Skiffs!

The 2005 Eighteen Foot Skiff World Championship for the JJ Giltinan Trophy.....

The young Sydney crew of Club Marine led by rookie 18ft Skiff skipper Euan McNicol took out the world's most prestigious title when they won the Ssangyong JJ Giltinan International 18ft Skiff Championship on Sydney Harbour.

Mc Nicol, Seve Jarvin and Tim Austin produced amazing consistency against the world's most experienced skiff sailors to narrowly take the championship in their Club Marine sponsored skiff.

They went into the final heat with a small lead, but midway through the race were so far back in the pack they appeared to have absolutely no chance of taking the championship.

In the tradition of all champions they never gave up and worked their way back to 9th place at the finish.

The placing gave them overall victory by one point from Hugh Stodart's Asko Appliances, and two points from RMW Marine and Rag & Famish Hotel who also sailed brilliantly throughout the championship.

The regatta was the closest ever staged since the first JJ Giltinan was first sailed in 1938.

The seven races produced six different winners and the overall result was only decided a few hundred metres from the finishing line of the last heat. The only team with two race victories was RMW Marine, who also won the practice race in a 20+ knots nor'-easter.

All competitors and sponsors can also be proud of their efforts in making this such a wonderful event for spectators, who enjoyed commentary, betting and refreshments on the spectator ferries which followed the racing each day.

The Australian 18 Footers League also thanks sincerely the Ssangyong company for their support and prize of a Musso Sports vehicle to the winners.

In all, this was a great event and we can now only wait with anticipation for the 2006 championship.
 

Rob Greenhalgh helm - Dan Johnson middleman - Peter Greenhalgh bowman.

2005 Eighteen Foot Skiff World Championship Results

Position   Skiff Sponsor       Skipper       Country