Vaikobi Tops the 18ft Skiff Sixt Spring Series
by Frank Quealey 29 Oct 23:09 PDT
Since the start of the last season’s (2023-24) 18-footer campaign, the Vaikobi team, consisting of Kirk Mitchell (skipper), Andrew Stephenson (sheet hand), and Daniel Barnett (bow), has been one of the most consistent crews in the fleet, and their performance continues strong as they lead the Sixt Spring Championship after the initial two races of the six-race series.
As they approach next Sunday’s third race on Sydney Harbour, which coincides with Race 2 of the Club Championship, Vaikobi (4 points) maintains a two-point advantage over Rag & Famish Hotel (Harry Price) at six points. Balmain (Henry Larkings) is next with 8 points, followed by Burrawang-Young Henrys (Simon Nearn) with 10, Sixt (Jacob Marks) with 14, and The Kitchen Maker (Lachlan Steel) at 16 points.
The success of Vaikobi stems from the team’s members’ comprehension of what it takes to win key championships, and they eagerly anticipate contending for the Australian and Giltinan titles once the first half of the season concludes at the end of 2024.
Mitchell and Stephenson previously collaborated to secure the Australian Cherub Championship, while Barnett comes from a family with world and Australian championship achievements. His father, Phil, claimed both titles in the 1980s and 1990s; and his grandfather, Don, accomplished the same feat in the 1960s.
Kirk stated, “Andrew and I had worked together on boats before joining the 18-footers, so we understood what was necessary when the League offered us such an excellent opportunity with a brand new vessel last season.”
“When we acquired the boat, we were ready to invest the hours needed, even after our jobs each day, to prepare the boat to the level we desired.”
Regarding the team’s consistency, he added, “Our goal during races is to minimize mistakes caused by crew work. This is our third season racing together, and I believe we are improving every year.”
The crew’s mentality and standard of preparation and management are evident and significantly contribute to the consistency they have demonstrated since the start of the 2023-24 season. This approach will also greatly assist them in seeking their objectives at the 2024-25 Australian Championship in Brisbane come January.
Kirk expressed, “We are very excited about the regatta, which I believe is the first major championship in Brisbane in over 30 years, providing a fantastic boost for both the class and the city.”
“We also appreciate the series format of six races over three consecutive days.”
“Our initial plan was to bring our boat to Brisbane before the beginning of the Sydney season and compete in the Queensland Championship as preparation for the nationals. Sadly, the regatta was canceled when Queensland’s top boats were delayed returning from Europe.”
This kind of mindset reflects the attitude exhibited by the Vaikobi team each week as they sail on Sydney Harbour, and will significantly aid them in meeting their goals.
Sunday’s race will be a scratch start for Race 2 of the Club Championship and, based on an early forecast, is expected to be conducted in a 20-knot northeastern wind.
Vaikobi faces strong competition as one of six contenders for the race win. Others include Race 1 champion Rag & Famish Hotel, Yandoo (John Winning), Lazarus (Tom Cunich), Finport Finance (Keagan York), and Balmain.
A strong contender in Race 3 of the Sixt Spring Championship could be Smeg (Nathan McNamara), who has been racing without much luck thus far. Their biggest threats may come from Burrawang-Young Henrys, Sixt, and The Kitchen Maker.
With great conditions anticipated, spectators are encouraged to enjoy the excitement from the racecourse aboard the club’s spectator ferry, departing from Double Bay Public Wharf at 2pm.
