Re-starting the championship on Sunday
Following the abandonment of Races 1 and 2 of the NSW 18ft skiff Championship last Sunday, due to a severe electrical storm and the threat of a possible follow up, the Australian 18 Footers League will now stage Races 3 and 4 on Sydney Harbour next Sunday.
It’s been a highly frustrating start to the 2024-25 season for the League’s fleet which has had to contend with several races being sailed in winds between 20-30 knots and two other race days being abandoned because of the weather conditions.
Early forecast for next Sunday is not too much better with 20 knot SSE winds being predicted at the time of the two races.
Regardless of whatever conditions prevail, on form so far this season, the Rag & Famish Hotel team of Harry Price, Max Paul and Finn Rodowicz are hot favourites to take the title despite the return of skipper John ‘Woody’ Winning to re-join Fang Warren and Lewis Brake in the defending champion Yandoo team.
Some images taken during Sunday’s storm are attached.
Racing in the championship will continue over the next three Sundays (December 8, 15 and 22) on the same course with the eight-race championship now being reduced to six races, with each team still permitted to drop its worst performance to determine a final score.
The Australian 18 Footers League’s regular spectator ferry will follow all remaining races in the championship, leaving Double Bay Public Wharf at 2pm each Sunday.
SailMedia will also livestream all the action
Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League Ltd.