The Sydney Flying Squadron, on behalf of the Australian Historical Sailing Skiff Association, will host the final heat of the 2010 Australian championships for historical 18-foot skiffs.
These boats are replicas of the wooden gaff-rigged skiffs, with outlandish sails and large crews, which sailed on Sydney Harbour between the 1890s and the 1940s.
The spirit of the crews for pushing the limits (and suffering the occasional swim), led them to be called the Bluewater Bushmen. These days there are also quite a few bushwomen, and the sailors range in age from 18 to 80.
The winner of the 2010 Australian championship will hold the famed Galloping Ghost trophy.
Colonial rivalries still prevail with competition between boats such as Britannia, Scot, and Australia 4, and between leading sailors such as John Winning of Australia and Harold Cudmore, former UK America’s Cup skipper. Last week Winning won, setting a ringtail on the final leg.
A spectator ferry (BYO food and drinks) will follow the race leaving from the Sydney Flying Squadron clubhouse, at 76 McDougall Street, Milsons Point. Phone (02) 9955 8350 to book ferry tickets and be there by 1.45pm for a 2pm departure. The race starts at 2.30pm.
More information about the club can be found on the website, click on www.sydneyflyingsquadron.com.au Visitors welcome.
Photos: Sydney Flying Squadron historic 18-foot skiff Australia IV. (Photo by Bruce Kerridge); Skiff racing in its heyday; The 18-footer Alruth today: Alruth back in the day.