2016 18 Footer Historical Championships Final Race

‘Woody’ wins third successive Historical 18s Australian Championship title

Aberdare, with John ‘Woody’ Winning at the helm, won their third Historical 18 Foot Skiff 2016 Australian Championship in as many years on Sydney Harbour late today, despite being pipped to the post by the Harold Cudmore skippered Yendys by two seconds in the final race.

Hosted by the Sydney Flying Squadron, the original plan was to hold three races in total, but Friday was a windless washout and while organisers initially planned to sail a third race next Saturday, this morning the decision was taken to make today’s race the last.

And what a race it was. It was on between Aberdare and Yendys from the word go, and you would expect nothing less from these two champion sailors. One, Winning, with local knowledge and a host of skiff trophies. The other, Cudmore, Ireland’s best known sailor who has won multiple trophies for himself and others in keelboats and at major yachting events.

Despite repeated attempts to overtake Winning via tacking and gybing duels, Cudmore and crew could not find the overtaking lane in the light 7-8 knot nor’ easterly which lightened to five knots later in the race.

Full results:

1. Aberdare – John Winning, 3 points

2. Yendys – Harold Cudmore, 4

3. Australia – Michael Chapman, 10

4. Tangalooma- Peter Legrove, 11

5. Myra Too – Phil Barnett, 11

6. The Mistake – Terry Stewart, 12

7. Australia IV – David Witt, 14

8. Britannia – Ian Smith, 14

9. Alruth – Robin Tickner, 14

10. Scot – James Watt, 18

11. Top Weight – David Swales, 23