I believe that all of the newer ones are sold overseas. That promotes the class in countries other than Aust.
I am informed that it may also be done to prevent a rival fleet being created (as happened with the Club and League 18's a few years ago)
JB

speedsailor said...

Hi, is there any cheap old 18footers for sale in Australia. Have googled it but all seem overseas.

Lot of older boats went to Adelaide in the last few years. There was an attempt to get a few owners together there.

Many years ago we had 7 in a local club at one time for a few years. Boats were bought for peanuts and a sailing club was formed at Sanctuary Point on St Georges Basin. It went well for awhile but costs were fairly high to run these boats and sponsorship appeared. One of the keen sailors was the manager of the Ford dealership and he turned up one day with one of the carbon fibre hulled Colour 7 boats with full sponsorship and it was all down hill from then on. See the odd one on eBay but generally just the gear gets sold, hulls are not much good for anything.

Skiffs Australia on Facebook. The guy running that snaps up all the old boats that can be found. He is putting new rigs and sails and trying to start a competition in Adelaide with dreams of taking it around the country...

Hi guys if you want to buy an 18 we maybe able to help
Need to ask a few questions

Where are you ( state )
Who are you going to sail against
How much money do you plan on spending a year
and to purchase it.

You maybe surprised how much it all costs
If you want to get a sponsor you need a fleet to sail with.

If you need help call me Adam wannan
0415215882
Skiffsaustralia

^^^ Yep best video ever, My old house mate and I used to watch this in the morning of race day or take it with me on regattas. This was when I used to take sailing seriously...pretty nerdy ay