 2018 06:10 BST

New teams, existing teams, and a return of some of the world's best 18ft skiff sailors of the past decade, will highlight the Australian 18 Footers League's exciting 2018-2019 Season, which begins on Sydney Harbour, on Sunday, 14 October.

The opening race of the season is Race 1 of the seven-race Spring Championship, with a fleet of 17 teams lining up for the challenge.

The Spring Championship will be conducted each Sunday from October 14-November 18 (inclusive) over the Australian 18 Footers League 3-buoy courses.

Asko Appliances and Finport Trade Finance are two of the hot teams for this season's major championships - photo © Frank Quealey

A spectator ferry will follow all the racing, leaving Double Bay Public Wharf, alongside the clubhouse and rigging area, at 2pm.

After the result of each race in the series, the 'handicap' allocation changes, with the final result usually coming down to the final race in the championship.

Highlight of the 2018-2019 Season will be the JJ Giltinan Championship, which will be sailed on Sydney Harbour from March 2-10, 2019.

Following the win by the New Zealand 'Honda Marine' team in 2018, the locals are determined to grab the championship trophy back and this season's fleet is the strongest for a few years.

2016 Giltinan champion in action lats season on a busy Sydney Harbour - photo © Frank Quealey

Three-time Giltinan champion Michael Coxon returns to replace Lee Knapton as skipper of 'Smeg' while seven-times winning Giltinan skipper Seve Jarvin is also back in the 'Winning Group' team with John Winning Jr., and Sam Newton.

Last year's runner-up in the Giltinan Championship, 'Asko Appliances', skippered by James Dorron, will again be at the head of the challenge as will some of the younger teams who will gain from their experience in 2017-2018.