Preview of the 18ft Skiff Sixt Spring Championship Final
by Frank Quealey 19 Nov 18:54 PST
24 November 2024
Last Sunday, three of the top teams in the Australian 18 Footers League’s 2024-25 season showcased a powerful and speedy race in a 25-30 knot nor’easter on Sydney Harbour, with only seconds distinguishing them for over two-thirds of the long course. However, the story of the day emerged from the team that finished fourth, trailing the ‘stars’.
While the Rag & Famish Hotel team, consisting of Harry Price, Max Paul, and Finn Rodowicz, maintained its dominance in both the club championship and Sixt spring championship with a substantial lead over the closest contender, it was the young Oak Double Bay-4 Pines team, comprising Hugh Stoner, Hugo Leeming, and Daniel Watson, that captured the admiration of the fans.
Hugo Stoner made his entry into the 18 footer league during the 2021-22 season, initially racing with a team that included Hugo Leeming and Alex Watson on the Lazarus Development boat. Stoner and Leeming returned for the 2022-23 season aboard the same vessel, now known as Lazarus Youth, with Hamish Vass stepping in for Alex Watson.
As per Hugo, “I transitioned to 29er skiffs and began match racing prior to our first season in the 18s. Hugo (Leeming) and I participated in a few races during the JJs to support Lachlan Steel, who was sailing the Lazarus skiff. He ultimately urged us to compete in the following season, and we haven’t looked back since.”
When the 18 Footers Bar & Restaurant skiff became accessible for the 2023-24 season, Hugo and his team’s efforts were acknowledged with a promotion to the 18s skiff.
The team achieved victory in the Sponsors Day race and secured strong placements in other races during the 2023 Spring championship. This season, they further advanced when Hugo and his crew took charge of the Oak Double Bay-4 Pines skiff.
This advancement allowed Daniel Watson to replace Hamish Vass, providing an excellent platform for showcasing their skill, particularly as this skiff excelled during the 2023-24 season with Jacob Marks, Alex Marinelli, and Matt Doyle capturing the 2023 Spring Championship.
Their brilliant performance came during one of the most challenging days, showcasing their attitude, determination, and sound tactical choices, as explained by Hugo Stoner.
“We recognized that minimizing time spent capsized was crucial for a good result, so by opting for a big reef and a storm jib, we certainly made things easier for ourselves. A massive shout-out to my crew, who sailed exceptionally well.”
“I must acknowledge Daniel, who joined us this year and has been an incredible addition, providing much-needed weight to the boat. He has a calm presence on board, and I look forward to how we can progress this season.”
Hugo Leeming also shared, “I had several years of 29er sailing from 2017-19, which is where my interest in skiff sailing began. In conjunction with that, I engaged in the CYCA’s match racing program, competing in last year’s world championship where I placed 4th. I will be traveling to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from November 25 to December 3 for this year’s world championships, but my favorite sailing has been in the 18s.”
“Our first season was challenging, but we gradually became more proficient around the course. This year, we received an upgrade to the Royal Oak and added a new bowman, Daniel Watson. The conditions so far have been mainly strong winds, making it tough but enjoyable. Last weekend, we utilized the storm reef, which allowed us to navigate the course with only one capsize, and we had fantastic downwind rides.”
Daniel Watson, the new bowman, is a capable performer with prior experience, stating, “I’ve been sailing skiffs for over 20 years. I started as a teenager and have previously owned and raced B14s.”
“I’ve always been drawn to the technical skill and speed of skiffs, and as a child, I idolized the flying 18s. The exhilaration of a kite ride has always thrilled me, and I adore sailing a boat with wings.”
After a six-year hiatus due to work obligations, I am eager to see what we can achieve this year. The boat holds great promise, and we’re gradually refining our teamwork and dynamics to enhance our performance.”
“After retiring in the first heavy wind race and regretting our missed chance at a potential 5th place, I’m pleased to see us endure in last week’s 30-knot conditions to finish 4th, especially with only one capsize.”
John Winning, a legend in 18 footers and President of the Australian 18 Footer League, expressed his delight at the young team’s ability to complete the lengthy north-east course under such challenging wind conditions. “I always enjoy seeing reliable young teams develop in the League. They represent our future.”
“If we do not have a steady pipeline of young sailors willing to put in the effort, we won’t have a fleet of 18s to race on the harbor; this has been the case for more than a century.”
“Hugo and his team demonstrated great maturity and decision-making on Sunday when they opted to sail with reefed sails, enabling them to finish the race while others were compelled to retire.”
The Rag & Famish Hotel’s dominance thus far in the season is mirrored in this week’s handicaps for the Sixt Spring Championship’s final race. Nine of the 16-boat fleet will compete from a handicap limit of 10 minutes, alongside three additional teams with handicaps exceeding seven minutes.
The result of the Sixt Spring Championship series is nearly sealed, as the Rag & Famish Hotel holds a 14-point lead over the nearest rival, Vaikobi, with a maximum penalty of just 17 points for the race.
Despite the probable outcome, the 3-buoys race is set to produce significant action and numerous positional shifts throughout the race, more so than we’ve witnessed in recent weeks.
Sixt Spring Championship Leaderboard: (top ten)
1 Rag & Famish Hotel 10pts
2 Vaikobi 24pts
3 Balmain 26pts
4 Yandoo 27pts
5 The Kitchen Maker 30pts
6 Burrawang-Young Henrys 32pts
7 Sixt 33pts
8 Finport Finance 37pts
9 Smeg 39pts
10 The Oak Double Bay-4 Pines 44pts
Race 6 of the Sixt Spring Championship will be held on Sunday, marking the series’ final race. The club’s spectator ferry is set to follow the race, departing from Double Bay Public Wharf at 2pm.
