Additional reports and results....
Showing posts with label 18 foot skiffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 18 foot skiffs. Show all posts
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Thursday, July 02, 2009
More Skiff Bites: Mark Foy Trophy 2009
Just In From The Mark Foy Trophy:
Day 4 of the Mark Foy championship started after a 1 hour delay under overcast skies and building wind. A small amount of rain was a fair price to pay for 15 knots of westerly wind.
After two tries race 5 got away on a boat favored line. Good starts were rewarded as a backing wind brought the boats from the left side of the course to the windward mark in front. Archie Massey, steering Asko led round with a commanding lead, although later to find out he was OCS. Behind him a battle between Grant Rollerson(AUS) on Slam, Rob Greenhalgh(GBR) on Benny and Howie Hamlin(USA) on Macquarie took shape. With the wind at 15 knots, the skiffs were off downwind faster than the wind making short work of the course. Jarrod Simpson(GBR) on TMF and John Winning(AUS) on Yandoo gave chase but were unable to close the distance. The oscillating breeze created many passing lanes and place changes for the middle of the fleet, but at the front it was all about experience. Slam came home in front to secure their 4th victory in 5 tries. Macquarie led home Benny making the top of the championship leaderboard a clear battle between them.
After waiting for a storm cloud to blow through, race 6 got off to a false start in 16 to 18 knots of breeze. Hoping to get the aggressive fleet under control, the Carnac race committee brought out the dreaded black flag. While the approach to the line was more subdued, down at the pin end a crash was taking place. Overnight leaders Slam tacked onto port into Yandoo, who were forced into TMF. Slam capsized to windward while yandoo's pole went through TMF's jib, breaking in the process. Slam, once upright, with TMF and Yandoo out of action, retired from the race. Meanwhile, back on the course Mason Woodworth(GBR) on Investec had stepped out to the right side of the course and found a favorable shift with Trevor Barnabas(AUS) on Road Service and John Whitty(AUS), coming in from the left after a great start. Road Service and Panaosonic just led Investec around the top mark with a hard charging Benny and Asko just behind. While sailing in the with this pack from the left, there was more drama on Appliances Online where a broken forestay sent their rig crashing down. Quick action by Rob Greenhalgh avoided a more serious collision while the stationary pirate ship made an obstacle for the boats behind.
Down the run Greenhalgh made his move on Investec jumping up to third just before the leeward gate. The lead boats split with Road Service and Investec going out left and Panasonic, Benny and Asko headed right. At the top mark, Road service held a clear lead while Benny and Investec moved up to second and third. A spinnaker sheet failure at the hoist saw Panasonic slip further allowing Asko up to fourth. With the breeze clocking well right, the lead four opted for the right side. Up the final beat, Roadservice tacked left early and with the wind shifting further left, Benny made their final move into the lead. Across the line at 17+ knots it was Rob Greenhalgh stamping his authority on this championship with his second race win. Road service followed with Investec holding off Asko to finish a welcome day of windier conditions.
With two days left to go and with at least 3 races scheduled, consistent top 5 finishes leave Rob Greenhalgh in commanding lead with Archie Massey and Howie Hamlin as the closest competitors. But once 9 races are completed the second discard comes into play and Grant Rollerson currently forced to count an OCS will move right back into the frame. As today shows, anything can happen and the racing is always exciting! Plenty of action left so stay tuned!
Report : Mason Woodworth
Pictures : Christophe Favreau
If I can't have the Volvo Ocean Race...pretty content to carry on with my affair with the 18 foot skiff!
Day 4 of the Mark Foy championship started after a 1 hour delay under overcast skies and building wind. A small amount of rain was a fair price to pay for 15 knots of westerly wind.
After two tries race 5 got away on a boat favored line. Good starts were rewarded as a backing wind brought the boats from the left side of the course to the windward mark in front. Archie Massey, steering Asko led round with a commanding lead, although later to find out he was OCS. Behind him a battle between Grant Rollerson(AUS) on Slam, Rob Greenhalgh(GBR) on Benny and Howie Hamlin(USA) on Macquarie took shape. With the wind at 15 knots, the skiffs were off downwind faster than the wind making short work of the course. Jarrod Simpson(GBR) on TMF and John Winning(AUS) on Yandoo gave chase but were unable to close the distance. The oscillating breeze created many passing lanes and place changes for the middle of the fleet, but at the front it was all about experience. Slam came home in front to secure their 4th victory in 5 tries. Macquarie led home Benny making the top of the championship leaderboard a clear battle between them.
After waiting for a storm cloud to blow through, race 6 got off to a false start in 16 to 18 knots of breeze. Hoping to get the aggressive fleet under control, the Carnac race committee brought out the dreaded black flag. While the approach to the line was more subdued, down at the pin end a crash was taking place. Overnight leaders Slam tacked onto port into Yandoo, who were forced into TMF. Slam capsized to windward while yandoo's pole went through TMF's jib, breaking in the process. Slam, once upright, with TMF and Yandoo out of action, retired from the race. Meanwhile, back on the course Mason Woodworth(GBR) on Investec had stepped out to the right side of the course and found a favorable shift with Trevor Barnabas(AUS) on Road Service and John Whitty(AUS), coming in from the left after a great start. Road Service and Panaosonic just led Investec around the top mark with a hard charging Benny and Asko just behind. While sailing in the with this pack from the left, there was more drama on Appliances Online where a broken forestay sent their rig crashing down. Quick action by Rob Greenhalgh avoided a more serious collision while the stationary pirate ship made an obstacle for the boats behind.
Down the run Greenhalgh made his move on Investec jumping up to third just before the leeward gate. The lead boats split with Road Service and Investec going out left and Panasonic, Benny and Asko headed right. At the top mark, Road service held a clear lead while Benny and Investec moved up to second and third. A spinnaker sheet failure at the hoist saw Panasonic slip further allowing Asko up to fourth. With the breeze clocking well right, the lead four opted for the right side. Up the final beat, Roadservice tacked left early and with the wind shifting further left, Benny made their final move into the lead. Across the line at 17+ knots it was Rob Greenhalgh stamping his authority on this championship with his second race win. Road service followed with Investec holding off Asko to finish a welcome day of windier conditions.
With two days left to go and with at least 3 races scheduled, consistent top 5 finishes leave Rob Greenhalgh in commanding lead with Archie Massey and Howie Hamlin as the closest competitors. But once 9 races are completed the second discard comes into play and Grant Rollerson currently forced to count an OCS will move right back into the frame. As today shows, anything can happen and the racing is always exciting! Plenty of action left so stay tuned!
Report : Mason Woodworth
Pictures : Christophe Favreau
If I can't have the Volvo Ocean Race...pretty content to carry on with my affair with the 18 foot skiff!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Skiff Bites: Mark Foy Trophy 2009
Press Release :
Célia Mas-Delfault
Chargée de communication
Strong heat and no wind on the packed parking of the Yacht Club de Carnac for this first day of competition. The 30 crews didn’t have the opportunity to confront one another in the bay of Quiberon and it’s really a pity! The teams brought together for this new competition which is to promote the 18 foot skiffs around the world is indeed rather exceptional. Among the helmsmen, there are no less than 4 winners of the JJ Giltinan International Championship, ran each mid-February in the bay of Sydney and considered as the equivalent of the world championship for this sport and nearly as much among the crewmen.
The Australian Trevor Barnabas, the most titled of them, has brought together with his family team two generations of champions on 24Hr Road Service. It’s his son Trent “the weapon” Barnabas, current titleholder, who is the front crewman. Daniel Philips completes this formidable crew. On the side of the Australians, among the five other boats another family is to be pointed out: the Winnings. John, the father (Yandoo), tireless veteran and generous sponsor of this amateur class and John junior (Appliancesonline), the son who has won several races during the last “JJ”, will be for sure two serious candidate for victory. If the winds are light, we should keep an eye on Grant Rollerson (Slam) and its team (Mike Coxon, double winner of the JJ on Fiat in 2006 and 2007). The three proud New Zealand crews who have come to Carnac should also give the Europeans a hard time.
Hopefully, the large number of boats from the English class have good arguments such as Robert Greenhalgh (Benny), only just disembarked from the VOR 70 Puma in the Volvo Ocean Race and winner in 2004 of the JJ. He has taken the most of this day to refine some very thin settings he has the knack of finding. The crew of Pindar, skipped by Andy Richards, actual European champions, those from Pica (Jamie Mears), Ronstan (Iain Turnbull), Investec Private Bank (Mason Woodworth), TMF Group (Jarrod Simpson) but also Gill/Wild Graphics (Ed Brown) are capable of winning a race and should be taken into account. The American Howard Hamlin (Macquarie), double holder of the precious trophy, coming at the last moment to defend the colours of the Stars and Stripes and the Danish Flemming Clausen, hardwearing competitor capable with his solid crew of astounding speeds as soon as the wind raises.
2 Hungarian teams, 3 French, 3 German and a Swiss complete the list which promises tight starts and very very hot buoy crossings! GPS have been embarked on the boats for a live broadcasting of the race on the website of the organizing club : www.yccarnac.com. Organized from the 28th June to the 4th July, this confrontation should find tomorrow enough wind to offer a real and virtual impressive show!
The photos are all provided by Christophe Favreau:
They Have YouTube Channel Up As Well!
Célia Mas-Delfault
Chargée de communication
Strong heat and no wind on the packed parking of the Yacht Club de Carnac for this first day of competition. The 30 crews didn’t have the opportunity to confront one another in the bay of Quiberon and it’s really a pity! The teams brought together for this new competition which is to promote the 18 foot skiffs around the world is indeed rather exceptional. Among the helmsmen, there are no less than 4 winners of the JJ Giltinan International Championship, ran each mid-February in the bay of Sydney and considered as the equivalent of the world championship for this sport and nearly as much among the crewmen.
The Australian Trevor Barnabas, the most titled of them, has brought together with his family team two generations of champions on 24Hr Road Service. It’s his son Trent “the weapon” Barnabas, current titleholder, who is the front crewman. Daniel Philips completes this formidable crew. On the side of the Australians, among the five other boats another family is to be pointed out: the Winnings. John, the father (Yandoo), tireless veteran and generous sponsor of this amateur class and John junior (Appliancesonline), the son who has won several races during the last “JJ”, will be for sure two serious candidate for victory. If the winds are light, we should keep an eye on Grant Rollerson (Slam) and its team (Mike Coxon, double winner of the JJ on Fiat in 2006 and 2007). The three proud New Zealand crews who have come to Carnac should also give the Europeans a hard time.
Hopefully, the large number of boats from the English class have good arguments such as Robert Greenhalgh (Benny), only just disembarked from the VOR 70 Puma in the Volvo Ocean Race and winner in 2004 of the JJ. He has taken the most of this day to refine some very thin settings he has the knack of finding. The crew of Pindar, skipped by Andy Richards, actual European champions, those from Pica (Jamie Mears), Ronstan (Iain Turnbull), Investec Private Bank (Mason Woodworth), TMF Group (Jarrod Simpson) but also Gill/Wild Graphics (Ed Brown) are capable of winning a race and should be taken into account. The American Howard Hamlin (Macquarie), double holder of the precious trophy, coming at the last moment to defend the colours of the Stars and Stripes and the Danish Flemming Clausen, hardwearing competitor capable with his solid crew of astounding speeds as soon as the wind raises.
2 Hungarian teams, 3 French, 3 German and a Swiss complete the list which promises tight starts and very very hot buoy crossings! GPS have been embarked on the boats for a live broadcasting of the race on the website of the organizing club : www.yccarnac.com. Organized from the 28th June to the 4th July, this confrontation should find tomorrow enough wind to offer a real and virtual impressive show!
The photos are all provided by Christophe Favreau:
They Have YouTube Channel Up As Well!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Stay Tuned: Mark Foy Trophy is About To Start!
It's been awhile since I've chased around the 18 foot boys and sure wouldn't mind delaying the trip home from Sweden to make a side venture to France...especially when goodfriends are about to rip it up on these impressive skiffs. The next best trick, make use of the virtual resources to stay intouch with the boys and keep you posted here on anything juicy. For now, check out the site.
Puma's Rob Greenhalgh, winner of the JJGiltinan in 2004 is scooting over to France from St. Petersburg Russia to rejoin the class. The sailing is going to be hot when talent like that flies in. Though, we'll have to see if the heavy celebrations in Russia hinder his recovery time...the Volvo Ocean Race is not a gentle feeder to a skiff event!
In the mean time, packing up and getting ready to head home to catch up on sleep (hard to do when the days are 22 hours long!) and continue work with Mark Chisnell and crew working on the Volvo Ocean Race Book "Spanish Castle To White Night." I've read up through Chapter 6 and pretty excited about this book. It's not just for the sailor at all. Not at all. My cousin, advid snowboarder who dabbles in sailing was blown away and ordered three copies just to give away as gifts! We are a supportive family, but that usually means buying one, not three!
Taking that as my family's "thumbs up" for the current project.
There will be some good Volvo scoop to come and will be great fun to see what the sailors embark on after a well deserved rest. There are a few who've kindly agreed to let me peak back into their lives from time to time to see what they are working on while we all wait to learn more on who's returning for 2011-12. It would be great to think next week there'll be some press release confirming rumors of teams ready to commit, but that would be too quick. All good stories have a cliff hanger...
Puma's Rob Greenhalgh, winner of the JJGiltinan in 2004 is scooting over to France from St. Petersburg Russia to rejoin the class. The sailing is going to be hot when talent like that flies in. Though, we'll have to see if the heavy celebrations in Russia hinder his recovery time...the Volvo Ocean Race is not a gentle feeder to a skiff event!
In the mean time, packing up and getting ready to head home to catch up on sleep (hard to do when the days are 22 hours long!) and continue work with Mark Chisnell and crew working on the Volvo Ocean Race Book "Spanish Castle To White Night." I've read up through Chapter 6 and pretty excited about this book. It's not just for the sailor at all. Not at all. My cousin, advid snowboarder who dabbles in sailing was blown away and ordered three copies just to give away as gifts! We are a supportive family, but that usually means buying one, not three!
Taking that as my family's "thumbs up" for the current project.
There will be some good Volvo scoop to come and will be great fun to see what the sailors embark on after a well deserved rest. There are a few who've kindly agreed to let me peak back into their lives from time to time to see what they are working on while we all wait to learn more on who's returning for 2011-12. It would be great to think next week there'll be some press release confirming rumors of teams ready to commit, but that would be too quick. All good stories have a cliff hanger...
Thursday, February 19, 2009
JJ Giltinan Championship: Race Five
18ft Skiffs
Giltinan Championship – Race 5
(Sponsored by Winning Appliances and SLAM)
(Today’s race sponsored by Smeg)
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Sydney Harbour
Appliancesonline.com.au became the fifth winner from as many races when she took out Race 5 of the Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship on Sydney Harbour today.
Skipper John Winning Jr., with crew Dave Ewings and Tim Austin, gave an outstanding performance in an 8-10 knot North East breeze to bring appliancesonline home a 37s winner and so keep alive their hopes of taking the title.
The British team of Andy Budgen, Matt Mc Govern and James Barker also gave an excellent display in the conditions and finished second in Project Racing.
Third place today went to Southern Cross Constructions, which finished a further 13s behind Project Racing.
For the Southern Cross crew of Euan Mc Nicol, Aaron Links and Trent Barnabas it was enough to give them a narrow lead in the championship with two more races still to be sailed.
After discarding their worst performances to date, Southern Cross has a total of 10 points, followed by Active Air-2UE (Matthew Searle) on 12, Gotta Love It 7 (Seve Jarvin) and Rag & Famish Hotel (John Harris) both on 13 and today’s winner appliancesonline on 16.
Project Racing is sixth on 24 points.
With such a narrow margin separating the top five teams, there seems no doubt that the winner will not be known until late on Sunday afternoon.
From the start today, Project Racing and appliancesonline quickly established a lead over Active Air-2UE and Southern Cross Constructions.
Project Racing held a 10s margin at the Beashel Buoy windward mark then increased it marginally downwind to the Clarke Island mark.
There was little change amongst the leading group on the spinnaker run although Southern Cross moved ahead of Active Air-2UE.
After a poor start, Gotta Love It 7 recovered into fifth place just ahead of USA1, skippered by former Giltinan champion Howie Hamlin.
Project Racing and appliancesonline continued to stage their own personal battle for the lead on the following beat to the Beashel Buoy with appliancesonline grabbing a 2 boat length lead as spinnakers were set for the return run to Clarke Island.
The next three placings remained unchanged with Southern Cross holding third place ahead of Active Air-2UE and Gotta Love It 7.
While the racing was close there was no change in the placings over the remainder of the course before appliancesonline crossed the line a clear winner.
Rag & Famish Hotel was well back in the pack early but her crew battled away to bring the skiff home in sixth place as so keep them well in championship contention.
Thurlow Fisher (Bruce Savage) came home in seventh place ahead of Yandoo (John Winning), Fisher & Paykel (Andrew Cuddihy) and USA1.
Race 6 will be conducted on Saturday with the highly anticipated Race 7 set down for Sunday.
The Australian 18 Footers League will have two spectator ferries on each day to cater for the large spectator interest.
More images will be published on www.18footers.com.au and video can be seen on www.sailcam.tv.
Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League
Giltinan Championship – Race 5
(Sponsored by Winning Appliances and SLAM)
(Today’s race sponsored by Smeg)
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Sydney Harbour
Appliancesonline.com.au became the fifth winner from as many races when she took out Race 5 of the Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship on Sydney Harbour today.
Skipper John Winning Jr., with crew Dave Ewings and Tim Austin, gave an outstanding performance in an 8-10 knot North East breeze to bring appliancesonline home a 37s winner and so keep alive their hopes of taking the title.
The British team of Andy Budgen, Matt Mc Govern and James Barker also gave an excellent display in the conditions and finished second in Project Racing.
Third place today went to Southern Cross Constructions, which finished a further 13s behind Project Racing.
For the Southern Cross crew of Euan Mc Nicol, Aaron Links and Trent Barnabas it was enough to give them a narrow lead in the championship with two more races still to be sailed.
After discarding their worst performances to date, Southern Cross has a total of 10 points, followed by Active Air-2UE (Matthew Searle) on 12, Gotta Love It 7 (Seve Jarvin) and Rag & Famish Hotel (John Harris) both on 13 and today’s winner appliancesonline on 16.
Project Racing is sixth on 24 points.
With such a narrow margin separating the top five teams, there seems no doubt that the winner will not be known until late on Sunday afternoon.
From the start today, Project Racing and appliancesonline quickly established a lead over Active Air-2UE and Southern Cross Constructions.
Project Racing held a 10s margin at the Beashel Buoy windward mark then increased it marginally downwind to the Clarke Island mark.
There was little change amongst the leading group on the spinnaker run although Southern Cross moved ahead of Active Air-2UE.
After a poor start, Gotta Love It 7 recovered into fifth place just ahead of USA1, skippered by former Giltinan champion Howie Hamlin.
Project Racing and appliancesonline continued to stage their own personal battle for the lead on the following beat to the Beashel Buoy with appliancesonline grabbing a 2 boat length lead as spinnakers were set for the return run to Clarke Island.
The next three placings remained unchanged with Southern Cross holding third place ahead of Active Air-2UE and Gotta Love It 7.
While the racing was close there was no change in the placings over the remainder of the course before appliancesonline crossed the line a clear winner.
Rag & Famish Hotel was well back in the pack early but her crew battled away to bring the skiff home in sixth place as so keep them well in championship contention.
Thurlow Fisher (Bruce Savage) came home in seventh place ahead of Yandoo (John Winning), Fisher & Paykel (Andrew Cuddihy) and USA1.
Race 6 will be conducted on Saturday with the highly anticipated Race 7 set down for Sunday.
The Australian 18 Footers League will have two spectator ferries on each day to cater for the large spectator interest.
More images will be published on www.18footers.com.au and video can be seen on www.sailcam.tv.
Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
JJ Giltinan Championship: Race Four
18ft Skiffs
Giltinan Championship – Race 4
Sponsored by Winning Appliances and SLAM
(Today’s race sponsored by Asko Appliances)
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Sydney Harbour
Euan Mc Nicol, Aaron Links and Trent Barnabas had to produce all their skills and experience to bring Southern Cross Constructions home a narrow winner in Race 3 of the Giltinan Championship on Sydney Harbour today.
In one of the closest races seen on the harbour, Southern Cross Constructions had to withstand a brilliant finishing burst by appliancesonlin.com.au (John Winning Jr., Dave Ewings and Tim Austin) to win by just 4s in a thriller.
Rag & Famish Hotel (John Harris, Peter Harris and Scott Babbage) also produced a strong finishing burst to grab third spot another 19s behind appliancesonline.
Although relegated to fourth place today, Active Air-2UE (Matthew Searle, Dan Wilsdon and Archie Massey) still leads the championship with a total of 12 points, closely followed by Southern Cross Constructions and Rag & Famish Hotel together on 13 and Gotta Love It 7 (Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton and Tom Clout) on 15.
Appliancesonline is fifth on 22 points with Smeg (Hugh Stodart, Daniel Phillips and Jim Beck) sixth on 36.
Today’s race was sailed in shifting southerly breeze which fully tested all teams as it constantly changed direction and strength throughout.
Pure Blonde (James Francis) won the race to the first windward mark where she held a 2 boat lengths lead over Thurlow Fisher (Bruce Savage), Gotta Love It 7, Southern Cross and Active Air-2UE.
The young Pure Blonde crew was outstanding on the long spinnaker run to Obelisk Bay as they stretched their lead to 30s from Active Air-2UE, Southern Cross and Gotta Love It 7, which was trailing 90s from the lead..
With the breeze tending a little west, all teams were forced to gybe several times.
The following windward leg back to Rose Bay saw a four way battle develop as Southern Cross and Active Air-2UE put pressure on Pure Blonde, while Gotta Love It 7 edged closer.
At the Rose Bay mark Southern Cross led by just 2s from Active Air-2UE, with Pure Blonde 10s back and Gotta Love It 7 a further 15s away.
Southern Cross retained the lead (20s) on the run to Athol Bay East mark as all crews had to drop and reset their spinnakers to clear Bradleys Head.
There was yet another lead change when Active Air-2UE took advantage of her windward position on the work to Clarke Island.
Active Air-2UE led Southern Cross by 15s with Pure Blonde still third and a 30s gap to Gotta Love It 7 in fourth place.
While their three opponents gybed to the northern shore on the second run to Obelisk, the Pure Blonde team continued on their starboard gybe and were rewarded when they picked up a southerly breeze off Rose Bay.
It gave Pure Blonde a 10s lead over Southern Cross, while Active Air-2UE was now 40s further back in third place ahead of appliancesonline, which made up good time in mid stream.
Gotta Love It 7 lost out badly on this run and was trailing in fifth place 1m30s from the lead.
The pressure was on as the fleet headed into Rose Bay as the five leaders were joined by Rag & Famish Hotel.
Southern Cross grabbed the lead back at Rose Bay but the race was far from over.
Southern Cross retained the lead downwind and held a 23s margin at the final windward mark.
The race to the finish was intense as the five leaders were spread across the course searching for every breath of breeze.
Race 5 will be sailed tomorrow with the final two races set down for Saturday and Sunday.
More photos published on www.18footers.com.au and video is on www.sailcam.tv.
Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League
Giltinan Championship – Race 4
Sponsored by Winning Appliances and SLAM
(Today’s race sponsored by Asko Appliances)
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Sydney Harbour
Euan Mc Nicol, Aaron Links and Trent Barnabas had to produce all their skills and experience to bring Southern Cross Constructions home a narrow winner in Race 3 of the Giltinan Championship on Sydney Harbour today.
In one of the closest races seen on the harbour, Southern Cross Constructions had to withstand a brilliant finishing burst by appliancesonlin.com.au (John Winning Jr., Dave Ewings and Tim Austin) to win by just 4s in a thriller.
Rag & Famish Hotel (John Harris, Peter Harris and Scott Babbage) also produced a strong finishing burst to grab third spot another 19s behind appliancesonline.
Although relegated to fourth place today, Active Air-2UE (Matthew Searle, Dan Wilsdon and Archie Massey) still leads the championship with a total of 12 points, closely followed by Southern Cross Constructions and Rag & Famish Hotel together on 13 and Gotta Love It 7 (Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton and Tom Clout) on 15.
Appliancesonline is fifth on 22 points with Smeg (Hugh Stodart, Daniel Phillips and Jim Beck) sixth on 36.
Today’s race was sailed in shifting southerly breeze which fully tested all teams as it constantly changed direction and strength throughout.
Pure Blonde (James Francis) won the race to the first windward mark where she held a 2 boat lengths lead over Thurlow Fisher (Bruce Savage), Gotta Love It 7, Southern Cross and Active Air-2UE.
The young Pure Blonde crew was outstanding on the long spinnaker run to Obelisk Bay as they stretched their lead to 30s from Active Air-2UE, Southern Cross and Gotta Love It 7, which was trailing 90s from the lead..
With the breeze tending a little west, all teams were forced to gybe several times.
The following windward leg back to Rose Bay saw a four way battle develop as Southern Cross and Active Air-2UE put pressure on Pure Blonde, while Gotta Love It 7 edged closer.
At the Rose Bay mark Southern Cross led by just 2s from Active Air-2UE, with Pure Blonde 10s back and Gotta Love It 7 a further 15s away.
Southern Cross retained the lead (20s) on the run to Athol Bay East mark as all crews had to drop and reset their spinnakers to clear Bradleys Head.
There was yet another lead change when Active Air-2UE took advantage of her windward position on the work to Clarke Island.
Active Air-2UE led Southern Cross by 15s with Pure Blonde still third and a 30s gap to Gotta Love It 7 in fourth place.
While their three opponents gybed to the northern shore on the second run to Obelisk, the Pure Blonde team continued on their starboard gybe and were rewarded when they picked up a southerly breeze off Rose Bay.
It gave Pure Blonde a 10s lead over Southern Cross, while Active Air-2UE was now 40s further back in third place ahead of appliancesonline, which made up good time in mid stream.
Gotta Love It 7 lost out badly on this run and was trailing in fifth place 1m30s from the lead.
The pressure was on as the fleet headed into Rose Bay as the five leaders were joined by Rag & Famish Hotel.
Southern Cross grabbed the lead back at Rose Bay but the race was far from over.
Southern Cross retained the lead downwind and held a 23s margin at the final windward mark.
The race to the finish was intense as the five leaders were spread across the course searching for every breath of breeze.
Race 5 will be sailed tomorrow with the final two races set down for Saturday and Sunday.
More photos published on www.18footers.com.au and video is on www.sailcam.tv.
Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
JJ Giltinan Championships: Race Three
18ft Skiffs
Giltinan Championship – Race 3
(sponsored by Winning Appliances and SLAM)
(today’s race sponsored by De Longhi)
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Sydney Harbour
Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton and Tom Clout had to use all their skills to master a shifty South East wind in bringing Gotta Love It 7 home the winner of Race 3 of the Giltinan International Championship today.
The win has moved Gotta Love It 7 into equal second place with Rag & Famish Hotel (John Harris) on 10 points, behind Race 2 winner Active Air-2UE (Matthew Searle, Dan Wilsdon and Archie Massey) on 8.
Gotta Love It 7’s margin today was 27s from Rag & Famish, with Britiah team Project Racing (Andy Budgen, Matt Mc Govern and James Barker).
Once again, an overcast sky and light wind greeted the fleet on Sydney Harbour.
There was an immediate drama when a Manly Ferry appeared just after the start and the starter was forced to recall the fleet.
After the restart the fleet split into two groups as it has done so often in the regatta.
This time, the teams which elected to go to the RHS of the course won out as Thurlow Fisher (Bruce Savage) led from Gotta Love It 7 and Active Air-2UE at the windward mark.
Project Racing was next, followed by Quantum Sails NZ (Chris Skinner) and Me (Ian Henderson).
At the bottom mark near Robertson Point, Gotta Love It 7 led narrowly from Project Racing with Thurlow Fisher third and Me fourth.
From that point the race became a merry-go-round for the leading group as the positions were changing constantly in the difficult conditions.
Thurlow Fisher grabbed the lead at Clarke Island, then Rag & Famish took over at Chowder Head.
Gotta Love It 7 then took a 4s lead from Rag & Famish Hotel at the Taylors Bay mark, and despite serious challenges, was able to retain the lead to the finish.
At the final windward mark 7’s lead was just a couple of boat lengths from Project Racing with Rag & Famish Hotel and Active Air-2UE close behind.
The four teams sailed tack for tack up the final beat but Gotta Love It 7 was in control and thoroughly deserved her victory.
Race 4 of the championship will be sailed tomorrow, followed by further races on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Further photos will be published on www.18footers.com.au and video can be seen on www.sailcam.tv.
Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League
Additional Photos From Christophe Favrea:
Giltinan Championship – Race 3
(sponsored by Winning Appliances and SLAM)
(today’s race sponsored by De Longhi)
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Sydney Harbour
Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton and Tom Clout had to use all their skills to master a shifty South East wind in bringing Gotta Love It 7 home the winner of Race 3 of the Giltinan International Championship today.
The win has moved Gotta Love It 7 into equal second place with Rag & Famish Hotel (John Harris) on 10 points, behind Race 2 winner Active Air-2UE (Matthew Searle, Dan Wilsdon and Archie Massey) on 8.
Gotta Love It 7’s margin today was 27s from Rag & Famish, with Britiah team Project Racing (Andy Budgen, Matt Mc Govern and James Barker).
Once again, an overcast sky and light wind greeted the fleet on Sydney Harbour.
There was an immediate drama when a Manly Ferry appeared just after the start and the starter was forced to recall the fleet.
After the restart the fleet split into two groups as it has done so often in the regatta.
This time, the teams which elected to go to the RHS of the course won out as Thurlow Fisher (Bruce Savage) led from Gotta Love It 7 and Active Air-2UE at the windward mark.
Project Racing was next, followed by Quantum Sails NZ (Chris Skinner) and Me (Ian Henderson).
At the bottom mark near Robertson Point, Gotta Love It 7 led narrowly from Project Racing with Thurlow Fisher third and Me fourth.
From that point the race became a merry-go-round for the leading group as the positions were changing constantly in the difficult conditions.
Thurlow Fisher grabbed the lead at Clarke Island, then Rag & Famish took over at Chowder Head.
Gotta Love It 7 then took a 4s lead from Rag & Famish Hotel at the Taylors Bay mark, and despite serious challenges, was able to retain the lead to the finish.
At the final windward mark 7’s lead was just a couple of boat lengths from Project Racing with Rag & Famish Hotel and Active Air-2UE close behind.
The four teams sailed tack for tack up the final beat but Gotta Love It 7 was in control and thoroughly deserved her victory.
Race 4 of the championship will be sailed tomorrow, followed by further races on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Further photos will be published on www.18footers.com.au and video can be seen on www.sailcam.tv.
Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League
Additional Photos From Christophe Favrea:
Sunday, February 15, 2009
JJ Giltinan Championship: Race Two
18ft Skiffs Giltinan Championship
Race 2
Sponsored by Winning Appliances and SLAM
(Today’s race sponsored by Maytag)
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Sydney Harbour
Matthew Searle, Dan Wilsdon and Archie Massey totally dominated the 32-boat fleet today when they took out Race 2 of the JJ Giltinan Championship on Sydney Harbour.
The trio took Active Air-2UE to the lead from the start and was never headed over the long South-East course.
Their winning margin was an impressive 1m15s over defending champion Seve Jarvin in Gotta Love It 7.and has also given the team the overall point lead in the championship.
With a number of protests being lodged, all placings and point scores are provisional at this time.
Third placing today went to Rag & Famish Hotel (John Harris), which finished 42s behind Gotta Love It 7.
After a disastrous first leg of the course, Southern Cross Constructions (Euan Mc Nicol) finished strongly to take fourth place, ahead of Me (Ian Henderson) and Race 1 winner Smeg, skippered by Hugh Stodart.
Provisional points are Active Air-2UE on 4 points, Southern Cross 6, Smeg 7, Rag & Famish 8, Gotta Love It 7 9 and appliancesonline.com.au, John Winning Jr. on 13.
In a bold move, Yandoo (John Winning), Southern Cross Constructions and Project Racing (Andy Budgen) went to the RHS of the course immediately after the start while the majority of the fleet went on a long starboard tack to Steel Point.
When the two groups met those on the LHS were more than two minutes ahead.
Active Air-2UE held an 8s lead over Gotta Love It 7 at the windward mark, with Macquarie Real Estate (Micah Lane) a further 20s back in third place.
Rag & Famish was fourth ahead of Me, Kinder Caring Home Nursing (Brett Van Munster), appliancesonline and Smeg, which was one minute from the lead.
Active Air-2UE retained her lead on the long spinnaker run to Robertson Point then eased further away on the work back to Clark Island.
Although 1m20s behind Active Air-2UE, Ian Henderson and his Me team of Aron Everett and Reece Goldsmith were superb on this leg as they sailed into second place 20s ahead of Kinder Caring.
Gotta Love It 7 was 2m55s from the lead in fourth place, followed by Rag & Famish, Macquarie Real Estate, Asko Appliances (Evan Walker), Smeg, appliancesonline and Pure Blonde (James Francis).
While Active Air-2UE continued to lead comfortably at the Rose Bay mark (55s), Gotta Love It 7 was the big improver as Jarvin and his team came back into second place, ahead of Me, Kinder Caring, Southern Cross, Rag & Famish, Smeg and Macquarie Real Estate.
The ‘loop’ across the harbour to Taylors Bay and return to Rose Bay saw little positional change as Active Air-2UE continued to hold a race winning lead over Gotta Love It 7.
Me was still holding on to third place although pressure was now being applied by Rag & Famish and Southern Cross.
Today’s photographs will be published on www.18footers.com.au.
Video coverage is on www.sailcam.tv.
Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League
Race 2
Sponsored by Winning Appliances and SLAM
(Today’s race sponsored by Maytag)
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Sydney Harbour
Matthew Searle, Dan Wilsdon and Archie Massey totally dominated the 32-boat fleet today when they took out Race 2 of the JJ Giltinan Championship on Sydney Harbour.
The trio took Active Air-2UE to the lead from the start and was never headed over the long South-East course.
Their winning margin was an impressive 1m15s over defending champion Seve Jarvin in Gotta Love It 7.and has also given the team the overall point lead in the championship.
With a number of protests being lodged, all placings and point scores are provisional at this time.
Third placing today went to Rag & Famish Hotel (John Harris), which finished 42s behind Gotta Love It 7.
After a disastrous first leg of the course, Southern Cross Constructions (Euan Mc Nicol) finished strongly to take fourth place, ahead of Me (Ian Henderson) and Race 1 winner Smeg, skippered by Hugh Stodart.
Provisional points are Active Air-2UE on 4 points, Southern Cross 6, Smeg 7, Rag & Famish 8, Gotta Love It 7 9 and appliancesonline.com.au, John Winning Jr. on 13.
In a bold move, Yandoo (John Winning), Southern Cross Constructions and Project Racing (Andy Budgen) went to the RHS of the course immediately after the start while the majority of the fleet went on a long starboard tack to Steel Point.
When the two groups met those on the LHS were more than two minutes ahead.
Active Air-2UE held an 8s lead over Gotta Love It 7 at the windward mark, with Macquarie Real Estate (Micah Lane) a further 20s back in third place.
Rag & Famish was fourth ahead of Me, Kinder Caring Home Nursing (Brett Van Munster), appliancesonline and Smeg, which was one minute from the lead.
Active Air-2UE retained her lead on the long spinnaker run to Robertson Point then eased further away on the work back to Clark Island.
Although 1m20s behind Active Air-2UE, Ian Henderson and his Me team of Aron Everett and Reece Goldsmith were superb on this leg as they sailed into second place 20s ahead of Kinder Caring.
Gotta Love It 7 was 2m55s from the lead in fourth place, followed by Rag & Famish, Macquarie Real Estate, Asko Appliances (Evan Walker), Smeg, appliancesonline and Pure Blonde (James Francis).
While Active Air-2UE continued to lead comfortably at the Rose Bay mark (55s), Gotta Love It 7 was the big improver as Jarvin and his team came back into second place, ahead of Me, Kinder Caring, Southern Cross, Rag & Famish, Smeg and Macquarie Real Estate.
The ‘loop’ across the harbour to Taylors Bay and return to Rose Bay saw little positional change as Active Air-2UE continued to hold a race winning lead over Gotta Love It 7.
Me was still holding on to third place although pressure was now being applied by Rag & Famish and Southern Cross.
Today’s photographs will be published on www.18footers.com.au.
Video coverage is on www.sailcam.tv.
Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League
Saturday, February 14, 2009
JJ Giltinan Championship: Day One
18ft Skiffs
Giltinan Championship
Race 1
Sponsored by Winning Appliances and SLAM
(Today’s race sponsored by Panasonic)
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Sydney Harbour
Hugh Stodart, Daniel Phillips and Jim Beck (Smeg) were the masters of a light Easterly breeze when they took out Race 1 of the Giltinan Championship on Sydney Harbour today.
For Stodart it was a great return to the class after “retiring” at the end of last season.
When injured crewman Greg Dixon was unable to sail the regatta, regular skipper Phillips moved to the sheet and recruited Stodart to steer Smeg, which is last year’s successful Gotta Love It 7 skiff.
Smeg crossed the line 31s ahead of Southern Cross Constructions (Euan Mc Nicol, Aaron Links and Trent Barnabas), with Active Air-2UE (Matthew Searle, Dan Wilsdon and Archie Massey) a further 20s back in third place.
Rain, overcast skies and a 8-10 knot Easterly breeze made it critical for all teams to get a good start and so it was no surprise when there was a general recall at the first attempt.
Immediately after the start, defending champion Seve Jarvin took Gotta Love It 7 to the RHS of the course along with Rag & Famish Hotel (John Harris) and Yandoo (John Winning).
Stodart, Mc Nicol and John Winning Jr. (appliancesonline) went left into Athol Bay.
When the two groups met the LHS had dominated with appliancesonline leading a tightly bunched group.
Others challenging for the lead were Active Air-2UE, Project Racing (Andy Budgen), Smeg, Thurlow Fisher (Bruce Savage) and Southern Cross.
Unknowingly, Thurlow Fisher had been recalled at the start and were subsequently recorded as and on-course starter.
Those on the right were well back.
appliancesonline was under pressure from Active Air-2UE and Project Racing as they passed Shark Island on the work into the Rose Bay windward buoy.
appliancesonline led narrowly from project Racing as spinnakers were set, closely followed by Active Air-2UE, Smeg, Thurlow Fisher, Macquarie Real estate (Micah Lane) and Southern Cross.
The British team were superb downwind and gybed inside appliancesonline at the wing mark.
Leading to the bottom mark their race fell apart when they took the Kurraba Point mark to port instead of a starboard rounding.
Budgen went back to re-round but unfortunately did it incorrectly and withdrew after the race.
Midway up the second windward leg back to Rose Bay, appliancesonline led clearly from Smeg, Southern Cross, Active Air-2UE, Quantum Sails NZ (Chris Skinner), Macquarie Real Estate and Gotta Love 7.
A jib problem saw the talented Southern Cross team capsize on a tack – an incident that cost them any chance of a win.
While all his rivals elected to sail a middle course Winning Jr. went further to the right.
Smeg reduced the margin when they met shortly after then grabbed the lead off Shark Island.
At the mark, Smeg led by 10s from appliancesonline with Active Air-2UE just 5s further back in third place.
The Smeg lead eased out to 20s at the bottom mark the second time while Active Air-2UE also lost time to trail by a further 20s in third place.
Southern Cross was fourth - 50s from the lead.
On the final windward leg, Smeg and Southern Cross tacked early while appliances and Active Air-2UE stayed on a starboard tack into Athol Bay.
The move was a winner as Smeg increased her lead while Southern Cross narrowly led appliancesonline when they met.
Smeg led by 35s from Southern Cross as they set their spinnaker for the run to the finish and was untroubled to hold the margin.
Photographs will be published on www.18footers.com.au.
Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League
Giltinan Championship
Race 1
Sponsored by Winning Appliances and SLAM
(Today’s race sponsored by Panasonic)
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Sydney Harbour
Hugh Stodart, Daniel Phillips and Jim Beck (Smeg) were the masters of a light Easterly breeze when they took out Race 1 of the Giltinan Championship on Sydney Harbour today.
For Stodart it was a great return to the class after “retiring” at the end of last season.
When injured crewman Greg Dixon was unable to sail the regatta, regular skipper Phillips moved to the sheet and recruited Stodart to steer Smeg, which is last year’s successful Gotta Love It 7 skiff.
Smeg crossed the line 31s ahead of Southern Cross Constructions (Euan Mc Nicol, Aaron Links and Trent Barnabas), with Active Air-2UE (Matthew Searle, Dan Wilsdon and Archie Massey) a further 20s back in third place.
Rain, overcast skies and a 8-10 knot Easterly breeze made it critical for all teams to get a good start and so it was no surprise when there was a general recall at the first attempt.
Immediately after the start, defending champion Seve Jarvin took Gotta Love It 7 to the RHS of the course along with Rag & Famish Hotel (John Harris) and Yandoo (John Winning).
Stodart, Mc Nicol and John Winning Jr. (appliancesonline) went left into Athol Bay.
When the two groups met the LHS had dominated with appliancesonline leading a tightly bunched group.
Others challenging for the lead were Active Air-2UE, Project Racing (Andy Budgen), Smeg, Thurlow Fisher (Bruce Savage) and Southern Cross.
Unknowingly, Thurlow Fisher had been recalled at the start and were subsequently recorded as and on-course starter.
Those on the right were well back.
appliancesonline was under pressure from Active Air-2UE and Project Racing as they passed Shark Island on the work into the Rose Bay windward buoy.
appliancesonline led narrowly from project Racing as spinnakers were set, closely followed by Active Air-2UE, Smeg, Thurlow Fisher, Macquarie Real estate (Micah Lane) and Southern Cross.
The British team were superb downwind and gybed inside appliancesonline at the wing mark.
Leading to the bottom mark their race fell apart when they took the Kurraba Point mark to port instead of a starboard rounding.
Budgen went back to re-round but unfortunately did it incorrectly and withdrew after the race.
Midway up the second windward leg back to Rose Bay, appliancesonline led clearly from Smeg, Southern Cross, Active Air-2UE, Quantum Sails NZ (Chris Skinner), Macquarie Real Estate and Gotta Love 7.
A jib problem saw the talented Southern Cross team capsize on a tack – an incident that cost them any chance of a win.
While all his rivals elected to sail a middle course Winning Jr. went further to the right.
Smeg reduced the margin when they met shortly after then grabbed the lead off Shark Island.
At the mark, Smeg led by 10s from appliancesonline with Active Air-2UE just 5s further back in third place.
The Smeg lead eased out to 20s at the bottom mark the second time while Active Air-2UE also lost time to trail by a further 20s in third place.
Southern Cross was fourth - 50s from the lead.
On the final windward leg, Smeg and Southern Cross tacked early while appliances and Active Air-2UE stayed on a starboard tack into Athol Bay.
The move was a winner as Smeg increased her lead while Southern Cross narrowly led appliancesonline when they met.
Smeg led by 35s from Southern Cross as they set their spinnaker for the run to the finish and was untroubled to hold the margin.
Photographs will be published on www.18footers.com.au.
Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League
Friday, February 13, 2009
News From Oz: JJ Giltinan Invitational
Back on topic...If there is one place I'd rather be right now, it's Double Bay Sydney for the annual running of the JJ Giltinan Championship Regatta. I fell in love with this community a few years back and excited to stay in touch, even a Hemisphere away.
18ft Skiffs
Invitation Race
JJ Giltinan International Championship
Friday, 13 February 2009
Sydney Harbour
The traditional Invitation Race in the JJ Giltinan Championship was sailed on Sydney Harbour today as a warm up for the championship-proper which begins tomorrow (Saturday, 14 February).
The race began in an 18knot South East wind but this dropped to below 10knots midway through the course.
Defending champion Gotta Love It 7 (Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton and Tom Clout) showed the rest of the fleet that they will be the team to beat when they finished a clear 1m6s winner today from Project Racing, skippered by Andy Budgen of the UK.
Third placing went to Yandoo, skippered by 2000 Giltinan champion John Winning, which finished a further 46s back.
Gotta Love It 7 and Yandoo were the early pacesetters on the spinnaker run from Rose Bay to Robertson Point as they led a charging bunch of skiffs.
The experience of the Yandoo crew saw them grab a 10s lead at Clarke Island on the following windward leg.
Project Racing moved into third place at this point, followed by Kinder Caring Home Nursing (Brett Van Munster), DeLonghi (Simon Nearn), Smeg (Hugh Stodart) and others.
All teams elected to 2-sail reach to the Chowder Bay buoy where Yandoo retained her lead but Gotta Love It 7 was soon back at the front as they worked into Rose Bay in a fading breeze.
Once in front, Gotta Love It 7 was not headed again aas she went on to an easy win.
Yandoo looked set for second placing but was run down by Project Racing over the final leg of the course.
Two of the other leading contenders in the championship, Rag & Famish Hotel (John Harris) and Southern Cross Constructions (Euan Mc Nicol) both recovered well from ‘ordinary’ starts but were never in a position to challenge the winner.
Hopefully, conditions will be more consistent for tomorrow’s opening race of the championship.
The Australian 18 Footers League will have its regular spectator ferry following each race of the championship and will have two ferries on each Sunday 15th and 22nd) as well as Saturday, 21st February.
Departure times are 2.30pm on each day with the exception of 14th and 21st February when ferries will depart at 3.30pm.
Photographs will be published on www.18footers.com.au.
Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League
18ft Skiffs
Invitation Race
JJ Giltinan International Championship
Friday, 13 February 2009
Sydney Harbour
The traditional Invitation Race in the JJ Giltinan Championship was sailed on Sydney Harbour today as a warm up for the championship-proper which begins tomorrow (Saturday, 14 February).
The race began in an 18knot South East wind but this dropped to below 10knots midway through the course.
Defending champion Gotta Love It 7 (Seve Jarvin, Sam Newton and Tom Clout) showed the rest of the fleet that they will be the team to beat when they finished a clear 1m6s winner today from Project Racing, skippered by Andy Budgen of the UK.
Third placing went to Yandoo, skippered by 2000 Giltinan champion John Winning, which finished a further 46s back.
Gotta Love It 7 and Yandoo were the early pacesetters on the spinnaker run from Rose Bay to Robertson Point as they led a charging bunch of skiffs.
The experience of the Yandoo crew saw them grab a 10s lead at Clarke Island on the following windward leg.
Project Racing moved into third place at this point, followed by Kinder Caring Home Nursing (Brett Van Munster), DeLonghi (Simon Nearn), Smeg (Hugh Stodart) and others.
All teams elected to 2-sail reach to the Chowder Bay buoy where Yandoo retained her lead but Gotta Love It 7 was soon back at the front as they worked into Rose Bay in a fading breeze.
Once in front, Gotta Love It 7 was not headed again aas she went on to an easy win.
Yandoo looked set for second placing but was run down by Project Racing over the final leg of the course.
Two of the other leading contenders in the championship, Rag & Famish Hotel (John Harris) and Southern Cross Constructions (Euan Mc Nicol) both recovered well from ‘ordinary’ starts but were never in a position to challenge the winner.
Hopefully, conditions will be more consistent for tomorrow’s opening race of the championship.
The Australian 18 Footers League will have its regular spectator ferry following each race of the championship and will have two ferries on each Sunday 15th and 22nd) as well as Saturday, 21st February.
Departure times are 2.30pm on each day with the exception of 14th and 21st February when ferries will depart at 3.30pm.
Photographs will be published on www.18footers.com.au.
Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League
Saturday, December 13, 2008
18 Foot Affair In 2009!
Here's an event for the 2009 Calendar if you are an footer fan!
This sent out today from France:
International 18ft Skiff Class Association
Double Bay, Sydney, Australia
Press Release
December 13, 2008
New Trophy for the International 18ft Skiff Circuit
The 18 Foot Skiff International Association is delighted to announce a new global competition, the Mark Foy Trophy, to be sailed for the first time in Carnac (France) between June 29th and July 04th 2009.
Mark Foy was one of the founders of the 18ft Skiff Class in Sydney in 1892 and a uniquely designed trophy bearing his name was recently rediscovered in the clubhouse of the Sydney Flying Squadron. Newly renovated and kindly donated by the Foy family, this valuable trophy will now take its rightful place as an International 18ft Skiff trophy.
As a sign of the importance of the class outside Australia, and to show particular support for the class in Europe, the first venue to hold a series of races for this Trophy will be Carnac in France, often cited as the birthplace of European 18ft Skiff racing. A huge turnout of 18ft Skiffs is expected, with over 30 boats representing Australia, New Zealand, the USA and many European countries, with previous JJ Giltinan winners and champions from other classes competing over 6 days in a gala event hosted by Yacht Club de Carnac.
John Harris, Commodore of the Australian 18 Footer League, comments, "Our International class organization is mandated to foster the growth of the class building on its success Internationally, and promoting the regattas held annually in Australia, Europe and the USA. The JJ Giltinan Trophy has been raced as a "world championship" on Sydney Harbor since 1935, and the Mark Foy Trophy is both a reflection of the popularity of 18 Footer Sailing Internationally and a fitting celebration for the class as it looks to continue its growth on all continents. The JJ Giltinan event will continue to be run in Sydney every year and maintain its iconic status as one of the ultimate sailing trophies to be won in the world today".
In 2010, the Mark Foy Trophy will return to its birthplace in Sydney, Australia and will be run alongside the JJ Giltinan Trophy to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the world's most exciting skiff class. San Francisco in 2011 and Auckland in 2012 are then scheduled hosts for the Mark Foy Trophy.
The Beautiful Trophy!
This sent out today from France:
International 18ft Skiff Class Association
Double Bay, Sydney, Australia
Press Release
December 13, 2008
New Trophy for the International 18ft Skiff Circuit
The 18 Foot Skiff International Association is delighted to announce a new global competition, the Mark Foy Trophy, to be sailed for the first time in Carnac (France) between June 29th and July 04th 2009.
Mark Foy was one of the founders of the 18ft Skiff Class in Sydney in 1892 and a uniquely designed trophy bearing his name was recently rediscovered in the clubhouse of the Sydney Flying Squadron. Newly renovated and kindly donated by the Foy family, this valuable trophy will now take its rightful place as an International 18ft Skiff trophy.
As a sign of the importance of the class outside Australia, and to show particular support for the class in Europe, the first venue to hold a series of races for this Trophy will be Carnac in France, often cited as the birthplace of European 18ft Skiff racing. A huge turnout of 18ft Skiffs is expected, with over 30 boats representing Australia, New Zealand, the USA and many European countries, with previous JJ Giltinan winners and champions from other classes competing over 6 days in a gala event hosted by Yacht Club de Carnac.
John Harris, Commodore of the Australian 18 Footer League, comments, "Our International class organization is mandated to foster the growth of the class building on its success Internationally, and promoting the regattas held annually in Australia, Europe and the USA. The JJ Giltinan Trophy has been raced as a "world championship" on Sydney Harbor since 1935, and the Mark Foy Trophy is both a reflection of the popularity of 18 Footer Sailing Internationally and a fitting celebration for the class as it looks to continue its growth on all continents. The JJ Giltinan event will continue to be run in Sydney every year and maintain its iconic status as one of the ultimate sailing trophies to be won in the world today".
In 2010, the Mark Foy Trophy will return to its birthplace in Sydney, Australia and will be run alongside the JJ Giltinan Trophy to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the world's most exciting skiff class. San Francisco in 2011 and Auckland in 2012 are then scheduled hosts for the Mark Foy Trophy.
The Beautiful Trophy!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Gotta Love It...
I am a little late in posting..but Congrats to Gotta Love It 7 for cleaning house at JJ's! Thank you for all the photos Christophe! I am BEYOND excited about the 2008 European Circuit, it's an affair I can not let go of.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
18 Foot Affair...
It's an affair to remember and one worth repeating...sitting here with a beautiful office view of the Connecticut valley, reflecting over my last office view of skiffs screaming across the waters of LakeGarda , Italy...I take a moment and look up the dates of the next European event...the country view is breath taking but a "sea" of skiffs awaiting launch makes my heart flutter.
Photo: J. Langille
The world of keel boats would regulate my pulse if not for dear friend Mason Woodworth's skiff ambition launching around the same time SailTrim.Org arrived on the virtual scene. I still recall the day...sitting at my cubical in biotech land and looking up the 18footer instead of staring aimlessly at excel spreadsheets... As Mason and team (David Brown and Simone Hamilton) prepared for their first JJ Giltinan Championship event in Sydney 2006; I resigned from team "rat race" with promise to join the boys for the 2007 installment of JJ...and so the affair began as a long distance relationship.
Photo: C. Favreau
What's the attraction? Combination of speed, carbon fiber and large sail area...at least that's what tickled my fancy. The relationship began when I entered into their world.
My first skiff encounter was in Sydney and the skiff sailor's nature...strong characters with humble hearts drew me into the class. Each of the teams I encountered, whether top flight or breaking trail, carried themselves broadly both figuratively and literally, with their own boats upon shoulders as they made way to the water's edge knowing; no matter how good a sailor you think you are...the 18footer will test both skill and wit.
Photo: J. Langille
For you see...the 18 foot skiff is a bit of a mono-haul princess (my opinion of course!). If the sailor does not bestow on her every bit of their attention, meeting her needs...she'll dump them, quite literally. Not focused...you will go swimming...worried about a missed deadline at work...splash!
Photo: C.Favreau
No matter how humbled, never have I seen a skiff sailor give up from a day's carnage...broken rigs, blown sheets, bowsprits and torn sails...a lawn littered by tools, carbon fiber and rigging till the sun rises; ensuring another day of racing is had. It's off the water where one witnesses the true character of a skiff sailor...
Whether it's sharing tools, tips and tactics or turning the regatta tent party into a surprise 40th for one of their own...the 18 foot skiff sailor is of strong mind, tender heart and good humor...
Photo: J.Langille
They are some of the silliest folks I've met in the world of sailing, easily laughing off the day's events. Not sure whether it's due to the Aussie roots combined with British humor and the artistic Europeans...or one race course bringing together the corporate professional who's traded in his suit for neoprene along side the "whipper-snapper" of a sailor who cut classes to make the start (not sure if that's the case...). It's a fleet of mixed nationalities and sailing legends...like no other sailing scene I've witnessed!
No matter...once they leave shore, all are 18 foot skiff sailors...an elite group. It's an 18 foot affair I plan to keep close to heart...do not be surprised if my next tale is from the trapeze...
"Go big or go home..." ~ Team Aeon
~Jenn
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