Sydney Flying Squadron challenge - Who has the fastest 18 footer?

12:11 AM Wed 24 Aug 2011 GMT

'Historical skiff Australia IV (John Winning) competing in the 174th Australia Day Regatta' John Jeremy

The Sydney Flying Squadron has set a challenge - to find the fastest 18 footer in the world on Saturday 24 September 2011.

Called the 'Great Race', the Flying Squadron has had interest from the ultra fast foiling moths, A Class and F18 catamarans and unrestricted 18 foot skiffs and with $5,000 in cash on the table, interest is high.

Michael (Flipper) Carter is threatening to resurrect his newly modified foiling 18. There is a rumour Peter Sorensen has found some giant wings in Andrew Buckland's garage and 'Bucko' reckons they will definitely work.

With the America's Cup being sailed on catamarans there is a renewed interest in these boats and the ease at which they accelerate is amazing.

Sydney Flying Squadron is the natural and historic home of the development of 'sailing fast' and this race will kick off the Squadron's 122nd sailing season.

Many of the now standard 'go fast' improvements on sailing craft having been invented or first tried at the Flying Squadron, which was for a time the sailing home of folk such as Ben Lexcen (always ten years ahead of his time), Peter Sorensen and Andrew Buckland, (fixed spinnaker poles) Adrienne Cahalan and Iain Murray.

It is believed Bruce Farr first showed his mini wings racing from the Flying Squadron.

The beautiful historic 18 footers will be gracing the harbour again on that day, to show us all how it is done and reminds us where it all began. Famed sailors such as John 'Woody' Winning and Ireland's Harold Cudmore live to sail these incredible old boats.

'There will be pig on a spit and a rock-n-roll band so whatever happens it will be a great party' promised Commodore Chris Haskard.

For enquiries please contact Sydney Flying Squadron, 76 McDougall St Milsons Point NSW 2065.
Telephone 02 9955 8350
Website: www.sydneyflyingsquadron.com.au

by Sydney Flying Squadron