Historical 18s return to Brisbane for Anzac Regatta

12:45 AM Mon 19 Apr 2010 GMT

'Aberdare resplendent under extras - AHSSA Historical 18s Anzac Regatta, Brisbane' Mark Graveson Click Here to view large photo

Seven of the magnificent Historical 18ft Skiffs are packed up, set to make their way from Sydney to Brisbane for this weekend's Anzac Regatta.

Keeping the traditional 2 yearly visits to Brisbane alive, Aberdare, Australia IV, Britannia, Mistake, Tangalooma, Top Weight and Yendys will travel to Brisbane for three races over the Anzac Day long weekend, joining the local Jenny IV.

Many of the Sydney boats are travelling only with a skeleton crew, and the Brisbane 18 Footers Sailing Club is looking for sailors to make up the numbers. For some of the bigger boats like Britannia and Tangalooma, crews of 8-12 people are not uncommon!

Britannia and Tangalooma on a good gust - AHSSA Historical 18s Anzac Regatta, Brisbane - Mark Graveson Click Here to view large photo

AHSSA President Ian Smith said, 'These Historical skiffs are a direct link to our sailing heritage, and regattas such as this provide a unique opportunity for young sailors to experience what generations of open boat sailors did in years gone by.'

Each of the skiffs are replicas of the original skiff with the same name, however many have been built utilizing modern construction techniques and use of aluminium spars in lieu of wooden. The designs are quite varied, from 8ft to 6ft beam era boats meaning the AHSSA has developed a rating system that considers the age of the design and how closely the replica uses equipment that may have been used on the original.

Tangalooma working upwind - AHSSA Historical 18s Anzac Regatta, Brisbane - Mark Graveson Click Here to view large photo

There will be three races sailed over the weekend, Race One on Saturday will be a scratch start race, Sunday and Monday will be Mark Foy starts. The overall winner will be decided on the rating results.

For more details on the regatta or to volunteer for a crew place, please contact the Club secretary Michael Glancy on michaelfb86(at)hotmail.com or mobile 0400 628 409.

Alruth squeaks around the mark with the spinnaker set - AHSSA Historical 18s Anzac Regatta, Brisbane - Mark Graveson Click Here to view large photo

by Mark Graveson

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Historical 18s return to Brisbane for Anzac Regatta

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