The 19th Historical Ten Footers Australian Championship 2010

9:34 AM Wed 31 Mar 2010 GMT

'Truant Current Queensland Champion ( Privisional) Fred Palin - The 19th Australian Historic 10 Skiff Championship' Colin gillespie

The 19th Historical Ten Footers Australian Championship Program on the Easter Weekend - 2, 3, 4 and 5th April 2010

To be hosted by the Drummoyne Sailing Club with the assistance of the, Australian Historical Sailing Skiff Association and sailed on the waters of the Parramatta River.

The organising authority is the Australian Historical Sailing Skiff Association Inc.

With the current 10 Foot skiff season drawing to a close all eyes are now turned to the Australian Championship, 4 Heats from Friday second through to Monday fifth on NSW fleet home courses at Drummoyne. Word around the rigging yard is that, the old Master Ron Wrecker Johnston will hand over the tiller of defending Champion Irene to Michael Chapman teamed with the experienced Karen on sheet for a tilt at the title, the new Merle (ex Irene) with good gear and form is a force & the current State Champ. Dale, John and Tracey's Miss Marlene being scratched and replaced with the old Gunners Daughter an ex Scamp from the Robinson family, should not be discounted.

The NSW Fleet looks to be about 9 skiffs with talk about the return of Scamp and the historic grand lady of the fleet Commonwealth II in the capable hands of vetern Graeme Fergie Ferguson and Rick Biggles Priestly possible starters. They will be met by a small but quality Queensland Fleet of in-form skiffs Truant, current Qld Champ. Fred Palin(provisional), Truant II, Avro & Cornstalk to put the possible starting numbers at 13 skiffs.

Traditional Easter weather and tides should ensure strong racing and bring out the best in the crews sailing these challenging skiffs. With the additional push from the Queensland contingent to wrest the Australian Championship Trophy from the New South Welshmen.

Australian Champion Irene Ron Wrecker Johnston on the tiller - The 19th Australian Historic 10 Skiff Championship - Colin gillespie Click Here to view large photo

by Colin Gillespie