A History of the Australian Historical Sailing Skiff Association Inc
The AHSSA has been around long enough now to have its own history, so I’ve been going through the archives to work out what happened and when, and by whom.
It's in 3 parts, each roughly covering a decade, up to the end of 2022.
History of the Australian Historical Sailing Skiff Association Inc Part 1: Foundation, and the First Replicas.
Ian Smith, President AHSSA
It's in 3 parts, each roughly covering a decade, up to the end of 2022.
History of the Australian Historical Sailing Skiff Association Inc Part 1: Foundation, and the First Replicas.
Ian Smith, President AHSSA
Boatbuilder and skiff sailor Robert Tearne had the idea in the 1980's to build replicas of Australia's historical open boats, more commonly referred to in recent decades as skiffs, and began with a generic replica of a 6-footer, a class that raced from the late 1890's until the 1920's. He consulted extensively with the elderly Wee Georgie Robinson who had built and sailed 6-footers and 18-footers and was a legend in the sport. Wee Georgie gave Robert a model of his 6-footer that he was able to get lines off, but Wee Georgie told him that the boat was designed for 2 or 3 youths and a replica would need to be considerably more load-carrying to support three strapping adult ex-skiff sailors. Robert built his boat with foam and fibreglass and named it Wee Georgie, after his mentor who had passed away before seeing the boat. Robert sailed Wee Georgie with friends from the skiff world including the late Graeme Ferguson, including racing on Gaffers' Day in 1988.
Robert then built a generic replica of a 10-footer, a class that raced from the 1890's to the 1930's he named Janis. The group that that coalesced around Robert began to sail Janis regularly and started experimenting with ringtails, an extension to the leech of the mains'l downwind that had faded out of use soon after skiffs gave up gaff rigs in the early 1950's. There were still a few old blokes around that had sailed with ringtails and plenty of advice was available. Janis was built traditionally, batten seam carvel-planked in Australian Cedar like the originals.
Robert then built a generic replica of a 10-footer, a class that raced from the 1890's to the 1930's he named Janis. The group that that coalesced around Robert began to sail Janis regularly and started experimenting with ringtails, an extension to the leech of the mains'l downwind that had faded out of use soon after skiffs gave up gaff rigs in the early 1950's. There were still a few old blokes around that had sailed with ringtails and plenty of advice was available. Janis was built traditionally, batten seam carvel-planked in Australian Cedar like the originals.
George McGoogan (in cap) inspects Robert Tearne's Janis on launch day February 1990 at Drummoyne Sailing Club. Photo Bob Chapman. George McGoogan had directed the restoration of the 18-footer Yendys by Cockatoo island apprentices in the early 1980's.
Above: Janis was put through her paces. Photo John Frederickson; and next: The original group of enthusiasts began to experiment with a ringtail, the sail extending the leech of the main. Photo source unknown, possibly John Frederickson.
Robert called a meeting of interested parties to form an association that would promote replica building and skiff history, and the inaugural meeting took place on Sunday 5 August 1990, the foundation members being Robert Tearne, Graeme Ferguson, Campbell Wallace, Mark Shannon, Alison Heffernan, Bob Olsen and Jan Hickey. Robert was elected President. After discussion they settled on the name Australian Historical Sailing Skiff Association. The object of the Association "shall be to acquire, restore, build replicas of, sail, race, display and promote historical Australian skiffs and other open boats which the Association considers worthy of promotion".
A number of new members joined before the second meeting was held, including Reg Barrington who had started to build a replica of the 10-footer Viola of 1900 with the assistance of 18-footer Champion Len Heffernan; Dick and Peter Notley, Harvey Hamilton, Andy Hanright, John Eyles and others.
In accordance with the mission statement, Wee Georgie and Janis were displayed at Lane Cove 12-footer SC on 15 September and Janis and Viola were displayed at the inaugural Sydney Wooden Boat Festival at River Quays Marina in October. The following week Janis sailed in the Balmain Vintage Yacht race, the predecessor of the revival of the Balmain Regatta, and around this time all three boats sailed in the SASC Gaffers Day, and the two 10-footers visited the Kogarah Bay Sailing Club on a race day.
From the second meeting on the meetings were held at the Sydney Flying Squadron, the oldest open boat club in Australia. There was regular discussion at the early meetings regarding the 18-footer Yendys which had been restored by shipwright apprentices as Cockatoo Island Dockyard under the supervision of George McGoogan. Yendys had sailed several times on the Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour but was now stored at the almost defunct Balmain 12-footer Sailing Club.
The 3 Notley brothers, John, Dick and Peter sailed Viola in the Australia Day Regatta on 26 January 1991, establishing a tradition the Association has followed up to the present, joining in the oldest continuously running regatta in the world
Reg Barrington's Viola the second 10-footer replica built, pictured at a later regatta.
A number of new members joined before the second meeting was held, including Reg Barrington who had started to build a replica of the 10-footer Viola of 1900 with the assistance of 18-footer Champion Len Heffernan; Dick and Peter Notley, Harvey Hamilton, Andy Hanright, John Eyles and others.
In accordance with the mission statement, Wee Georgie and Janis were displayed at Lane Cove 12-footer SC on 15 September and Janis and Viola were displayed at the inaugural Sydney Wooden Boat Festival at River Quays Marina in October. The following week Janis sailed in the Balmain Vintage Yacht race, the predecessor of the revival of the Balmain Regatta, and around this time all three boats sailed in the SASC Gaffers Day, and the two 10-footers visited the Kogarah Bay Sailing Club on a race day.
From the second meeting on the meetings were held at the Sydney Flying Squadron, the oldest open boat club in Australia. There was regular discussion at the early meetings regarding the 18-footer Yendys which had been restored by shipwright apprentices as Cockatoo Island Dockyard under the supervision of George McGoogan. Yendys had sailed several times on the Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour but was now stored at the almost defunct Balmain 12-footer Sailing Club.
The 3 Notley brothers, John, Dick and Peter sailed Viola in the Australia Day Regatta on 26 January 1991, establishing a tradition the Association has followed up to the present, joining in the oldest continuously running regatta in the world
Reg Barrington's Viola the second 10-footer replica built, pictured at a later regatta.
Mindful of the strong links in open boat sailing with Brisbane, Robert Tearne and others took Janis to Queensland over Easter 1991. Brisbane 18-footer legend Jack Hamilton steered the boat in an exhibition race at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron on the Bay. The next day they took Janis to Mooloolaba where legend Norm Wright Jnr steered the boat on the canals. They returned to Brisbane on the 3rd day and sailed out of the 18-Footers Sailing Club at Bulimba on the River.
By late 1991 Reg Barrington had completed another 10-footer whose lines were based on a McCleer 12-footer named Dove. All three 10-footers and the 6-footer sailed in the Balmain Vintage Yacht race in November 1991 and the opening of the new Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour a week later.
At the first Annual General Meeting in November 1991 18-footer legend and long-term President of the Sydney Flying Squadron was appointed Life Patron of the Association.
In that 1991-92 season the three 10-footers began to race about once a month out of the SFS. On Australian Day Viola and Dove were joined by the Notley brothers in their restored 1940’s 12-footer Ajax and Ross Gardner in his original 18-foot half-decker Aster, both these boats being recognized by the Association as significant vessels. At a meeting that Summer Reg Barrington announced he was commencing to build a replica of the Brisbane 18-footer Tangalooma.
The First State of Origin
Robert Tearne had long fostered the intention to hold an Interstate challenge between Sydney and Brisbane, and this finally happened on the first weekend in May 1992. Viola, Janis and Dove sailed a series of races out of the Brisbane 18’s club, with Dove being loaned to a Brisbane crew to represent Queensland. Sydney’s Jack Boyd, a former 10-footer and 18-footer sailer won the series in Viola, with Janis second and Dove third. Dove was sold to Brisbane’s Tom Baird later that year.
Unfortunately Life Patron Bob Lundie died the weekend after the State of Origin. The trophy for the contest has always been named the Bob Lundie Trophy in his Honour.
The Association approached George McGoogan who with his brothers controlled the nearly-defunct Balmain 12-footers Club with the intention of joining the Club and using it as a base, but George told them that they could not join unless they came up with $20,000.
The Association continued to display at Clubs and events. Janis and Ajax displayed at the third Sydney Wooden Boat Festival held in October 1992 at the Dawn Fraser pool in Balmain. The Association was incorporated in November 1992.
By late 1991 Reg Barrington had completed another 10-footer whose lines were based on a McCleer 12-footer named Dove. All three 10-footers and the 6-footer sailed in the Balmain Vintage Yacht race in November 1991 and the opening of the new Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour a week later.
At the first Annual General Meeting in November 1991 18-footer legend and long-term President of the Sydney Flying Squadron was appointed Life Patron of the Association.
In that 1991-92 season the three 10-footers began to race about once a month out of the SFS. On Australian Day Viola and Dove were joined by the Notley brothers in their restored 1940’s 12-footer Ajax and Ross Gardner in his original 18-foot half-decker Aster, both these boats being recognized by the Association as significant vessels. At a meeting that Summer Reg Barrington announced he was commencing to build a replica of the Brisbane 18-footer Tangalooma.
The First State of Origin
Robert Tearne had long fostered the intention to hold an Interstate challenge between Sydney and Brisbane, and this finally happened on the first weekend in May 1992. Viola, Janis and Dove sailed a series of races out of the Brisbane 18’s club, with Dove being loaned to a Brisbane crew to represent Queensland. Sydney’s Jack Boyd, a former 10-footer and 18-footer sailer won the series in Viola, with Janis second and Dove third. Dove was sold to Brisbane’s Tom Baird later that year.
Unfortunately Life Patron Bob Lundie died the weekend after the State of Origin. The trophy for the contest has always been named the Bob Lundie Trophy in his Honour.
The Association approached George McGoogan who with his brothers controlled the nearly-defunct Balmain 12-footers Club with the intention of joining the Club and using it as a base, but George told them that they could not join unless they came up with $20,000.
The Association continued to display at Clubs and events. Janis and Ajax displayed at the third Sydney Wooden Boat Festival held in October 1992 at the Dawn Fraser pool in Balmain. The Association was incorporated in November 1992.
Robert Tearne and Graeme Ferguson built Commonwealth over the 1992-93 season, and sailed regularly with a crew of 5.
Over the Summer of 1992-93 Len Heffernan built the moulds for a 10-footer off which he intended to build 2 boats. He launched the first, Unique late that Summer. Robert Tearne and Graeme Ferguson began to build a replica of Norman Wright Snr’s 1906 10-footer Commonwealth in February and launched it just over a couple of months later. Both these boats travelled to Brisbane for the second State of Origin series making a fleet of 5 boats. Len Heffernan won the series in Unique, with Dove (Qld, Tom Baird) 2nd, followed by Viola, Commonwealth and Janis.
Photo: Wee Georgie on Gaffers Day 1993.
The Association displayed boats at the ANMM in June 1993 (with Paul Notary taking people for joyrides in Wee Georgie in Darling Harbour) and at the fourth Sydney Wooden Boat Festival held in Berry’s Bay. Unique won the Gaffers Day event for historical skiffs in October, followed by Commonwealth, Ajax and Wee Georgie. Commonwealth was trailed to a regatta in Ballarat in November. Viola and Commonwealth displayed at Abbotsford 12-footers Old Buffers Day. New member Gary Holder built Cornstalk off Len Heffernan’s moulds late in 1993.
The third State of Origin series was held at Drummoyne Sailing Club in late January 1994. Len Heffernan defended his title successfully in Unique, followed by Cornstalk, Viola, Dove (Qld) and Janis. Your current President joined the Association about this time and sailed with Peter Sainsbury on Janis on the last day and was hooked in spite of the boat capsizing.
Tangalooma Launched
A few days after the State of Origin Reg Barrington’s 18-footer replica Tangalooma the first 18’ replica was launched and she sailed in the Australia Day Regatta.
During 1994 the Association continued to display at events, including the Canberra Traditional Boat Squadron’s event in April (Commonwealth), and the 5th Sydney Wooden Boat Festival again held at Berry’s Bay in October. In November the inaugural Australian Wooden Boat Festival was held in Hobart and your scribe attended with a brand new 6-footer replica The Balmain Bug and the AHSSA photo display boards prepared by Graeme Ferguson. Len Heffernan completed a new 10-footer, Nina.
Photo: Wee Georgie on Gaffers Day 1993.
The Association displayed boats at the ANMM in June 1993 (with Paul Notary taking people for joyrides in Wee Georgie in Darling Harbour) and at the fourth Sydney Wooden Boat Festival held in Berry’s Bay. Unique won the Gaffers Day event for historical skiffs in October, followed by Commonwealth, Ajax and Wee Georgie. Commonwealth was trailed to a regatta in Ballarat in November. Viola and Commonwealth displayed at Abbotsford 12-footers Old Buffers Day. New member Gary Holder built Cornstalk off Len Heffernan’s moulds late in 1993.
The third State of Origin series was held at Drummoyne Sailing Club in late January 1994. Len Heffernan defended his title successfully in Unique, followed by Cornstalk, Viola, Dove (Qld) and Janis. Your current President joined the Association about this time and sailed with Peter Sainsbury on Janis on the last day and was hooked in spite of the boat capsizing.
Tangalooma Launched
A few days after the State of Origin Reg Barrington’s 18-footer replica Tangalooma the first 18’ replica was launched and she sailed in the Australia Day Regatta.
During 1994 the Association continued to display at events, including the Canberra Traditional Boat Squadron’s event in April (Commonwealth), and the 5th Sydney Wooden Boat Festival again held at Berry’s Bay in October. In November the inaugural Australian Wooden Boat Festival was held in Hobart and your scribe attended with a brand new 6-footer replica The Balmain Bug and the AHSSA photo display boards prepared by Graeme Ferguson. Len Heffernan completed a new 10-footer, Nina.
The yet-to-be-launched The Balmain Bug at Hobart ‘94. Photo Ian Smith.
Founder and inaugural President Robert Tearne stepped down at the 4th AGM in November 1994 and John Bennett was elected President. Russell Debney was appointed Patron, Bill Bollard was elected Hon Secretary.
Meetings
The general meetings of the Association became more regular until they were happening every month. While the first meeting was in a member’s home, the second and subsequent meetings were held at the Sydney Flying Squadron except for a couple at Drummoyne Sailing Club until late 1994. From the November meeting in 1994 we met at the Sydney Maritime Museum building in Mansfield St Rozelle. The Museum’s small boat fleet was on display/storage at this location, a huge building, including several 12-footers and the remains of the 18-footer Chris Webb III. We would arrive at 7.30 pm and wander amongst the boats until we started the meeting at 8 pm. We would finish the meeting and then adjourn to the Bald Rock Hotel across the road. This period saw the largest membership attendance in the Association’s history.
Len Heffernan’s new Nina won her first race at Drummoyne Sailing Club in March 1995 from Tangalooma, Viola and The Balmain Bug. Janis disappears from the race results about this time as she had cracked several planks and was not deemed worthy of repair. The boat was donated to the Sydney Maritime Museum.
The venerable 12-footer Ajax was invited to race with the modern 12’s at Saratoga about this time, and The Balmain Bug attended for display.
On Anzac Day 1995 I launched the 10-footer Republic, built to the same lines as Viola, but planked traditionally with batten seam carvel planking in Cedar.
Ian Smith’s Republic on her launch day, Anzac Day 1995, with The Balmain Bug in attendance.
Meetings
The general meetings of the Association became more regular until they were happening every month. While the first meeting was in a member’s home, the second and subsequent meetings were held at the Sydney Flying Squadron except for a couple at Drummoyne Sailing Club until late 1994. From the November meeting in 1994 we met at the Sydney Maritime Museum building in Mansfield St Rozelle. The Museum’s small boat fleet was on display/storage at this location, a huge building, including several 12-footers and the remains of the 18-footer Chris Webb III. We would arrive at 7.30 pm and wander amongst the boats until we started the meeting at 8 pm. We would finish the meeting and then adjourn to the Bald Rock Hotel across the road. This period saw the largest membership attendance in the Association’s history.
Len Heffernan’s new Nina won her first race at Drummoyne Sailing Club in March 1995 from Tangalooma, Viola and The Balmain Bug. Janis disappears from the race results about this time as she had cracked several planks and was not deemed worthy of repair. The boat was donated to the Sydney Maritime Museum.
The venerable 12-footer Ajax was invited to race with the modern 12’s at Saratoga about this time, and The Balmain Bug attended for display.
On Anzac Day 1995 I launched the 10-footer Republic, built to the same lines as Viola, but planked traditionally with batten seam carvel planking in Cedar.
Ian Smith’s Republic on her launch day, Anzac Day 1995, with The Balmain Bug in attendance.
The fourth State of Origin was again in Brisbane and Len Heffernan’s new Nina topped the series (Len’s third Championship in a row) from Cornstalk, Unique (now in the hands of Hugh Graveson, Queensland), Dove (Q), Viola and Republic.
The 1995 Balmain Regatta in October saw our biggest fleet racing together to date with 8 boats, Tangalooma, Ajax, Nina, Wee Georgie, The Balmain Bug, Republic, Cornstalk and Aster. The same boats (less Ajax) turned up for Gaffers Day the following week.
Len Heffernan kept on building boats and his new 10-footer Query had her first race in the Australia Day Regatta on 26 January 1996, winning from Tangalooma, Ajax, Republic, Aster and Viola. The 5th 10-footers Championship happened at Drummoyne Sailing Club in the same week, though the name “State of Origin” was now dropped and it was titled the first Australian Historical 10-Foot Skiff Championship. Len Heffernan had a fourth win in his new Query, from Cornstalk, Unique (Q), Viola and Republic.
Several 10-footers sailed on Newcastle Harbour in the Port Hunter (Stockton) 16-footers ‘Cock o’ the Harbour’ race in March 1996. The Balmain Bug was rigged for display and sailed at Belmont 16’s on the way home on the Sunday.
Graeme Ferguson, Jordan Smith and Ian Smith prepare Republic to sail with the Stockton 16-footers on Port Hunter in March 1996. Photo Bill Bollard.
The 1995 Balmain Regatta in October saw our biggest fleet racing together to date with 8 boats, Tangalooma, Ajax, Nina, Wee Georgie, The Balmain Bug, Republic, Cornstalk and Aster. The same boats (less Ajax) turned up for Gaffers Day the following week.
Len Heffernan kept on building boats and his new 10-footer Query had her first race in the Australia Day Regatta on 26 January 1996, winning from Tangalooma, Ajax, Republic, Aster and Viola. The 5th 10-footers Championship happened at Drummoyne Sailing Club in the same week, though the name “State of Origin” was now dropped and it was titled the first Australian Historical 10-Foot Skiff Championship. Len Heffernan had a fourth win in his new Query, from Cornstalk, Unique (Q), Viola and Republic.
Several 10-footers sailed on Newcastle Harbour in the Port Hunter (Stockton) 16-footers ‘Cock o’ the Harbour’ race in March 1996. The Balmain Bug was rigged for display and sailed at Belmont 16’s on the way home on the Sunday.
Graeme Ferguson, Jordan Smith and Ian Smith prepare Republic to sail with the Stockton 16-footers on Port Hunter in March 1996. Photo Bill Bollard.
Robert Tearne and Graeme Ferguson trailed Commonwealth to Hobart for the 2nd Australian Wooden Boat Festival in November 1996, and I took Republic and The Balmain Bug. The two 10-footers are here next to the North Head ferry.
1997 began with a new record 12 AHSSA boats racing in the Australia Day Regatta, and The Balmain Bug won the historical race at the Lane Cove 12-footers Centenary in March from Republic (sailed by AHSSA Hon Secretary Bill Bollard), Nina and Ajax.
But the biggest event of 1997 was the launching of Reg Barrington’s second 18-footer replica Scot on 23 March. Reg had been ill for some time and was barely able to finish the boat but was helped by Len Heffernan and others. Reg died soon after the launching. Scot was towed up to Brisbane at the beginning of May and sailed on the River during the 2nd Australian Historical 10-Foot Skiffs Championship (actually the 6th championship) which was won for a fifth time by Len Heffernan in Query (2nd time for the boat), followed by Nina (Dick Notley), Unique (Hugh Graveson, Queensland), Viola (sailed by Mick Reid, Queensland), Dove (John Anderson, Queensland) and Republic (Ian Smith). The carnival also featured the Norman Wright 16-footer Fury which was recently returned from the USA where it was taken during World War 2. Fury’s story will be told in a future edition.
Launching Scot at Kissing Point, 23 March 1997. Len Heffernan back to camera in white vest, Dick Notley far right.
Launching Scot at Kissing Point, 23 March 1997. Len Heffernan back to camera in white vest, Dick Notley far right.
Above: 10-footers plus Scot rigging in the rain at Brisbane 18’s, May ‘97, and Nina and Cornstalk working upwind. What was the slogan about Queensland, Beautiful one day, perfect the next?
Above: 16-footer Fury recently returned from USA sailed on the River that weekend, Jack Hamilton at the tiller, pictured sailing past the old Norman Wright shed; and Republic with ringtail overtakes Dove just before the finish of the second heat to avoid last place. Sail area matters!
Gaffers Day in October 1997 featured several visiting Couta boats from Victoria, and the historic skiffs race featured a heavyweight sharpie and a Williamstown punt as well as Scot, Republic, Nina, Viola and two 14-footers built by the late Nick Masterman: Intrepid (sailed by AHSSA member Garry Ferres) and Tidmarch (sailed by owner Tony Eastley from the ABC). The latter 2 boats also joined our fleet at the Balmain Regatta soon afterwards in which Commonwealth steered by Bill Bollard won from Scot steered by 18-footer legend Jim Fraser.
Scot at the 1997 Balmain Regatta. Photo source unknown, possibly Leanne Gould.
Scot at the 1997 Balmain Regatta. Photo source unknown, possibly Leanne Gould.
The 3rd (7th) Aus Hist 10ft Skiffs Championships were held at Drummoyne in late January 1998 and Query won the Championship again, but this time steered by Ron ‘Wrecker’Johnson who had sailed on mainsheet with Len Heffernan since their first win with Unique in 1992. A significant event for the development of the Association happened when John ‘Woody’ Winning steered Republic in one race, and though he broke the mast by carrying the peak-head kite too shy he became hooked on historic skiff sailing which had a huge effect on the historic skiffs movement, as will be described in Part 2 of this history.
In March 1998 Commonwealth visited Wallaga Lake on the NSW South Coast for their ‘Old Salts Regatta’. A crew of Ian Smith (helm), Graeme Ferguson (frd) and Paul Notary plus a game local went out in a howling Southerly when most of the dinghy fleet stayed onshore, but nose-dived spectacularly when turning downwind.
Photo: Commonwealth visited Wallaga Lake NSW for their ‘Old Salts Regatta’ in March 1998 but nose-dived soon after this photo was taken.
In March 1998 Commonwealth visited Wallaga Lake on the NSW South Coast for their ‘Old Salts Regatta’. A crew of Ian Smith (helm), Graeme Ferguson (frd) and Paul Notary plus a game local went out in a howling Southerly when most of the dinghy fleet stayed onshore, but nose-dived spectacularly when turning downwind.
Photo: Commonwealth visited Wallaga Lake NSW for their ‘Old Salts Regatta’ in March 1998 but nose-dived soon after this photo was taken.
The Medway Challenge
SFS founder Mark Foy took the 22-footer Irex to Britain in 1898 and challenged the British to beat him. A British boat beat them in 3 straight races on the Medway East of London (the whole story is in THE ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN SHIELD on the YARNS Page on www.openboat.com.au). In September 1996 the Medway Yacht Club challenged the Sydney Flying Squadron to a rematch, but they suggested using Dragons or some other class boat. Dick Notley took charge of the Australian response and suggested we could take Tangalooma and Scot to Britain and match race a British team. As it happened, the father of the Notley brothers had been a senior P&O ship’s captain and Dick was able to convince P&O Nedlloyd to sponsor shipping the 2 boats. The boats left on a container ship in July 1998. A team from the SFS of Dick and John Notley, Rob Tearne, Paul Notary, Bob Sawyer and others raced against a British team, swapping boats over the 4 races. The British team won 3 out of the 4. I’m told that the Medway Yacht Club were wonderful hosts and some ongoing friendships were established.
On 10-11 October 1998 the re-named Sydney Classic and Wooden Boat Festival was held at the Australian National Maritime Museum, and Commonwealth and Republic were displayed alongside the 16-footer Evelyn IV from the Sydney Heritage Fleet, organised by AHSSA member and 16-footer historian Jack Ray.
Also in October the Balmain Regatta saw Ross Gardner’s Aster win from Query and Commonwealth, Viola, Republic, Ajax, Intrepid and Nina. Also also in October we were visited by Matt Murphy the editor of the US WoodenBoat Magazine, and a group of AHSSA members including Bill Bollard, Dick Notley, Jack Ray, Graeme Ferguson, Ian Smith and Michael Blakeney showed Matt around the Sydney Heritage Fleet collection, the James Craig, the steam yacht Ena and finished with a lunch at Doyle’s at the Fish Market. Eventually this resulted in a couple of articles on Australian historical skiffs in the Magazine.
Over the 1998-99 season AHSSA boats continued to race, as usual in the Australia Day Regatta, and 10 boats from our fleet helped Greenwich Flying Squadron celebrate their 75th anniversary. Tangalooma and Scot sailed often on Friday night twilights with the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. Commonwealth and Republic were now kept at the Balmain Sailing Club which a community group had established from the collapse of the Balmain 12-footers Club several years before and were racing with the Club’s dinghy fleet on Friday night twilights from the 1996-97 season on.
Photo: Tangalooma racing in one of the RSYS Friday night twilights in the 1998-99 season.
SFS founder Mark Foy took the 22-footer Irex to Britain in 1898 and challenged the British to beat him. A British boat beat them in 3 straight races on the Medway East of London (the whole story is in THE ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN SHIELD on the YARNS Page on www.openboat.com.au). In September 1996 the Medway Yacht Club challenged the Sydney Flying Squadron to a rematch, but they suggested using Dragons or some other class boat. Dick Notley took charge of the Australian response and suggested we could take Tangalooma and Scot to Britain and match race a British team. As it happened, the father of the Notley brothers had been a senior P&O ship’s captain and Dick was able to convince P&O Nedlloyd to sponsor shipping the 2 boats. The boats left on a container ship in July 1998. A team from the SFS of Dick and John Notley, Rob Tearne, Paul Notary, Bob Sawyer and others raced against a British team, swapping boats over the 4 races. The British team won 3 out of the 4. I’m told that the Medway Yacht Club were wonderful hosts and some ongoing friendships were established.
On 10-11 October 1998 the re-named Sydney Classic and Wooden Boat Festival was held at the Australian National Maritime Museum, and Commonwealth and Republic were displayed alongside the 16-footer Evelyn IV from the Sydney Heritage Fleet, organised by AHSSA member and 16-footer historian Jack Ray.
Also in October the Balmain Regatta saw Ross Gardner’s Aster win from Query and Commonwealth, Viola, Republic, Ajax, Intrepid and Nina. Also also in October we were visited by Matt Murphy the editor of the US WoodenBoat Magazine, and a group of AHSSA members including Bill Bollard, Dick Notley, Jack Ray, Graeme Ferguson, Ian Smith and Michael Blakeney showed Matt around the Sydney Heritage Fleet collection, the James Craig, the steam yacht Ena and finished with a lunch at Doyle’s at the Fish Market. Eventually this resulted in a couple of articles on Australian historical skiffs in the Magazine.
Over the 1998-99 season AHSSA boats continued to race, as usual in the Australia Day Regatta, and 10 boats from our fleet helped Greenwich Flying Squadron celebrate their 75th anniversary. Tangalooma and Scot sailed often on Friday night twilights with the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. Commonwealth and Republic were now kept at the Balmain Sailing Club which a community group had established from the collapse of the Balmain 12-footers Club several years before and were racing with the Club’s dinghy fleet on Friday night twilights from the 1996-97 season on.
Photo: Tangalooma racing in one of the RSYS Friday night twilights in the 1998-99 season.
The Balmain Bug attended the Heritage Afloat festival at Toronto on Lake Macquarie at Easter again. Republic won the second Nick Masterman Memorial race at the Balmain Sailing Club from Commonwealth and Scot.
In May 1999 the 4th (8th) Australian Historical 10-Foot Skiffs Championship was held in Brisbane and Query won the series for the fourth time in a row and the second time under Ron Johnson. Unique (Hugh Graveson, Queensland) was 2nd, from Viola, Commonwealth, Dove and Republic. You may notice that there had been no new 10-footers built for several seasons, but this was about to change.
But not only the 10-footer situation would change…..Association founder Robert Tearne started to build a replica of Aberdare, one of the most significant 18-footers ever, and started a process that has led to the fleet we have now.
In May 1999 the 4th (8th) Australian Historical 10-Foot Skiffs Championship was held in Brisbane and Query won the series for the fourth time in a row and the second time under Ron Johnson. Unique (Hugh Graveson, Queensland) was 2nd, from Viola, Commonwealth, Dove and Republic. You may notice that there had been no new 10-footers built for several seasons, but this was about to change.
But not only the 10-footer situation would change…..Association founder Robert Tearne started to build a replica of Aberdare, one of the most significant 18-footers ever, and started a process that has led to the fleet we have now.
Part 2, 2000-2009
Aberdare was carefully lowered into Blackwattle Bay. Builder Robert Tearne and son Ben, Holger Schumann closest to camera, January 2000.
Founder of the AHSSA Robert Tearne built a replica of the 1932 18-footer Aberdare in a floating pontoon in Blackwattle Bay during 1999, launched her in January 2000 and steered her in her first race in February. This started the next big stage in the history of the Association because it led to the growth of the 18-footer fleet, fittingly close to the start of the new millennium. Two significant new members joined during 1999, John Winning and Grant Taylor. Both commissioned Robert to build them an 18-footer replica. Both selected boats built by Norm Wright in Brisbane: John Winning chose Australia, a 6-foot beamer built in 1946 that John’s father had sailed on, and Grant Taylor chose Top Weight II, a 7-foot beamer built in 1947. The two boats were built alongside each other in a different floating shed in Blackwattle Bay during 2000.
Australia and Top Weight were built alongside each other.
The 10-footers opened 2000 with the Australian titles at Drummoyne SC in January with 6 boats but no Brisbane boats were able to come down. Len Heffernan came out of retirement to steer Query to victory. Five of those 10-footers joined the three 18-footers in an event at Greenwich Flying Squadron in March, which Aberdare won. From the March meeting on, Association monthly general meetings were held at the Sydney Flying Squadron.
Len Heffernan steers Query on the Brisbane River.
A team from Britain visited at Easter for the return Medway Challenge. Over a series of 5 races using Tangalooma and Scot. The Australian team skippered by Robert Tearne beat the British 5-0, revenge for 1998 (see Pt 1).
The three 18-footers visited Brisbane in May and raced on the River. For the next decade the 18-footers would travel to Brisbane in even-numbered years, and the 10-footers would go up in the alternate years.
Australia joined the fleet for the opening race of the season on 7 October 2000, and Top Weight joined the following week and opened their account by capsizing. Both were launched officially together on 28 October, Australia by Peggy Formosa, John Winning’s sister, and Top Weight by Daphne Russell, wife of the late Bish Bolton who had steered the boat in the late 1940’s before his untimely death (see THE BISH BOLTON STORY on the YARNS Page on www.openboat.com.au
A Queensland team visited Sydney in January 2001 and sailed Top Weight in a series of 3 races, all of which were won by John Winning in Australia. In March Australia and Top Weight visited Melbourne to sail on Port Phillip with the classic yachts Waitangi and Sayonara in the Intercolonial Challenge, a joint effort of Victoria’s Classic Yacht Association, the Sydney Amateurs and the SFS, organised by Grant Taylor.
The 10-footers Australian Championship was in Brisbane in May 2001 and 7 boats contested, Unique and Dove representing Queensland, and Query (the winner under Len Heffernan), Nina, Republic, Viola and Commonwealth representing NSW.
John Winning had decided he wanted a 7-foot beamer and commissioned Robert Tearne to build a replica of Alruth, a League boat from 1947. Robert commenced work in June and Alruth had her first race on 13 October 2001 but was launched officially on 20 October. That season featured very fresh breezes for the first 4 races, and considerable damage was caused to boats. There were 6 boats in the fleet but there were no 6-boat finishes until late November due to capsizes and breakages. Australia was now being campaigned by Bill Kopsen.
The cover of the programme for the JJ Giltinan Trophy Commemoration 2002, with artwork by Brian Caldersmith.
2002 opened with a visit from six M-Class boats from New Zealand for a re- enactment of the first 18- Footers World Championship in 1938 (see THE FIRST WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP FOR 18- FOOTERS IN 1938 on the YARNS Page on www.openboat.com.au and Robin Elliott’s Galloping Ghosts). Coming into the 3rd heat Myth (Ted Miller, NZ) and Australia (John Winning, AUS) had each won a heat and interest was so high a second ferry had to be chartered for spectators. Myth won the final heat and the series. Alruth was crewed for the series by 3 generations of the Beashel family (the original boat was built and sailed by Alf Beashel, a foundation member of the League). Top Weight was steered by Iain Murray with Don Buckley in the crew, former World Champions.
Scenes from the JJ Giltinan Commemoration 2002. It is clear the only similarity between the fleets is 18’ length on deck.
Ron Johnson had built himself a new 10-footer during 2001 he named Apex, the first new 10-footer for several years, and opened his account by taking out the Australian Championship at Drummoyne SC in January 2002 in a fleet of 7 boats. Unique (Hugh Graveson) and Dove (Les Todkill) represented Queensland. Leanne Gould became the Association’s first female skipper, sailing Viola. She proved she was competitive by taking out the handicap prize in the NSW Championship (won by Apex) held at Toronto in fierce conditions at Easter.
In May 2002 all six 18-footers travelled to Brisbane for the Australian Championship. Australia and Scot represented Queensland, each with a core Sydney crew plus several Queenslanders, including Dennis Lehaney steering Australia in one race (in the other two Sydney’s Bob Chapman steered). Australia won one heat and the overall handicap, but Alruth (John Winning) won both other heats and the Championship. AHSSA member Alan Pike also attended with his new boat Taipan II, built from a previously unbuilt plan by Bob Miller (Ben Lexcen) from the early 1960’s.
In May 2002 all six 18-footers travelled to Brisbane for the Australian Championship. Australia and Scot represented Queensland, each with a core Sydney crew plus several Queenslanders, including Dennis Lehaney steering Australia in one race (in the other two Sydney’s Bob Chapman steered). Australia won one heat and the overall handicap, but Alruth (John Winning) won both other heats and the Championship. AHSSA member Alan Pike also attended with his new boat Taipan II, built from a previously unbuilt plan by Bob Miller (Ben Lexcen) from the early 1960’s.
Alruth (John Winning), winner of the Australian Championship in Brisbane May 2002, with new big rig.
Below: Bob and Les Todkill building the first Lil Imp.
In the Winter of 2002 meetings of the AHSSA (still at the SFS) entrusted John Stanley, Grant Taylor and Robert Tearne with formulating building rules for historical 18-footers as there was talk of several boats being built, including Ian Smith’s Britannia and Jenny IV in Brisbane. There were also 6 new 10-footers being built, 3 in NSW and 3 in Queensland. Ron Johnson was building one for himself, Len Heffernan was building one for Tony Weber, and Ron Robinson was building one in Sawtell. Hugh Graveson, Mick Reid and Bob and Les Todkill were each building one in Queensland.
The July meeting saw our first guest speaker, John Stanley who spoke on the 21-ft Restricted class, starting a feature of guest speakers which lasted for a year or so. Jim Fraser spoke in August, Robin Elliott in October, Ron Balkwell in November and Len Heffernan in December.
The 2002-03 season opened again with a series of fresh breezes Aberdare (Robert Tearne) won 5 of the first 8 races and didn’t finish in the other 3 with 2 capsizes and a broken mast when leading.
Ian Smith’s Britannia was launched on 19 October 2002 witnessed by a large crowd.
The 2002-03 season opened again with a series of fresh breezes Aberdare (Robert Tearne) won 5 of the first 8 races and didn’t finish in the other 3 with 2 capsizes and a broken mast when leading.
Ian Smith’s Britannia was launched on 19 October 2002 witnessed by a large crowd.
Britannia was launched by Fay Magner, daughter of Wee Georgie Robinson the original builder.
In February 2003 seven boats including the as yet unlaunched Jenny IV were loaded into containers and shipped to Auckland for the 1939 Giltinan re-enactment (see AUCKLAND 1939: THE SECOND WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP FOR 18-FOOTERS on the YARNS Page on www.openboat.com.au and Robin Elliott’s Galloping Ghosts), challenging the M-class. Alruth (John Winning) narrowly won the series from Moonlight . Top Weight’s owner Grant Taylor engaged Irish yachting legend Harold Cudmore to steer in Auckland, beginning an association with the historical 18’s that is ongoing.
18’s and M-class boats preparing for a race in Auckland.
Below:Jenny IV had her first races in Auckland. Breezes for the series were mostly fresh.
With so many new 10-footers being built, rules for building and rigging 10-footers were drawn up and approved at the January meeting and were published in March 2003. Eleven boats fronted for the Australian Championship in Brisbane in May, with Dove (now in the hands of Alison Early), Dynamic (Hugh Graveson), Query (Col McCartney) and Unique (Les Todkill) representing Queensland and Merle, Nina, Truant, Viola, Commonwealth and Republic representing NSW. Republic was sailed by Michael Northam and crew from Lake Macquarie, the first instance of a developing Lake Macquarie connection. Ron Robinson’s Scamp also raced, but was deemed an unregistered entrant due to numerous features of gear that contravened the recent rules of which they were fully aware. Truant (Ron Johnson) won both scratch and handicap from Unique.
In the off-season of 2003 monthly meetings were held at the SFS, but June and July were at Drummoyne Sailing Club and by the beginning of 2004 this was always the case, chaired by President Graeme Ferguson, with new patron Bill Gale.
In September 2003 a 1948 12-footer Ron built by Ron Balkwell turned up in very good condition, having been garaged for decades, and was stored for a while at the SFS but was eventually donated to the Sydney Heritage Fleet. Early member and winner of the first 10-footers State of Origin Jack Boyd died in October 2003.
The NSW 10’s began racing every second Sunday at Drummoyne SC from the 2003-04 season. Merle (Peter Walsh) won the NSW Championship narrowly from Truant (Ron Johnson) in November. In January the 10-footer built by Mick Reid in Brisbane with many illegal features, named Mischief (the story is right there in the name) had been purchased by John Winning and most of the more controversial features removed, and John with crew of Robert Tearne and a lightweight teenager won the Australian Championship at DSC from Truant. Grumblings were heard from other skippers and crews. Fortnightly racing continued at DSC with a fleet of 5 boats, and Brisbane began regular 10-footer racing on the River, with Les Todkill’s new Lil Imp joining the fleet.
18’s racing in early 2004 saw lots of damage to rigs. Australia was a standout winner, winning once under Harold Cudmore (returning for his second season with us) and gaining fastest time 3 times in a row under Greg Kay to join Alruth on scratch.
Several notable events occurred in early 2004. Britannia was featured on display at the Classic and Wooden Boat Festival at the National Maritime Museum in March. Two legends made guest appearances at regular SFS races, Jim Fraser steered Tangalooma into 3rd on his 80th birthday, and Ken Minter steered Aberdare into a dead heat for 3rd in another race.
In late April and early May 6 New Zealand M-class boats travelled to Brisbane for a Trans-Tasman Challenge. All 7 Sydney 18-footers travelled up to join locals Jenny IV and Mick Reid’s new sharpie 18-footer Dulux. There were 6 races from Anzac Day to 3 May. The Australian Championship was conducted simultaneously with the Trans-Tasman Challenge, sometimes referred to at the time as the World Championship. The latter was won by Mach One (. NZ) from Alruth and Jenny IV, with Dulux taking out the handicap. The Australian Championship was won by Jenny IV (Peter Cavill) from Alruth and Aberdare. 89-year old Brian Gale steered Britannia in the last two races. Brian had first sailed on the Brisbane River with 12-footers in 1932, and had been in the crew of Taree in Auckland in 1939. At the September 2004 AGM Brian was appointed Patron, replacing his brother Bill.
In the off-season of 2003 monthly meetings were held at the SFS, but June and July were at Drummoyne Sailing Club and by the beginning of 2004 this was always the case, chaired by President Graeme Ferguson, with new patron Bill Gale.
In September 2003 a 1948 12-footer Ron built by Ron Balkwell turned up in very good condition, having been garaged for decades, and was stored for a while at the SFS but was eventually donated to the Sydney Heritage Fleet. Early member and winner of the first 10-footers State of Origin Jack Boyd died in October 2003.
The NSW 10’s began racing every second Sunday at Drummoyne SC from the 2003-04 season. Merle (Peter Walsh) won the NSW Championship narrowly from Truant (Ron Johnson) in November. In January the 10-footer built by Mick Reid in Brisbane with many illegal features, named Mischief (the story is right there in the name) had been purchased by John Winning and most of the more controversial features removed, and John with crew of Robert Tearne and a lightweight teenager won the Australian Championship at DSC from Truant. Grumblings were heard from other skippers and crews. Fortnightly racing continued at DSC with a fleet of 5 boats, and Brisbane began regular 10-footer racing on the River, with Les Todkill’s new Lil Imp joining the fleet.
18’s racing in early 2004 saw lots of damage to rigs. Australia was a standout winner, winning once under Harold Cudmore (returning for his second season with us) and gaining fastest time 3 times in a row under Greg Kay to join Alruth on scratch.
Several notable events occurred in early 2004. Britannia was featured on display at the Classic and Wooden Boat Festival at the National Maritime Museum in March. Two legends made guest appearances at regular SFS races, Jim Fraser steered Tangalooma into 3rd on his 80th birthday, and Ken Minter steered Aberdare into a dead heat for 3rd in another race.
In late April and early May 6 New Zealand M-class boats travelled to Brisbane for a Trans-Tasman Challenge. All 7 Sydney 18-footers travelled up to join locals Jenny IV and Mick Reid’s new sharpie 18-footer Dulux. There were 6 races from Anzac Day to 3 May. The Australian Championship was conducted simultaneously with the Trans-Tasman Challenge, sometimes referred to at the time as the World Championship. The latter was won by Mach One (. NZ) from Alruth and Jenny IV, with Dulux taking out the handicap. The Australian Championship was won by Jenny IV (Peter Cavill) from Alruth and Aberdare. 89-year old Brian Gale steered Britannia in the last two races. Brian had first sailed on the Brisbane River with 12-footers in 1932, and had been in the crew of Taree in Auckland in 1939. At the September 2004 AGM Brian was appointed Patron, replacing his brother Bill.
Brian Gale steered Britannia in the last two races in Brisbane in 2004 at the age of 89, we think that’s a record for an 18-footer.
In September the Galloping Ghost Trophy was donated to the Sydney Flying Squadron by Robert Hart, son of Fred Hart the owner of the original Aberdare, and John Stanley organised the restoration of the magnificent silver model of Aberdare that features on the trophy, which from 2004-05 season became the trophy for the Australian Historical 18-Footers Championship.
In late October 12 AHSSA boats , both 10’s and 18’s raced in the Balmain Regatta, our biggest fleet there ever. In November Ron Johnson launched his 3rd 10-footer, Truant II, and joined the now monthly races at DSC, and won the NSW Championship in early January 2005 in a fleet of 9 boats including Lil Imp visiting from Brisbane.
Ron Collyer had become the Editor of the newsletter from the 2004 AGM, and newsletters began to feature thorough race reports from Kevin O’Keefe, both from 10’s and 18’s. Two stalwarts of open boat racing died, Jack Ray in December 2004 and Tom Martin in January 2005. Either side of Christmas the SFS tried a series of 4 handicap sprint races, won overall by Britannia with guest skipper Peter Notley winning the first 2 in December.
Jenny IV travelled to Sydney for the Australian Championships in January 2005, and won both scratch and handicap. Harold Cudmore steered Top Weight in this series, and in the final race took the lead from Jenny IV several times and was ahead on the final run when a gaff block sheered and the gaff came down.
Several of the 18’s fleet attended the celebration of the 70th year of the League in Double Bay, and once again Alruth was crewed by three generations of the Beashel family.
John Stanley continued his tracing of historical trophies, and found the Port Macquarie Easter Egg Cup, which was donated back to the SFs by Frank Messingham, whose grandfather Lan Taylor had won it outright after winning it 3 times with Keriki in the 1930’s. Several 18-footers from Sydney travelled up to Port Macquarie every Easter through the 1920’s and ‘30’s (see THE PORT MACQUARIE REGATTA on the YARNS Page on www.openboat.com.au ). John Stanley, Graeme Ferguson and Ian Smith visited Port Macquarie and arranged a re-enactment for Easter 2005. Six 18’s (Top Weight the exception) travelled up and ten 10’s attended including 4 Brisbane boats. A handicap series, the 18’s event was won by Britannia (Ian Smith) and the 10’s event by Commonwealth (Graeme Ferguson).
In late October 12 AHSSA boats , both 10’s and 18’s raced in the Balmain Regatta, our biggest fleet there ever. In November Ron Johnson launched his 3rd 10-footer, Truant II, and joined the now monthly races at DSC, and won the NSW Championship in early January 2005 in a fleet of 9 boats including Lil Imp visiting from Brisbane.
Ron Collyer had become the Editor of the newsletter from the 2004 AGM, and newsletters began to feature thorough race reports from Kevin O’Keefe, both from 10’s and 18’s. Two stalwarts of open boat racing died, Jack Ray in December 2004 and Tom Martin in January 2005. Either side of Christmas the SFS tried a series of 4 handicap sprint races, won overall by Britannia with guest skipper Peter Notley winning the first 2 in December.
Jenny IV travelled to Sydney for the Australian Championships in January 2005, and won both scratch and handicap. Harold Cudmore steered Top Weight in this series, and in the final race took the lead from Jenny IV several times and was ahead on the final run when a gaff block sheered and the gaff came down.
Several of the 18’s fleet attended the celebration of the 70th year of the League in Double Bay, and once again Alruth was crewed by three generations of the Beashel family.
John Stanley continued his tracing of historical trophies, and found the Port Macquarie Easter Egg Cup, which was donated back to the SFs by Frank Messingham, whose grandfather Lan Taylor had won it outright after winning it 3 times with Keriki in the 1930’s. Several 18-footers from Sydney travelled up to Port Macquarie every Easter through the 1920’s and ‘30’s (see THE PORT MACQUARIE REGATTA on the YARNS Page on www.openboat.com.au ). John Stanley, Graeme Ferguson and Ian Smith visited Port Macquarie and arranged a re-enactment for Easter 2005. Six 18’s (Top Weight the exception) travelled up and ten 10’s attended including 4 Brisbane boats. A handicap series, the 18’s event was won by Britannia (Ian Smith) and the 10’s event by Commonwealth (Graeme Ferguson).
Britannia and Tangalooma at the wing mark on the Hastings River, Port Macquarie Easter 2005. Photo Denise Sinclair.
A large group of Association members went out on the Harbour for the scattering of the ashes of the legend Cliff Monkhouse who died in September 2005 aged 81.
Reports at the September meeting included report that John Winning’s new boat The Mistake was ribbed and nailed by Robert Tearne, and the wooden spars by Ian Smith were underway. The other matter was that John Winning and Robert Tearne had drawn up a proposal for an Authenticity Rating system for historical 18-footers, to attempt to level up the different design eras of the fleet which covers 1906 to 1950. It was also intended to encourage prospective builders to consider older designs so our fleet is representative of the whole era of 18-footer sailing prior to 1950.
The eighth boat of the historical 18’s fleet The Mistake (original 1933) was launched on 22 October 2005 by 3 ladies with connections to the boat, Ann Higgins, widow of Stan Higgins a former owner, Grace Monkhouse widow of Cliff Monkhouse whose father steered the boat for several seasons, and Sandra Nori, the NSW Minister for sport who joined the crew on that day. It was the first heat of the Club Championship, and The Mistake won the race both across the line and on the new Authenticity Rating system being used for the first time.
2006 opened with two sad events, the death of our Patron Brian Gale on 18 January aged 90, and AHSSA and SFS stalwart Grant Taylor who died too early from cancer in February.
In January 2006 we were visited again in Sydney by 4 of theNew Zealand M-class for the Trans-Tasman Challenge. Five heats were sailed, and the series was won by Myth ( NZ) from The Mistake (John Winning) both on scratch and by the application of the Authenticity Rating.
The NSW Championship for the 10-footers was conducted again at DSC over two weekends in January and saw the first appearance of Scamp II (Alan Robinson) who tied for the Championship with Merle (Peter Walsh). The handicap overall was won by John Lewis who had taken over Apex.
Reports at the September meeting included report that John Winning’s new boat The Mistake was ribbed and nailed by Robert Tearne, and the wooden spars by Ian Smith were underway. The other matter was that John Winning and Robert Tearne had drawn up a proposal for an Authenticity Rating system for historical 18-footers, to attempt to level up the different design eras of the fleet which covers 1906 to 1950. It was also intended to encourage prospective builders to consider older designs so our fleet is representative of the whole era of 18-footer sailing prior to 1950.
The eighth boat of the historical 18’s fleet The Mistake (original 1933) was launched on 22 October 2005 by 3 ladies with connections to the boat, Ann Higgins, widow of Stan Higgins a former owner, Grace Monkhouse widow of Cliff Monkhouse whose father steered the boat for several seasons, and Sandra Nori, the NSW Minister for sport who joined the crew on that day. It was the first heat of the Club Championship, and The Mistake won the race both across the line and on the new Authenticity Rating system being used for the first time.
2006 opened with two sad events, the death of our Patron Brian Gale on 18 January aged 90, and AHSSA and SFS stalwart Grant Taylor who died too early from cancer in February.
In January 2006 we were visited again in Sydney by 4 of theNew Zealand M-class for the Trans-Tasman Challenge. Five heats were sailed, and the series was won by Myth ( NZ) from The Mistake (John Winning) both on scratch and by the application of the Authenticity Rating.
The NSW Championship for the 10-footers was conducted again at DSC over two weekends in January and saw the first appearance of Scamp II (Alan Robinson) who tied for the Championship with Merle (Peter Walsh). The handicap overall was won by John Lewis who had taken over Apex.
Scamp II built by Ron Robinson was sailed by his sons Alan and Barry and Rob Wark.
Sixteen 10-footers fronted up for the Australian Championships at Drummoyne at Easter 2006. As well as the new Scamp II there was a new Lil Imp II designed and built by 12-footer legend Dennis Dignam. Mick Northam from Lake Macquarie also had taken over Scamp I and renamed her Gunner’s Daughter. Col Gillespie also from the Lake borrowed Commonwealth and took out the overall handicap. The Championship was won by Merle (Peter Walsh) from Mischief (John Winning) and Dynamic (Hugh Graveson).
Three heats for the Australian Historical 18-footers Championship were held in Brisbane in May 2006. Jenny IV (Sandy Cavill) capsized in the first heat but won the next two heats and under the points system used at the time this gave them the win, for the third straight year. The final result determined on rating, and The Mistake was 2nd with Britannia 3rd. Jenny IV also won the handicap, from Australia and Britannia.
In the off season Ian Perdriau started building a replica of Yendys (1925), and Billy Fisher was building his grandfather’s boat Australia IV. Ron Johnson and John Lewis were both building new 10-footers. The rating system had an update in April, and there was much talk of going to Perth in 2007. It was on, then off, then on again but would not be the Australian Championship.
Ron Johnson’s latest 10-footer Irene debuted at the first heat of the NSW Championship in December 2006 where they won from a fleet of 7 other boats including another new Lake Macquarie boat Ramona II(ex-Lil Imp I).
Over the 2006-07 season 3 members Sue Conway, Michele Rocheta and Coral Taylor turned up every week on Tuesday evenings to run the barbecue for the Drummoyne Sailing Club twilights. The money they raised went to the AHSSA.
Both Yendys and Australia IV were unofficially launched on 3 March 2007, making an 18’s fleet of 10 boats. Yendys was unplaced, Australia IV broke their gaff. The Australian Championship was held over 3 days, Sat 10 March, Thursday 15 and Saturday 17 March. Australia IV (John Winning) won on line honours and rating from Yendys (Ian Perdriau) and The Mistake (Harold Cudmore). Handicap honors went to Top Weight (Adrian Dunphy).
Nine boats were shipped to Perth for the Mark Foy Challenge at Easter 2007 (Yendys stayed home). In a great series of 4 races , all handicaps, Aberdare was steered by John Cassidy and represented Western Australia and gained 2nd overall. The winner was Britannia (Ian Smith) with Australia (Grant Rollerson) 3rd.
Three heats for the Australian Historical 18-footers Championship were held in Brisbane in May 2006. Jenny IV (Sandy Cavill) capsized in the first heat but won the next two heats and under the points system used at the time this gave them the win, for the third straight year. The final result determined on rating, and The Mistake was 2nd with Britannia 3rd. Jenny IV also won the handicap, from Australia and Britannia.
In the off season Ian Perdriau started building a replica of Yendys (1925), and Billy Fisher was building his grandfather’s boat Australia IV. Ron Johnson and John Lewis were both building new 10-footers. The rating system had an update in April, and there was much talk of going to Perth in 2007. It was on, then off, then on again but would not be the Australian Championship.
Ron Johnson’s latest 10-footer Irene debuted at the first heat of the NSW Championship in December 2006 where they won from a fleet of 7 other boats including another new Lake Macquarie boat Ramona II(ex-Lil Imp I).
Over the 2006-07 season 3 members Sue Conway, Michele Rocheta and Coral Taylor turned up every week on Tuesday evenings to run the barbecue for the Drummoyne Sailing Club twilights. The money they raised went to the AHSSA.
Both Yendys and Australia IV were unofficially launched on 3 March 2007, making an 18’s fleet of 10 boats. Yendys was unplaced, Australia IV broke their gaff. The Australian Championship was held over 3 days, Sat 10 March, Thursday 15 and Saturday 17 March. Australia IV (John Winning) won on line honours and rating from Yendys (Ian Perdriau) and The Mistake (Harold Cudmore). Handicap honors went to Top Weight (Adrian Dunphy).
Nine boats were shipped to Perth for the Mark Foy Challenge at Easter 2007 (Yendys stayed home). In a great series of 4 races , all handicaps, Aberdare was steered by John Cassidy and represented Western Australia and gained 2nd overall. The winner was Britannia (Ian Smith) with Australia (Grant Rollerson) 3rd.
Nine 18-footers were shipped to Perth for the Centenary Challenge at the Perth Flying Squadron.
Nine 18-footers were shipped to Perth for the Centenary Challenge at the Perth Flying Squadron.
Australia IV and Alruth rig at the Perth Flying Squadron at Easter 2007. Perth photos Andy White.
Australia IV and Yendys were officially christened at the end of the 2006-07 season at an event which also saw the launching of the Australian Open Skiffs Trust to allow tax-deductible donations for building and maintaining the historical 18-footer fleet.
NSW 10’s were racing monthly out of Drummoyne this season, Brisbane 10’s were racing fortnightly.
10-footers fleet size reached a high point at the Australian Championship in Brisbane in May 2007 with 17 boats. The old Cornstalk had been renovated by Paul Vivian to race after many years in a shed. Nina had new owners in Brisbane and had been renamed Jessie. The series was won by Ron Johnson in his newish Irene. Continuing conflict over rules led to the establishment of a 10-Footers Board of Control with 2 representatives from Queensland and 2 from NSW who drew up a thorough set of rules for building and rigging.
The start of the 2007-08 season saw the whole of the 18’s fleet wiped out on 6 October when a predicted 20-25 knot Southerly came in just before the race start at 35-45 knots! The only boat to survive was Top Weight who was last out of the Cove, saw what was happening and ducked back in. All other boats swam. Onlookers in their Cremorne homes called emergency services reporting children in the water (!?) and several boats on the beach in Little Sirius Cove were visited by frogmen from a helicopter. As it happened, all boats were in a limited area and our own rescue boats were able to handle it all, making the Club look pretty good. We made the Channel 7 news that night (“Carnage on the Harbour!”).
John Lewis’ new 10-footer Keriki made her debut at the Balmain Regatta in October and won the 10-footers’ race on handicap from Irene. These two boats featured again in the NSW Championship in January and February, Irene winning the Championship and Keriki the handicap honors. Five or six boats were turning up for regular Drummoyne racing, including Truant III now in the hands of Ron Kant. In Brisbane regular racing, the most fastest times went to Hugh Graveson’s new boat Avro, who shared other honors with Truant II. Alison Early and Sue Goodhew had moved over to sail Unique.
The Australian Historical 18-Footers Championship was held in 3 heats at the end of January 2008 and was won by Yendys (Ian Perdriau). The handicap honors went to Scot (Kurt Beckman).
On Friday 22 February 2008 the Men of League organisation sponsored (by buying each boat a spinnaker with a foundation club logo) a series of sprint races on the same day they were announcing the 100 Greatest League players of all time. Each boat had a few first-grade footballers on board. All three handicap races were won by Britannia, even after they shortened her handicap severely after each race. The secret was that the Tigers’ coach would not allow his first-graders to take part in case they broke a fingernail or something, so her guests were Rob Wark and a couple of other ex-Balmain boys who were all experienced 16-footer sailors from Drummoyne! The other highlight of the day is when the top old gent Jim Fraser heard his father Chook Fraser being announced as one of the 100 greatest players of all time.
Easter 2008 saw the 10-footers Australian Championship at Drummoyne and Irene (Ron Johnson) won again in a fleet of 15 boats. The handicap honors were won by Cornstalk (Paul Vivian, Qld)
New Zealand’s M-class made another visit to Brisbane for the Anzac Day Challenge. Marina (John Gillespie) won the scratch Challenge, Australia (Chris Hasgard) won the handicap. Jenny IV got the most fastest times. This was the last event we would ever have from the old Brisbane 18-footers Club in McConnell St Bulimba as the building had to be sold as the club was in financial difficulties due to restrictions on trading brought on by new neighbours. A sad day, most of us had many fond memories of the place. Starter Jack Grant would always end the presentation by wishing us all a safe journey “to your place of residence”, and though now departed Jack still has a lasting effect as his catchphrase “What a day! What a race!” has been adopted by Commodore Bill Loader at the SFS.
10-footers fleet size reached a high point at the Australian Championship in Brisbane in May 2007 with 17 boats. The old Cornstalk had been renovated by Paul Vivian to race after many years in a shed. Nina had new owners in Brisbane and had been renamed Jessie. The series was won by Ron Johnson in his newish Irene. Continuing conflict over rules led to the establishment of a 10-Footers Board of Control with 2 representatives from Queensland and 2 from NSW who drew up a thorough set of rules for building and rigging.
The start of the 2007-08 season saw the whole of the 18’s fleet wiped out on 6 October when a predicted 20-25 knot Southerly came in just before the race start at 35-45 knots! The only boat to survive was Top Weight who was last out of the Cove, saw what was happening and ducked back in. All other boats swam. Onlookers in their Cremorne homes called emergency services reporting children in the water (!?) and several boats on the beach in Little Sirius Cove were visited by frogmen from a helicopter. As it happened, all boats were in a limited area and our own rescue boats were able to handle it all, making the Club look pretty good. We made the Channel 7 news that night (“Carnage on the Harbour!”).
John Lewis’ new 10-footer Keriki made her debut at the Balmain Regatta in October and won the 10-footers’ race on handicap from Irene. These two boats featured again in the NSW Championship in January and February, Irene winning the Championship and Keriki the handicap honors. Five or six boats were turning up for regular Drummoyne racing, including Truant III now in the hands of Ron Kant. In Brisbane regular racing, the most fastest times went to Hugh Graveson’s new boat Avro, who shared other honors with Truant II. Alison Early and Sue Goodhew had moved over to sail Unique.
The Australian Historical 18-Footers Championship was held in 3 heats at the end of January 2008 and was won by Yendys (Ian Perdriau). The handicap honors went to Scot (Kurt Beckman).
On Friday 22 February 2008 the Men of League organisation sponsored (by buying each boat a spinnaker with a foundation club logo) a series of sprint races on the same day they were announcing the 100 Greatest League players of all time. Each boat had a few first-grade footballers on board. All three handicap races were won by Britannia, even after they shortened her handicap severely after each race. The secret was that the Tigers’ coach would not allow his first-graders to take part in case they broke a fingernail or something, so her guests were Rob Wark and a couple of other ex-Balmain boys who were all experienced 16-footer sailors from Drummoyne! The other highlight of the day is when the top old gent Jim Fraser heard his father Chook Fraser being announced as one of the 100 greatest players of all time.
Easter 2008 saw the 10-footers Australian Championship at Drummoyne and Irene (Ron Johnson) won again in a fleet of 15 boats. The handicap honors were won by Cornstalk (Paul Vivian, Qld)
New Zealand’s M-class made another visit to Brisbane for the Anzac Day Challenge. Marina (John Gillespie) won the scratch Challenge, Australia (Chris Hasgard) won the handicap. Jenny IV got the most fastest times. This was the last event we would ever have from the old Brisbane 18-footers Club in McConnell St Bulimba as the building had to be sold as the club was in financial difficulties due to restrictions on trading brought on by new neighbours. A sad day, most of us had many fond memories of the place. Starter Jack Grant would always end the presentation by wishing us all a safe journey “to your place of residence”, and though now departed Jack still has a lasting effect as his catchphrase “What a day! What a race!” has been adopted by Commodore Bill Loader at the SFS.
The fleet prepares to race for the last time at the Brisbane 18-Footers Club in 2008. Photo Westy.
The 2008-09 season opened well for Tangalooma (Peter Legrove) who won 3 of the first 7 races. Only 8 boats were racing most weeks as Aberdare was undergoing work and Yendys was finding it difficult to get crew. Boats from the AHSSA fleet attended the Balmain Regatta in October as usual, with Britannia (Ian Smith) winning the 18’s event and Ramona II (Col Gillespie) the 10’s event.
Yendys again won the Australian Championship held over 3 heats in January 2009, this time steered by Michael Chapman, after the untimely death of Ian Perdriau.
The big event of 2009 was when four 18-footers were invited to the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart in February. The Mistake (Harold Cudmore), Alruth (Jeremy Sharp), Britannia (Ian Smith) and Yendys (Col Bailey) were trailed down for a subsidised trip on the ferry to Tasmania.
Yendys again won the Australian Championship held over 3 heats in January 2009, this time steered by Michael Chapman, after the untimely death of Ian Perdriau.
The big event of 2009 was when four 18-footers were invited to the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart in February. The Mistake (Harold Cudmore), Alruth (Jeremy Sharp), Britannia (Ian Smith) and Yendys (Col Bailey) were trailed down for a subsidised trip on the ferry to Tasmania.
Britannia and Yendys sail up the Derwent with the fleet at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart in 2009.
The four boats were tied up at the dock when not racing in Hobart. Photo Hal Sisk.
The four boats were tied up at the dock when not racing in Hobart. Photo Hal Sisk.
We launched at the RYCT on the Friday and sailed down the bay to join the huge fleet sailing and motoring up to Sullivan’s Cove in a light but building Southerly breeze. We worked to the back of the fleet, set spinnakers and slowly overtook the fleet to be at the front approaching Constitution Dock. There were 3 races over the next 3 days, one very light, one very fresh and one moderate breeze. The boats remained afloat at the dock when not racing, and were the focus of a great deal of attention. All 3 races were handicaps, and the winner overall was Britannia.
Britannia attracted attention again when visiting the Heritage Afloat Festival at Toronto, Lake Macquarie with her new big rig and tried out her new tops’l and set the big spinnaker from it. Also at Easter the 10-footers Australian Championship was held in Brisbane. Thirteen boats faced the starter, 8 from NSW including several from Lake Macquarie including Dale Jacobson in Sonny Boy, the first boat of many to be built by the Lake Macquarie legend Alf Jacobson. The event was run from the Brisbane Sailing Squadron on Bulimba Point, and was won again by Ron Johnson in Irene from Avro and Truant. There were eleven 10-footers housed in Brisbane, nine of which were ready to sail but only five boats came out on a regular basis. Several of the Lake Macquarie and North Coast boats travelled to Drummoyne to compete regularly but several others didn’t. It seems we had reached the peak with the 10-footers in the last few seasons.
The 18-footers had a fleet of 10 in Sydney but only 8 were regularly racing. The Australian Championships were held only in Sydney from 2007 and Brisbane’s Jenny IV had not attended since then.
The decade finished with the sad news of the death of the legend Jim Fraser in December 2009.
In Part 3 we’ll take it right up to the present, including the growth of the 10-footer fleet on Lake Macquarie, the launching of the most recent 18-footer replica Myra Too and several trips, one with 4 boats to the USA, one with 3 boats again to Tasmania, and one with 3 boats to Geelong as well as 2 appearances of Britannia at the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally.
The 18-footers had a fleet of 10 in Sydney but only 8 were regularly racing. The Australian Championships were held only in Sydney from 2007 and Brisbane’s Jenny IV had not attended since then.
The decade finished with the sad news of the death of the legend Jim Fraser in December 2009.
In Part 3 we’ll take it right up to the present, including the growth of the 10-footer fleet on Lake Macquarie, the launching of the most recent 18-footer replica Myra Too and several trips, one with 4 boats to the USA, one with 3 boats again to Tasmania, and one with 3 boats to Geelong as well as 2 appearances of Britannia at the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally.
Part 3, 2010-2022
The second half of the 2009-10 season featured a lot of 10-footer racing with 5 boats racing regularly in Brisbane and 5 or 6 in NSW. The NSW State Championship was held over 2 weekends in February with 2 heats at Drummoyne and 2 heats at South Lakes SC on Lake Macquarie. The winner was Dale Jacobson in his new boat Miss Marlene built by his father Alf Jacobson. Handicap honours went to John Lewis in Keriki. The Australian titles were held at Drummoyne over Easter. Controversy over the very firm bilges of the new Miss Marlene meant that she didn’t race, Dale Jacobson sailed Gunners Daughter into second overall to winner Irene steered by Ron Johnson coming out of retirement again. Col Gillespie was 3rd in Ramona II.
The Australian Historical 18-Footers Championship was held over 3 Saturdays in February and was won by Australia IV (John Winning). Harold Cudmore steered The Mistake but was out of contention when they broke their bumpkin in one heat. Britannia made a reappearance for this series after being out for repairs since December when she was T-boned by an out-of-control 10-ton yacht. Britannia’s crew moved over to Aberdare while the repairs took place.
The Australian Historical 18-Footers Championship was held over 3 Saturdays in February and was won by Australia IV (John Winning). Harold Cudmore steered The Mistake but was out of contention when they broke their bumpkin in one heat. Britannia made a reappearance for this series after being out for repairs since December when she was T-boned by an out-of-control 10-ton yacht. Britannia’s crew moved over to Aberdare while the repairs took place.
Australia IV the week before winning the Australian Championship in 2010. Photo Bruce Kerridge.
In early 2010 Graeme Ferguson launched his replica of Bandit, a Taipan type 18-footer from 1962 which he used to crew on. He was assisted in the build, and in sailing on launch day by Bob Macleod who had built and sailed the original. Bandit sailed on several occasions with the H18 fleet from the SFS, and in the Balmain Regatta over the next few seasons, often accompanied by Alan Pike’s Taipan II which he had built several years previously to a Ben Lexcen plan not built before, and Carl Ryves’ replica of Venom, Ben Lexcen’s next design after Taipan. Fergie’s cancer diagnosis and treatment meant that he didn’t sail Bandit after early 2013.
Eight 18-footers travelled to Brisbane for the Anzac Day Regatta 24-26 April 2010, Alruth and Scot could not make it. This event was originally planned to be the Australian Championship but this was held in Sydney instead. Naysayers at the SFS who didn’t want to go convinced enough people that there weren’t enough boats going that the AHSSA felt they had to cancel, but a rearguard action led by Rick Priestley rallied support and got it going again. The event was held out of the 16-footer Squadron at Bulimba because of the closure of the 18’s Club premises. The winner overall, awarded on arbitrary handicap was Top Weight steered by Laurie Williams and a young crew of Brisbane sailors, from Jenny IV and Britannia. Fastest times went to Jenny IV, the rating winner was Britannia.
In early 2010 Graeme Ferguson launched his replica of Bandit, a Taipan type 18-footer from 1962 which he used to crew on. He was assisted in the build, and in sailing on launch day by Bob Macleod who had built and sailed the original. Bandit sailed on several occasions with the H18 fleet from the SFS, and in the Balmain Regatta over the next few seasons, often accompanied by Alan Pike’s Taipan II which he had built several years previously to a Ben Lexcen plan not built before, and Carl Ryves’ replica of Venom, Ben Lexcen’s next design after Taipan. Fergie’s cancer diagnosis and treatment meant that he didn’t sail Bandit after early 2013.
Eight 18-footers travelled to Brisbane for the Anzac Day Regatta 24-26 April 2010, Alruth and Scot could not make it. This event was originally planned to be the Australian Championship but this was held in Sydney instead. Naysayers at the SFS who didn’t want to go convinced enough people that there weren’t enough boats going that the AHSSA felt they had to cancel, but a rearguard action led by Rick Priestley rallied support and got it going again. The event was held out of the 16-footer Squadron at Bulimba because of the closure of the 18’s Club premises. The winner overall, awarded on arbitrary handicap was Top Weight steered by Laurie Williams and a young crew of Brisbane sailors, from Jenny IV and Britannia. Fastest times went to Jenny IV, the rating winner was Britannia.
Australia during a heat of the Australian Championship 2010. Photo Bruce Kerridge.
Over the winter of 2010 Col Gillespie had Alf Jacobson build him a new 10-footer on the moulds of Query, slightly modified by Alf. Dale Jacobson withdrew the first Miss Marlene from racing as the rules tightened up on design and buoyancy requirements and Alf Jacobson built a new Miss Marlene on more conventional lines. The old skiff Dove was being prepared for the new season by Michele Rocheta.
Six 18’s and four 10-footers fronted for the Balmain Regatta early in the 2010-11 season, won by Australia (Chris Haskard) and Merle (Peter Walsh). Tangalooma (Peter Legrove) started their season well winning 3 races in a row in November and were beaten into 2nd a week later by the appearance of Yendys under Brian Zemanek. In the first half of the season there were no more than 6 starters in any race. Early in the season the Sydney Flying Squadron board discontinued the Ringtail awards (Pussers rum and cola had been awarded to every boat that carried a ringtail in a race for several seasons). A rearguard action by AHSSA members had this re-instituted in the following season.
Australia IV (John Winning) again took out the Historical 18-Footers Australian Championship in January 2011.
The 10-footers NSW Championship was held again over 2 weekends at Drummoyne and Sunshine and was won by Wrecker (Michael Chapman). Handicap honours went to the revitalized Dove.
Brisbane 10-footers held several races in the first half of the season with between 4 and 6 boats competing but bad weather and flooding closed the River from January and no further racing was held that season. The Australian Championships were moved to Sunshine on Lake Macquarie, won by Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson).
The 18’s 2010-11 season pointscore and Club Championship were both won by Britannia (Ian Smith).
During the Winter of 2011 Drummoyne Sailing Club announced they were requiring buoyancy in all hulls for the following season and there was much discussion over how to go about this. It was all resolved, the boats that turned up for the first race at DSC on 16 October were all judged as complying by DSC officials. However less racing was scheduled for Drummoyne this season as it was becoming apparent that some of the Lake Macquarie boats were not prepared to travel down, so more events took place at Sunshine. Mark Nugent had refurbished Gunners Daughter, and Michele Rocheta and crew had moved from Dove to Jan.
Britannia was the only H18 to turn up for the Balmain Regatta in October 2011 but both Graeme Ferguson’s Bandit and Alan Pike’s Taipan II put in an appearance.
Yendys (Bob Killick) won the Australian title held over 3 days from 21-28 January 2012 from Australia IV and Britannia. Handicap honours went to Australia (Chris Haskard). On 19 March the SFS held a special event to launch Robin Elliott’s book Galloping Ghosts, a wonderful history of 18-footers, and the same event saw the unveiling of the Galloping Ghost trophy made by W Sanders from silver from the original Mark Foy Challenge Cup which had melted in a fire in 1958. John Stanley located the original and organised the new trophy.
Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson) won the Australian Historical 10-Footers Championship in Brisbane at Easter 2012, with the handicap going to Avro (Hugh Graveson, Qld).
For the 2012-13 season John Winning and his crew moved over to Aberdare which had been refurbished by original builder Robert Tearne. For the Australian Championship Harold Cudmore again steered The Mistake, Rob Brown steered Australia IV and Jenny IV travelled down from Brisbane for the first time in several years. Aberdare won Heat 1 on Thursday 31 January, but Heat 2 the next day was cancelled due to horrific conditions with only one rescue boat available. Two heats were held on Saturday 2 February with a shortened course. Aberdare won again in a 15-25 knot SSW in the early race. The breeze kicked in the later race while all boats were on the run and with a close yacht making things difficult Jenny IV and Yendys collided spectacularly and both swam. Aberdare also swam on the run, resulting in Australia IV (Rob Brown) winning the Championship.
Six 18’s and four 10-footers fronted for the Balmain Regatta early in the 2010-11 season, won by Australia (Chris Haskard) and Merle (Peter Walsh). Tangalooma (Peter Legrove) started their season well winning 3 races in a row in November and were beaten into 2nd a week later by the appearance of Yendys under Brian Zemanek. In the first half of the season there were no more than 6 starters in any race. Early in the season the Sydney Flying Squadron board discontinued the Ringtail awards (Pussers rum and cola had been awarded to every boat that carried a ringtail in a race for several seasons). A rearguard action by AHSSA members had this re-instituted in the following season.
Australia IV (John Winning) again took out the Historical 18-Footers Australian Championship in January 2011.
The 10-footers NSW Championship was held again over 2 weekends at Drummoyne and Sunshine and was won by Wrecker (Michael Chapman). Handicap honours went to the revitalized Dove.
Brisbane 10-footers held several races in the first half of the season with between 4 and 6 boats competing but bad weather and flooding closed the River from January and no further racing was held that season. The Australian Championships were moved to Sunshine on Lake Macquarie, won by Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson).
The 18’s 2010-11 season pointscore and Club Championship were both won by Britannia (Ian Smith).
During the Winter of 2011 Drummoyne Sailing Club announced they were requiring buoyancy in all hulls for the following season and there was much discussion over how to go about this. It was all resolved, the boats that turned up for the first race at DSC on 16 October were all judged as complying by DSC officials. However less racing was scheduled for Drummoyne this season as it was becoming apparent that some of the Lake Macquarie boats were not prepared to travel down, so more events took place at Sunshine. Mark Nugent had refurbished Gunners Daughter, and Michele Rocheta and crew had moved from Dove to Jan.
Britannia was the only H18 to turn up for the Balmain Regatta in October 2011 but both Graeme Ferguson’s Bandit and Alan Pike’s Taipan II put in an appearance.
Yendys (Bob Killick) won the Australian title held over 3 days from 21-28 January 2012 from Australia IV and Britannia. Handicap honours went to Australia (Chris Haskard). On 19 March the SFS held a special event to launch Robin Elliott’s book Galloping Ghosts, a wonderful history of 18-footers, and the same event saw the unveiling of the Galloping Ghost trophy made by W Sanders from silver from the original Mark Foy Challenge Cup which had melted in a fire in 1958. John Stanley located the original and organised the new trophy.
Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson) won the Australian Historical 10-Footers Championship in Brisbane at Easter 2012, with the handicap going to Avro (Hugh Graveson, Qld).
For the 2012-13 season John Winning and his crew moved over to Aberdare which had been refurbished by original builder Robert Tearne. For the Australian Championship Harold Cudmore again steered The Mistake, Rob Brown steered Australia IV and Jenny IV travelled down from Brisbane for the first time in several years. Aberdare won Heat 1 on Thursday 31 January, but Heat 2 the next day was cancelled due to horrific conditions with only one rescue boat available. Two heats were held on Saturday 2 February with a shortened course. Aberdare won again in a 15-25 knot SSW in the early race. The breeze kicked in the later race while all boats were on the run and with a close yacht making things difficult Jenny IV and Yendys collided spectacularly and both swam. Aberdare also swam on the run, resulting in Australia IV (Rob Brown) winning the Championship.
Jenny IV and Yendys collided in a squall in the 2013 Australian Championship. Photo Bruce Kerridge.
Brisbane 10-footers did not get a race in on the River that season. No Brisbane 10-footers came down for the Australian titles at Sunshine at Easter 2013, won for the second time by Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson).
Ron Collyer resigned as Secretary and Editor before the start of the 2013-14 season, and 10-footer sailor Peter Burgess took over producing the Newsletter.
The first new 18-footer replica for several years was launched on 4 January 2014. Myra Too is a replica of Bill Barnett’s champion boat of 1950, and was built by Bob Macleod who had been apprenticed to Bill Barnett. Harold Cudmore helped sponsor the boat and steered from her first race on 18 January, won by Aberdare. The Australian Championship was held over three heats on Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Monday 27 January. Paktun Shah an American 18-footer sailor steered Australia, Jeremy Sharp and crew had moved over this season to The Mistake. It was another very fresh series with several capsizes including defending champion Rob Brown capsizing in Australia IV before the start in the second heat. Aberdare won 2 out of 3 races to take the title and get her name on the Galloping Ghost Trophy. Yendys won the handicap to get her name on the Raw Meat Trophy. In March 2014 a team from the CNN Mainsail Program visited Sydney and produced a documentary on 18-footers with some current footage, some 1930's footage and some H18 replicas footage, upon the Videos Page.
Ron Collyer resigned as Secretary and Editor before the start of the 2013-14 season, and 10-footer sailor Peter Burgess took over producing the Newsletter.
The first new 18-footer replica for several years was launched on 4 January 2014. Myra Too is a replica of Bill Barnett’s champion boat of 1950, and was built by Bob Macleod who had been apprenticed to Bill Barnett. Harold Cudmore helped sponsor the boat and steered from her first race on 18 January, won by Aberdare. The Australian Championship was held over three heats on Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Monday 27 January. Paktun Shah an American 18-footer sailor steered Australia, Jeremy Sharp and crew had moved over this season to The Mistake. It was another very fresh series with several capsizes including defending champion Rob Brown capsizing in Australia IV before the start in the second heat. Aberdare won 2 out of 3 races to take the title and get her name on the Galloping Ghost Trophy. Yendys won the handicap to get her name on the Raw Meat Trophy. In March 2014 a team from the CNN Mainsail Program visited Sydney and produced a documentary on 18-footers with some current footage, some 1930's footage and some H18 replicas footage, upon the Videos Page.
Bob Killick loads the fin into Myra Too on her launch day in January 2014. Photo from the video on the VIDEOS Page "Myra Too- launching and maiden sail" by Grant Wakefield.
John Winning and crew moved over to Aberdare from the 2012-13 season and won the Australian Championship in January 2014 to get The Galloping Ghost’s name on the Galloping Ghost Trophy for the first time. Photo Andrea Francolini.
The NSW 10-footer titles were held again over two weekends in February and March at Drummoyne and Sunshine. Overall winner was again Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson), with handicap honours going to Irene M (Col Gillespie). Seven boats travelled to Taree on 29-30 March for 3 races. The first two races were heats for the Manning River Championship, won by Ramona II (Grant Sheldon). Kismet (Michael Northam) won the third race. Eleven boats fronted for the Australian titles in Brisbane in May 2014 and the first two days racing had to be cancelled due to the weather. Three heats were scheduled for the Monday, and the winner overall was Wrecker (Michael Chapman) from Uncle Fred (Eric Partland) and Ramona II (Grant Sheldon) who also took out the handicap.
The Balmain Regatta in October 2014 saw the return of The Balmain Bug, now owned by the Balmain Sailing Club and sailed before the race started (and before the breeze kicked in, luckily) by the BSC Commodore Campbell Reid. Two 18’s attended (Britannia and Scot) with two 10-footers, Keriki and Irene M. The NSW 10’s had 2 races at Drummoyne and 1 at Sunshine before the end of the year with 6 boats, and the same 6 competed for the NSW titles in February and March with Wrecker (Michael Chapman) the winner, and Irene M (Col Gillespie) taking out the handicap. The Brisbane 10’s saw very little racing this season. Only Avro represented Queensland at the Australian titles, held at Teralba in May 2015 after arrangements with Drummoyne SC fell through. The Championship was won by Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson) from a fleet of 12 boats.
The Balmain Regatta in October 2014 saw the return of The Balmain Bug, now owned by the Balmain Sailing Club and sailed before the race started (and before the breeze kicked in, luckily) by the BSC Commodore Campbell Reid. Two 18’s attended (Britannia and Scot) with two 10-footers, Keriki and Irene M. The NSW 10’s had 2 races at Drummoyne and 1 at Sunshine before the end of the year with 6 boats, and the same 6 competed for the NSW titles in February and March with Wrecker (Michael Chapman) the winner, and Irene M (Col Gillespie) taking out the handicap. The Brisbane 10’s saw very little racing this season. Only Avro represented Queensland at the Australian titles, held at Teralba in May 2015 after arrangements with Drummoyne SC fell through. The Championship was won by Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson) from a fleet of 12 boats.
The mighty Balmain Bug makes regular appearances at the Balmain Regatta. Photo Crosbie Lorimer from his video The Balmain Bug: Historic Six Foot Skiff on the VIDEOS Page.
Wrecker won the 10-Footer Australian Championship in Brisbane in 2014 and again in 2016. Photo Greg Porteous.
The Australian H18’s Championship in January 2015 was an international event again, with Paktun Shah from the USA steering Australia, Harold Cudmore from Ireland steering Yendys for the first time, and brothers Terry and Kim McDell from New Zealand taking out Australia IV. Phil Barnett steered the replica of his father's cousin Bill’s Myra Too. Aberdare (John Winning) won all 3 heats and the handicap prize and got their name on the Galloping Ghost Trophy a second time. Yendys and Australia IV capsized in race 2 putting them out of contention.
During the Winter of 2015 a skippers’ committee modified the rating system which had been applied to all scratch races since 2005. The original system involved a comprehensive system for rating each boat on its level of authenticity compared to the original. It was apparently too complicated for most sailors to grasp, and so a new system was devised which rated each boat by how it would perform compared to the rest of the fleet under an identical top crew. Each boat was rated in whole minutes. Any boat that had actually won the Australian Championship was placed on scratch, and the boats not on scratch were all rated to a number smaller than they had ever attained under the arbitrary handicap system: for example Scot and Tangalooma had only ever been in to 7 minutes on handicap, and both were rated 5 minutes, the theory being that if they performed better than they ever had they might feature in the Australian Championship. To encourage ringtail use, the distinctive sail now only carried by our fleet, each boat that set a ringtail in a scratch race would be awarded an extra 1 minute 30 seconds. Scratch races would see all boats start together and the number of minutes of rating deducted at the end to get the rating winner. The system was updated again in November 2021 and the figures are reproduced below.
NSW 10’s mostly raced away from Sydney in the first part of the 2015-16 season, at Sunshine and an appearance of 4 boats at Gosford in December. The NSW titles however were held at Drummoyne Sailing Club in 4 heats over two days in February 2016. Only 5 boats contested, with only Irene M making the trip down from Lake Macquarie. Wrecker (Michael Chapman) won 3 out of 4 heats and the title.
The 2016 H18’s Championship was held in just two heats in January as the first heat was abandoned due to lack of wind. Aberdare (John Winning) won the title for the third time in a row with a win and a 2nd. Yendys (Harold Cudmore) was a close runner-up with a 3rd and a win. Handicap went to The Mistake, now steered by Terry Stewart after the retirement from H18 racing of Jeremy Sharp who had campaigned Alruth for many seasons before moving briefly to Australia and then to The Mistake. Regular racing at the SFS that season saw mostly 6 boats racing, and the spectator ferry was often sold out.
Popular sheet hand of Scot Paul Souter, known to all as Shorn (his spelling) collapsed in the boat during the second heat of the Australian Championship and could not be revived. A few days later we lost AHSSA foundation member Graeme Ferguson after a long illness. At SFS Commodore Bill Loader’s suggestion, John Winning and John Stanley started organizing a Ferguson Ringtail Cup in Fergie’s honour. It was made and presented at the end of the 2015-16 season. The inaugural winner was Britannia.
During the Winter of 2015 a skippers’ committee modified the rating system which had been applied to all scratch races since 2005. The original system involved a comprehensive system for rating each boat on its level of authenticity compared to the original. It was apparently too complicated for most sailors to grasp, and so a new system was devised which rated each boat by how it would perform compared to the rest of the fleet under an identical top crew. Each boat was rated in whole minutes. Any boat that had actually won the Australian Championship was placed on scratch, and the boats not on scratch were all rated to a number smaller than they had ever attained under the arbitrary handicap system: for example Scot and Tangalooma had only ever been in to 7 minutes on handicap, and both were rated 5 minutes, the theory being that if they performed better than they ever had they might feature in the Australian Championship. To encourage ringtail use, the distinctive sail now only carried by our fleet, each boat that set a ringtail in a scratch race would be awarded an extra 1 minute 30 seconds. Scratch races would see all boats start together and the number of minutes of rating deducted at the end to get the rating winner. The system was updated again in November 2021 and the figures are reproduced below.
NSW 10’s mostly raced away from Sydney in the first part of the 2015-16 season, at Sunshine and an appearance of 4 boats at Gosford in December. The NSW titles however were held at Drummoyne Sailing Club in 4 heats over two days in February 2016. Only 5 boats contested, with only Irene M making the trip down from Lake Macquarie. Wrecker (Michael Chapman) won 3 out of 4 heats and the title.
The 2016 H18’s Championship was held in just two heats in January as the first heat was abandoned due to lack of wind. Aberdare (John Winning) won the title for the third time in a row with a win and a 2nd. Yendys (Harold Cudmore) was a close runner-up with a 3rd and a win. Handicap went to The Mistake, now steered by Terry Stewart after the retirement from H18 racing of Jeremy Sharp who had campaigned Alruth for many seasons before moving briefly to Australia and then to The Mistake. Regular racing at the SFS that season saw mostly 6 boats racing, and the spectator ferry was often sold out.
Popular sheet hand of Scot Paul Souter, known to all as Shorn (his spelling) collapsed in the boat during the second heat of the Australian Championship and could not be revived. A few days later we lost AHSSA foundation member Graeme Ferguson after a long illness. At SFS Commodore Bill Loader’s suggestion, John Winning and John Stanley started organizing a Ferguson Ringtail Cup in Fergie’s honour. It was made and presented at the end of the 2015-16 season. The inaugural winner was Britannia.
In March 2016 eight 10-footers travelled up to Taree for a second visit for the Manning River Championship. Uncle Fred and Jan were crewed by locals on both days. Miss Marlene was there just for the Sunday and was also crewed by locals. Both heats of the Championship were won by Wrecker (Michael Chapman). Wrecker again dominated at the Australian Championship in Brisbane on the Anzac Day weekend in 2016, winning all three heats in a light series with rain periods.
The 2016-17 season was the Sydney Flying Squadron’s 125th Anniversary. In October the 18’s raced 3 sprint races around a short triangle of Clark, Taylor Bay and Shark close to what the SFS did for many decades in the early 20th Century with 2 heats and a final. Scot (Jamie Watt) won 2 heats and the series. Strong Westerlies were a feature of the early part of the season, the SFS cancelled two races and the first 10’s race at Sunshine also had to be cancelled.
Australia IV which had not sailed regularly for several seasons was taken over for the 2016-17 season by David Swales and the Top Weight crew as Top Weight was undergoing a major rebuild. The 6’-beam Australia (known as “Little Aussie” was taken out a number of times this season by Ian Pretty but difficulties in finding crew limited their appearances.
At the end of 2016 AHSSA Newsletter editor since October 2013 Peter Burgess retired, with a vote of thanks from the membership for his excellent work on the newsletter and support work for the 10-footer fleet. Coral Taylor took over as editor for the first newsletter in February 2017.
The H18 Australian Championships were held over 3 heats on 21, 27 and 28 January 2017 and were dominated for the fourth time in a row by Aberdare (John Winning) with 2 wins and a second, with Yendys (Harold Cudmore) again being the closest possible runner-up with two 2nds and a win. The Mistake (Terry Stewart) was 3rd overall and took out the handicap prize. After the second heat on the Friday Ian Smith held a book launching for The Open Boat- The Origin, Evolution and Construction of the Australian 18-Footer, and many SFS and AHSSA members bought copies (do you have yours?)
AHSSA President Ian Smith towed Britannia down to Hobart (by road) in February 2017 for a second visit to the Australian Wooden Boat Festival. No sailing this time, Britannia was displayed on the hard with the big mast and spars with the rig outlined in flags, and plenty of copies of The Open Boat book were sold.
Wrecker (Michael Chapman) again took out the NSW 10’s Championship held as usual with 2 heats each at Drummoyne and Sunshine in January and February. The Australian Championships were held at Teralba ASC in early May 2017 and Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson) was again victorious, with Wrecker the runner-up. The old Commonwealth was sailed in the series by the Buckland brothers, the first time the boat had been sailed for many seasons.
Peter Legrove, longtime skipper of Tangalooma retired from 18-footer sailing at the end of the 2016-17 season.
In June we were shocked to hear of the sudden death of Bob “Killo”Killick, regular skipper of Yendys and stalwart of the SFS. The Club renamed the start boat Killo in his honour.
In July 2017 their crews loaded 3 skiffs into a container at Botany to be shipped to the USA for the Sandbagger Challenge. The Sandbaggers Bull and Bear are identical replicas of boats that raced mostly on New York Sound in the 1880’s. The plan was for the 3 teams of Aussies to take turns racing one sandbagger against a US team in the other, and our 3 skiffs would sail with the two other Aussie crews spreading out over the 3 skiffs with crew numbers made up of local sailors. Aberdare, Australia IV and Alruth arrived in Annapolis and were unpacked by their crews on Tuesday 12 September and rigged on Bembe Beach at the Annapolis Sailing School.
The 2016-17 season was the Sydney Flying Squadron’s 125th Anniversary. In October the 18’s raced 3 sprint races around a short triangle of Clark, Taylor Bay and Shark close to what the SFS did for many decades in the early 20th Century with 2 heats and a final. Scot (Jamie Watt) won 2 heats and the series. Strong Westerlies were a feature of the early part of the season, the SFS cancelled two races and the first 10’s race at Sunshine also had to be cancelled.
Australia IV which had not sailed regularly for several seasons was taken over for the 2016-17 season by David Swales and the Top Weight crew as Top Weight was undergoing a major rebuild. The 6’-beam Australia (known as “Little Aussie” was taken out a number of times this season by Ian Pretty but difficulties in finding crew limited their appearances.
At the end of 2016 AHSSA Newsletter editor since October 2013 Peter Burgess retired, with a vote of thanks from the membership for his excellent work on the newsletter and support work for the 10-footer fleet. Coral Taylor took over as editor for the first newsletter in February 2017.
The H18 Australian Championships were held over 3 heats on 21, 27 and 28 January 2017 and were dominated for the fourth time in a row by Aberdare (John Winning) with 2 wins and a second, with Yendys (Harold Cudmore) again being the closest possible runner-up with two 2nds and a win. The Mistake (Terry Stewart) was 3rd overall and took out the handicap prize. After the second heat on the Friday Ian Smith held a book launching for The Open Boat- The Origin, Evolution and Construction of the Australian 18-Footer, and many SFS and AHSSA members bought copies (do you have yours?)
AHSSA President Ian Smith towed Britannia down to Hobart (by road) in February 2017 for a second visit to the Australian Wooden Boat Festival. No sailing this time, Britannia was displayed on the hard with the big mast and spars with the rig outlined in flags, and plenty of copies of The Open Boat book were sold.
Wrecker (Michael Chapman) again took out the NSW 10’s Championship held as usual with 2 heats each at Drummoyne and Sunshine in January and February. The Australian Championships were held at Teralba ASC in early May 2017 and Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson) was again victorious, with Wrecker the runner-up. The old Commonwealth was sailed in the series by the Buckland brothers, the first time the boat had been sailed for many seasons.
Peter Legrove, longtime skipper of Tangalooma retired from 18-footer sailing at the end of the 2016-17 season.
In June we were shocked to hear of the sudden death of Bob “Killo”Killick, regular skipper of Yendys and stalwart of the SFS. The Club renamed the start boat Killo in his honour.
In July 2017 their crews loaded 3 skiffs into a container at Botany to be shipped to the USA for the Sandbagger Challenge. The Sandbaggers Bull and Bear are identical replicas of boats that raced mostly on New York Sound in the 1880’s. The plan was for the 3 teams of Aussies to take turns racing one sandbagger against a US team in the other, and our 3 skiffs would sail with the two other Aussie crews spreading out over the 3 skiffs with crew numbers made up of local sailors. Aberdare, Australia IV and Alruth arrived in Annapolis and were unpacked by their crews on Tuesday 12 September and rigged on Bembe Beach at the Annapolis Sailing School.
Above: Aberdare on Bembe Beach, Annapolis.
Below: The 3 Aussie skiffs at the dock in Annapolis with the sandbaggers.
Below: The 3 Aussie skiffs at the dock in Annapolis with the sandbaggers.
On Wednesday the Alruth crew (actually Ian Smith and team Britannia) sailed Bull out onto the Chesapeake and beat the US crew by a minute. On Thursday David Swales and the Australia IV crew took their turn on a Sandbagger, this time Bear, and were beaten by a US team of America’s Cup sailors. On Friday John Winning and the Aberdare crew took out Bull and beat the US team on Bear, so we won the series 2-1. Each day the 3 Aussie skiffs started 10 minutes after the Sandbaggers, but finished before them in the light conditions that prevailed. Our boats had their big rigs, the Sandbaggers had only second rigs. It may have been different if they had big rigs or if there had been more breeze.
Bear with a US crew and Bull with an Aussie crew.
Saturday was a lay day and many of our crews travelled around to the other side of the Chesapeake to get a ride on the log canoes. The Sunday was Annapolis’s annual Classic Rendezvous and the Aussie skiffs and both Sandbaggers joined a fleet of classic yachts for another light day on the water.
Every evening we attended a different function, a welcome barbecue at the Annapolis Sailing School, a pub crawl, two parties at homes of US participants and a Saturday night presentation barbecue at the National Sailing Hall of Fame who had organised the event under the guidance of Lee Tawney. We could not have been looked after better. We were presented with a half-hull model of a Sandbagger by American sailor Tom Price, now on display in the Sailors’ Room at the SFS.
Every evening we attended a different function, a welcome barbecue at the Annapolis Sailing School, a pub crawl, two parties at homes of US participants and a Saturday night presentation barbecue at the National Sailing Hall of Fame who had organised the event under the guidance of Lee Tawney. We could not have been looked after better. We were presented with a half-hull model of a Sandbagger by American sailor Tom Price, now on display in the Sailors’ Room at the SFS.
The 3 Aussie skiffs on the Chesapeake.
With the 3 skiffs in transit from the USA when John Winning and the Aberdare crew took out Myra Too, and David Swales and the Top Weight/Australia IV crew took out Australia for the first part of the season. The boats arrived back and joined the fleet on 2 December, when a fresh Nor’Easter was disrupted by a howling Westerly squall which blew Yendys and Britannia over while the rest of the fleet ran for shelter and survived. With the squall not abating the race was abandoned.
The H18 Championship for 2018 was held over 3 heats in January, and Harold Cudmore finally took out the title with Yendys winning 2 out of 3 heats, after 16 seasons trying.
The H18 Championship for 2018 was held over 3 heats in January, and Harold Cudmore finally took out the title with Yendys winning 2 out of 3 heats, after 16 seasons trying.
Harold Cudmore takes out the 2018 Australian Championship in Yendys. Photo Tricia Smith from the video https://youtu.be/NoVWcmYrW5g on Smithy's Boatshed channel.
NSW 10-footers held very few races this season, only 5 boats turned up for the State Championship in February. The first 2 heats at Sunshine were in a hard breeze with damage to several boats. The 3rd and 4th heat were both won by Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson) who took the title and the handicap win as well.
At the end of February 2018 Britannia and Yendys travelled down to Paynesville on the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria for the Classic Boat Rally. John Lewis took down Commonwealth for display only. Yendys was severely short of crew so only Britannia sailed in two parades, attracting a lot of attention. The Paynesville folk were very welcoming and helpful. The boats went on to Geelong the following weekend for the Geelong Wooden Boat Festival and were joined by Australia IV. The 3 boats sailed an exhibition race on the Saturday with big rigs, displaying their biggest spinnakers and ringtails. On the Sunday we joined the yacht race out on Corio Bay in fresh conditions. With crew numbers down, Yendys remained on shore and her crew combined with Britannia and Australia IV. Britannia alone sailed out with some local crew on the Monday in a cold Southerly.
At the end of February 2018 Britannia and Yendys travelled down to Paynesville on the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria for the Classic Boat Rally. John Lewis took down Commonwealth for display only. Yendys was severely short of crew so only Britannia sailed in two parades, attracting a lot of attention. The Paynesville folk were very welcoming and helpful. The boats went on to Geelong the following weekend for the Geelong Wooden Boat Festival and were joined by Australia IV. The 3 boats sailed an exhibition race on the Saturday with big rigs, displaying their biggest spinnakers and ringtails. On the Sunday we joined the yacht race out on Corio Bay in fresh conditions. With crew numbers down, Yendys remained on shore and her crew combined with Britannia and Australia IV. Britannia alone sailed out with some local crew on the Monday in a cold Southerly.
Britannia sails down the MacMillan Strait with everything up, Paynesville Classic Boat Rally 2018.
Britannia, Australia IV and Yendys at the Geelong Wooden Boat Festival 2018.
The legendary 18-footer sailor and boatbuilder Bill Barnett died just short of his 103rd birthday in early 2018, and it was fitting that Phil Barnett won the last race of the season, the Bill Barnett Memorial race steering Myra Too. That afternoon after the race the Graeme Ferguson Ringtail Cup for the 2017-18 season was awarded for the third time in a row to Britannia.
Long-term Treasurer of the AHSSA and recent newsletter editor Coral Taylor resigned in May 2018 and President Ian Smith took up the mantle of editor. John Lewis stepped up as Treasurer.
The H10’s Australian Championship was held in Brisbane in May 2018 with 7 boats competing. NSW was represented by Irene M, Keriki (ex-Irene), Merle and Uncle Fred, Queensland by Avro, Truant II and Jessie.The close-fought series was won by John Anderson in Truant II, the first time a Queensland boat has won the Championship. Uncle Fred (Eric Partland) won the handicap.
Truant II (John Anderson), the first Queensland boat to win the Australian 10’ title, 2018.
The H10’s Australian Championship was held in Brisbane in May 2018 with 7 boats competing. NSW was represented by Irene M, Keriki (ex-Irene), Merle and Uncle Fred, Queensland by Avro, Truant II and Jessie.The close-fought series was won by John Anderson in Truant II, the first time a Queensland boat has won the Championship. Uncle Fred (Eric Partland) won the handicap.
Truant II (John Anderson), the first Queensland boat to win the Australian 10’ title, 2018.
In the Winter of 2018 several of the historical 18’s fleet had major work done. Top Weight was completely rebuilt with the old hull overlaid by laminations, Scot got a new deck, Britannia a new mast step and some plank repairs, and Alruth major structural work in the main thwart area. For the 2018-19 season the Top Weight crew returned to that boat, freeing up Australia IV which was taken over by Terry Stewart and his crew from The Mistake.
In the last few seasons the increasing usage of mobile phone cameras led to much more recording of historic skiff racing, Tricia Smith taking lots of footage from the spectator ferry and lots of action stills from Adrienne Jackson in the rescue boat and Wayne “Chuck” Goodfellow on the starter boat.
Yendys (Harold Cudmore) was unable to retain the Australian title in 2019 as they broke their mast in one heat. Aberdare (John Winning) resumed the mantle. Yendys was steered by several different skippers in the first part of the 2018-19 season, Barry Watson, Rob Brown and Michael Chapman, and even though they had several DNF’s due to broken gear they won enough races when they did finish, especially once Harold Cudmore arrived in January (and stayed until March) to come into scratch and send previous scratch boat Aberdare as far out as 4 minutes.
In the last few seasons the increasing usage of mobile phone cameras led to much more recording of historic skiff racing, Tricia Smith taking lots of footage from the spectator ferry and lots of action stills from Adrienne Jackson in the rescue boat and Wayne “Chuck” Goodfellow on the starter boat.
Yendys (Harold Cudmore) was unable to retain the Australian title in 2019 as they broke their mast in one heat. Aberdare (John Winning) resumed the mantle. Yendys was steered by several different skippers in the first part of the 2018-19 season, Barry Watson, Rob Brown and Michael Chapman, and even though they had several DNF’s due to broken gear they won enough races when they did finish, especially once Harold Cudmore arrived in January (and stayed until March) to come into scratch and send previous scratch boat Aberdare as far out as 4 minutes.
Top Weight, Yendys and Britannia at the dock at the 2019 Australian Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart.
In February 2019 3 H18’s were trailed down to Hobart for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, Britannia, Yendys and Top Weight, and sailed in 3 blustery and cold races on the Derwent, tying up alongside a pontoon each evening with many admirers walking past. We were lucky to get away with no capsizes, and I don’t think we will attempt to sail in Hobart again. The races were unofficial, but Harold Cudmore had Yendys well in front in all races.
In May 2019 the H10’s Championships were again held at Teralba, and Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson) won all 4 heats to take the Championship easily. Last year’s winner John Anderson in Truant II had 2 swims and a DNS.
In May 2019 the H10’s Championships were again held at Teralba, and Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson) won all 4 heats to take the Championship easily. Last year’s winner John Anderson in Truant II had 2 swims and a DNS.
Wrecker leads Kismet and Irene M at the 10’ Australian Championship at Teralba in May 2019, won by Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson).
Tangalooma had a makeover in the off season led by Robert Tearne. For the 2019-20 season John Winning and crew moved over to The Mistake, and Jerry Tickner and crew left Alruth and started campaigning Aberdare.
October 2019 also saw the 170th Anniversary of the first Balmain Regatta and three 18’s made the trip up the River. The race was won by Britannia from Scot and Top Weight.
The original Britannia’s Centenary in October 2019 was celebrated with a dinner at the SFS at which owner/skipper Ian Smith premiered his video The Centenary of 18-Footer Britannia (see https://youtu.be/Prvl4G8Mlpw). The next day the fleet raced for the Britannia Centenary Cup, won by Scot which was quite fitting as the original Scot had won the first race in which the original Britannia appeared. The Britannia replica was 3rd in the Cup, improving on the 4th for the original boat…..at that rate says frd hand Dave Paget we should win it in another 200 years!
In the Australian H18 Championships in January 2020 The Mistake (John Winning) and Yendys (Harold Cudmore) each won a heat, so it all came down to the final heat. Yendys led from the start and opened up a good lead which The Mistake began to close by the Chowder Bay mark (with 2 short legs to go) when Yendys capsized, and The Mistake pulled away to win the race and the Championship. All three races were filmed by Tricia Smith on the ferry and Ian Smith aboard Britannia, see https://youtu.be/-1pKVGEfo7o
Britannia was trailed down in late February for a second visit to the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally where she again attracted plenty of attention with big rig and ringtail. On return to Sydney there was only one more race before the Covid outbreak required everything to be shut down. The 10’s titles scheduled for Brisbane in May also had to be cancelled. The AHSSA AGM in September was held on Zoom for the first time. With the future of historical skiff racing in doubt, President Ian Smith committed to putting a newsletter out every month with plenty of historical content to keep sailors involved.
October 2019 also saw the 170th Anniversary of the first Balmain Regatta and three 18’s made the trip up the River. The race was won by Britannia from Scot and Top Weight.
The original Britannia’s Centenary in October 2019 was celebrated with a dinner at the SFS at which owner/skipper Ian Smith premiered his video The Centenary of 18-Footer Britannia (see https://youtu.be/Prvl4G8Mlpw). The next day the fleet raced for the Britannia Centenary Cup, won by Scot which was quite fitting as the original Scot had won the first race in which the original Britannia appeared. The Britannia replica was 3rd in the Cup, improving on the 4th for the original boat…..at that rate says frd hand Dave Paget we should win it in another 200 years!
In the Australian H18 Championships in January 2020 The Mistake (John Winning) and Yendys (Harold Cudmore) each won a heat, so it all came down to the final heat. Yendys led from the start and opened up a good lead which The Mistake began to close by the Chowder Bay mark (with 2 short legs to go) when Yendys capsized, and The Mistake pulled away to win the race and the Championship. All three races were filmed by Tricia Smith on the ferry and Ian Smith aboard Britannia, see https://youtu.be/-1pKVGEfo7o
Britannia was trailed down in late February for a second visit to the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally where she again attracted plenty of attention with big rig and ringtail. On return to Sydney there was only one more race before the Covid outbreak required everything to be shut down. The 10’s titles scheduled for Brisbane in May also had to be cancelled. The AHSSA AGM in September was held on Zoom for the first time. With the future of historical skiff racing in doubt, President Ian Smith committed to putting a newsletter out every month with plenty of historical content to keep sailors involved.
Yendys in the 2020 Australian Championships, won by The Mistake (John Winning).
In spite of the pandemic H18’s racing was able to start about the usual time, on 10 October 2020, but numbers of boats and crews were down, sometimes only 4 boats made it out, no more than 6 in most races.
With Harold Cudmore unable to travel to Australia as he had for many years Yendys fronted for the Australian Championship of 2021 with New Zealand sailor Josh Porebski at the helm, and they won 2 out of 3 heats to retain the title. Yendys remained on or close to scratch the whole season with The Mistake on scratch or low figures. Yendys was skippered by a variety of skippers, Barry Watson, Phil Barnett, Michael Chapman, Grant Wakefield and Michael Carter, and Josh Porebski just for the 3 title heats. The season pointscore, the fastest times pointscore and the Ferguson Ringtail Cup were all won by Australia IV (Terry Stewart). The Mistake (John Winning) won the Club Championship.
Brisbane 10-footers managed a few races in the 2020-21 season, mostly with 3 boats, Truant II, Avro and the ex-NSW boat Uncle Fred which along with Merle had been purchased by the Brisbane 18’s Club. Alison Early and Sue Goodhew moved across from Jessie to Uncle Fred. Merle and Truant III made occasional appearances. In May 2021 the H10’s titles were held again on the Brisbane River, and John Anderson in Truant II proved he was hard to beat on the River. Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson) pressed them and was only narrowly beaten into 2nd. Miss Marlene was the only boat representing NSW, Wrecker had entered but pulled out late due to Covid crew infection. Six boats represented Queensland, the five regular racers just mentioned plus the resurrected Marina. This series was filmed by President Ian Smith, see The 27th Historical 10-Footers Australian Championships 2021 on the Videos Page
With Harold Cudmore unable to travel to Australia as he had for many years Yendys fronted for the Australian Championship of 2021 with New Zealand sailor Josh Porebski at the helm, and they won 2 out of 3 heats to retain the title. Yendys remained on or close to scratch the whole season with The Mistake on scratch or low figures. Yendys was skippered by a variety of skippers, Barry Watson, Phil Barnett, Michael Chapman, Grant Wakefield and Michael Carter, and Josh Porebski just for the 3 title heats. The season pointscore, the fastest times pointscore and the Ferguson Ringtail Cup were all won by Australia IV (Terry Stewart). The Mistake (John Winning) won the Club Championship.
Brisbane 10-footers managed a few races in the 2020-21 season, mostly with 3 boats, Truant II, Avro and the ex-NSW boat Uncle Fred which along with Merle had been purchased by the Brisbane 18’s Club. Alison Early and Sue Goodhew moved across from Jessie to Uncle Fred. Merle and Truant III made occasional appearances. In May 2021 the H10’s titles were held again on the Brisbane River, and John Anderson in Truant II proved he was hard to beat on the River. Miss Marlene (Dale Jacobson) pressed them and was only narrowly beaten into 2nd. Miss Marlene was the only boat representing NSW, Wrecker had entered but pulled out late due to Covid crew infection. Six boats represented Queensland, the five regular racers just mentioned plus the resurrected Marina. This series was filmed by President Ian Smith, see The 27th Historical 10-Footers Australian Championships 2021 on the Videos Page
Miss Marlene just fails to catch Truant II on the line at the 2021 Australian 10’ titles. Truant II (John Anderson) won for the second time on the Brisbane River. Miss Marlene is the most consistent 10’ Australian Champion, winning 6 times between 2011 and 2019. From the video mentioned in the text.
The AHSSA AGM was held online for the second year in a row, as were the bi-monthly General meetings. During the off-season we lost 2 stalwarts, Dick Notley and Alf Jacobson. Covid prevented the large funerals they would normally have commanded.
The 2021-22 H18’s season started a bit later due to Covid restrictions, and Scot (Jamie Watt) won 3 of the first 7 races. A rare in-person meeting in November modified the rating system slightly, removing the anomaly of Australia IV giving time to Yendys and The Mistake. The SFS wharf was being rebuilt and was out of action for the whole season.
The 2021-22 H18’s season started a bit later due to Covid restrictions, and Scot (Jamie Watt) won 3 of the first 7 races. A rare in-person meeting in November modified the rating system slightly, removing the anomaly of Australia IV giving time to Yendys and The Mistake. The SFS wharf was being rebuilt and was out of action for the whole season.
The H18’s Rating system, as revised for the 2021-22 season.
Yendys retained the H18 title in January 2022 this time with Grant Wakefield at the helm. Grant had been steering Yendys for the first part of the season but after the Championship she was steered by Adrian Dunphy and Kevin Nixon. Tangalooma had been steered for the past 2 seasons mostly by Neville Turbitt, with John Lewis appearing on occasions. The Mistake was again Club Champion, Australia IV again won the fastest times, Scot won the season pointscore and Britannia won back the Ringtail Cup.
The Brisbane 10-footers got in a couple of races early in the season but floods prevented River sailing in the second half of the season. Truant II, Avro, Uncle Fred and Merle travelled down to Teralba for the May 2022 H10’s titles to race against Ramona II, Irene M, Gunners Daughter and Kismet from NSW. Miss Marlene had entered but Dale caught Covid. Ramona II (Grant Sheldon) won both scratch and handicap after often being runner-up in recent years. Video footage of the last heat is up on the Videos Page.
The Brisbane 10-footers got in a couple of races early in the season but floods prevented River sailing in the second half of the season. Truant II, Avro, Uncle Fred and Merle travelled down to Teralba for the May 2022 H10’s titles to race against Ramona II, Irene M, Gunners Daughter and Kismet from NSW. Miss Marlene had entered but Dale caught Covid. Ramona II (Grant Sheldon) won both scratch and handicap after often being runner-up in recent years. Video footage of the last heat is up on the Videos Page.
In the off-season in 2022 Ian Smith set up the new AHSSA website just mentioned as we were having trouble with the old site. There is now also a Facebook Page, Aussie Historic Skiffs. AHSSA founding member Paul Notary (Dudley Beardsmore on Facebook) died in November after a long illness.
Brisbane scheduled 11 races before Christmas but only got in 5 with several cancellations due to weather.
The H18’s 2022-23 season was to be opened by a visit to the Belmont 16-footer club’s Centenary celebrations, but although 4 boats fronted conditions were not conducive to sailing, so it was just a quiet drive in the country. During the off-season Marshall Flanagan had Australia put back in racing trim and has been working up a crew in the first half of the season. Yendys has entered most races with guest skippers and has won a couple of races and remains on scratch going into 2023. Harold Cudmore is expected to arrive in time for the Australian Championship on 14 January but has announced his retirement from Historical 18-footer sailing and will be a spectator. We have had up to 8 boats racing and with Covid subsiding we are looking forward to a great 2023.
Brisbane scheduled 11 races before Christmas but only got in 5 with several cancellations due to weather.
The H18’s 2022-23 season was to be opened by a visit to the Belmont 16-footer club’s Centenary celebrations, but although 4 boats fronted conditions were not conducive to sailing, so it was just a quiet drive in the country. During the off-season Marshall Flanagan had Australia put back in racing trim and has been working up a crew in the first half of the season. Yendys has entered most races with guest skippers and has won a couple of races and remains on scratch going into 2023. Harold Cudmore is expected to arrive in time for the Australian Championship on 14 January but has announced his retirement from Historical 18-footer sailing and will be a spectator. We have had up to 8 boats racing and with Covid subsiding we are looking forward to a great 2023.