Friday 12 February 2010

Aussie 18 Foot Skiffs: Giltinan Championship - Invitation Race Won by Brits


Rob Greenhalgh steered Benny to victory in the Invitation Race. Image copyright Frank Quealey.

by Frank Quealey

Former Giltinan champion Rob Greenhalgh and his crew Dan Johnson and Phil Harmer were the masters of terrible conditions on Sydney Harbour when they brought their skiff, Benny, home a clear winner of the Giltinan Championship Invitation Race today.

Extreme heat and totally unpredictable wind (at times none) made the racing very difficult for competitors.


Andy Budgen's Project Racing finished second. Image copyright Frank Quealey.

It was a double for the UK teams when Andy Budgen, James Barker and Matt Mc Govern finished in second place with their skiff Project Racing.

First of the local boats to complete the course was the third placed Yandoo skippered by John Inning, with crewmen Andrew Hay and Dave Gibson.


Yandoo was third in the invitation race. Image copyright Frank Quealey.

The start was delayed due to threatening weather and finally the starter sent the fleet over the windward return course of three laps.

At the windward mark the first time there was a mass of boats going in all directions.

Asko Appliances (Archie Massey) then became the leader on the second lap before the breeze switched totally and spinnakers were set for the second ‘windward’ leg.

The prospect of strong winds coming from the south as heavy clouds circled the course sent many boats heading home to avoid possible gear damage before tomorrow’s Race 1 of the championship.

Aussie 18 Footers League

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