Strong fleet expected for 18ft Skiff Auckland Champs this weekend

6:37 AM Thu 12 Nov 2009 GMT

'18fters racing in the ANZAC Regatta - 26 April - Race 4' Richard Gladwell

The 18ft Skiff Auckland Champs willbe staged this weekend and next with racing on Sunday 15th November and carrying on over Saturday & Sunday 21st and 22nd November.

The skiffs launch from Okahu Bay with Racing in the harbour starting at 1pm. Eight entries expected. Boats competing include Maersk Line (Graham Catley), Yamaha (Scott Kennedy), CT Sailbattens (Alex Vallings), JF Hillebrand (Phil Airey)

There has been a lot of development over the winter with all skiffs displaying new sails and masts.

Tight racing is expected as the class in New Zealand is growing strongly with each boat pushing to win.

There will be regular racing over the summer as the boats prepare for the combined JJ Giltinan and Mark Foy regattas in Sydney February.

Other major regattas coming up in Auckland are the NZ National Champs (12th -13th December) and ANZAC Regatta (22nd - 25th April 2010)