18ft Skiff Racng 08/09 Channel
3B Legends Race - 18ft Skiffs
09-Mar-2009 Race 13 - 18ft Skiff club Championships
02-Mar-2009 081026-18FTSKIFF004-H.264.mov
16-Feb-2009
More Video in Channel
ABOUT THE CLASS

Eighteen foot skiffs have been sailing on Sydney Harbour since the 1800s, and through the years have evolved in design and weight.

They are one of the fastest centreboard boats, consisting of a mainsail, jib, spinnaker and a choice of two rigs. They feature “wings” protruding from both sides of the boat, allowing crews to lean from trapeze wires connected from the mast to a belt on each crew’s waist, which help keep the boat sailing flat and upright.

The “18” is a difficult boat to sail, requiring strength, agility, dexterity and a crew’s ability to read weather conditions.

One capsize can make the difference between winning and losing; and on a windy day there are many spills and thrills.

The 18’ skiffs race each Sunday and the season starts in October. For those wanting to follow these exhilarating skiffs racing on Sydney Harbour, a ferry departs from home of the 18 foot skiff, the Australian 18 Footers League Club at Double Bay, prior to race commencement each week, where the public can watch crews rig their boats in the park before departing.

Those preferring to watch from shoreside, can do so from Shark Island, Bradley’s Head on the North side of the Harbour, Nielsen Park at Vaucluse, Camp Cove and its headland at Watsons Bay and many other vantage points around the Harbour.