In complete contrast to yesterday’s light, variable wind conditions, Race 2 of the Winning Group 73rd JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship was sailed in an 18-20-knot North East wind on Sydney Harbour today and produced some of the best and most spectacular racing action for the spectator fleet following the championship.

After being locked in a two-boat battle for the entire first lap of the course, reigning champion Andoo (John Winning Jr, Seve Jarvin and Sam Newton) got the upper hand over yesterday’s Race 1 winner, and Australian champion, Finport Finance (Keagan York, Angus Williams and Phil Marshall) to score a brilliant victory.

Andoo’s winning margin was 57s over Finport Finance with third placed Lazarus (Marcus Ashley-Jones), Rob Bell and Jeronimo Harrison) a further 1m21s further back in third place.

Sean Langman’s Big Pete finished in fourth place ahead of Smeg (Michael Coxon), Germany’s Black Knight (Heinrich Bayern), Yandoo (John Winning), Rag & Famish Hotel (Harry Price), Balmain Slake (Henry Larkings) and Shaw & Partners Financial Services (Dave O’Connor).

Despite today’s defeat, Finport Finance leads the points table after two races with a total of 3 points, followed by Andoo, Smeg and Lazarus all on 7, Big Pete 11, Yandoo 12, Shaw & Partners Financial Services 13, Rag & Famish Hotel 16, Balmain Slake 19 and Black Knight 22.

Balmain won the handicap section of Race 2 on 18ft Skiff 73rd JJ Giltinan Championship Day 2 © Frank Quealey

Racing resumes on Tuesday (March 7) when Races 3 and 4 will be sailed over two short courses.

In today’s race, Finport Finance established a lead shortly after the start with Andoo, Rag & Famish Hotel and Lazarus close behind as the fleet worked its way from the start off Clark Island to the Beashel Buoy weather mark.

Finport Finance, series leader after 18ft Skiff 73rd JJ Giltinan Championship Day 2 – photo © Frank Quealey

As spinnakers were set for the run to the wing mark off the southern end of Shark Island, Finport’s lead over Andoo was 10s. Rag & Famish Hotel was in third place and Big Pete was now fourth.

The run to the wing mark produced spectacular action for the spectator fleet as the skiffs raced past at high speed.

There was no change in placings at the bottom mark for the first four teams while Smeg, Lazarus and Balmain Slake were leading the following group.

Lazarus crew flying on 18ft Skiff 73rd JJ Giltinan Championship Day 2 – photo © Frank Quealey

Andoo was outstanding on the second beat to Beashel Buoy and the Finport Finance team could do nothing to stop the defending champion from opening up a lead of 35s.

Rag & Famish Hotel was still in third place but was starting to come under pressure from Lazarus and Smeg. The Rag eventually capsized on the run and dropped out of the five-boat group chasing the two leaders.

Andoo crosses the finish line on 18ft Skiff 73rd JJ Giltinan Championship Day 2 – photo © Frank Quealey

Over the final lap of the course, Andoo maintained her big lead and gradually edged away to the final margin of 57s and has now set up an intriguing contest as the fleet prepares for Tuesday’s ‘big double header’.

Balmain Slake (Henry Larkings, Miles Davey and Flynn Twomey) won the handicap section of today’s race from 18 Footers Bay & Restaurant (Pedro Vozone) and Birkenhead Point Marina (Kirk Mitchell).

The race dates for the Winning Group 73rd JJ Giltinan World 18 footer Championship are:

• Tuesday – March 7 – Races 3 and 4
• Wednesday – March 8 – Races 5 and 6
• Thursday – March 9 – Race 7
• Saturday – March 11 – Race 8
• Sunday – March 12 – Race 9

An Australian 18 Footers League spectator ferry will follow the racing on each of the seven days, leaving from Double Bay Public Wharf, alongside the clubhouse, at 2pm.

Race 2 Results:

by Frank Quealey