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18 Footer Nationals Return to Brisbane
The 2024-25 Australian 18 Footer Championship is set to be held on Waterloo Bay in Brisbane from January 18 to 20, 2025. This event marks the first major 18 footer title in Queensland since the 1990 World (Giltinan) Championship victory by Scott Ramsden’s Bank of New Zealand team on the Brisbane River.
This return to Brisbane is a testament to the efforts made by Dave Hayter and the Brisbane 18 Footers Sailing Club over the past six years. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the past innovators and champions in Queensland’s 18 footer racing history.
Queensland began racing 18 footers in 1895 at the City of Brisbane Sailing Club. Early on, local designers were perceived as out of touch with the prevailing trends in boat design but ultimately led to significant advancements in the class. By the 1930s, the Queensland designers had influenced the future direction of 18 footers significantly.
The transition from larger boats to smaller ones became increasingly necessary as Brisbane’s fleet dwindled. Boat owners were hesitant to invest in new vessels due to rising costs and the high number of crew members required for larger boats. Despite their push against existing class rules, Queensland competitors achieved notable success, winning six Australian championships against rivals from NSW and Western Australia between 1917 and 1932.
During this time, Queensland designers started applying aerodynamic principles to boat building, leading to innovative designs like the "no heel skiff" model. Among these was the boat Aberdare, which was commissioned by Frederick Hart and built by Alf Whereat. With a lighter hull and a smaller rig, Aberdare, helmed by Vic Vaughan, dominated 18 Footer racing, winning four consecutive Australian Championships from 1933 to 1937.
The success of Aberdare changed the landscape of competitive sailing and went on to inspire the formation of the NSW 18 Footers Sailing League. Following World War II, Queensland’s fleet saw a revival with the introduction of 6ft beam boats. These boats were lighter, cheaper to build, and only required 5-6 crew members as opposed to 7-8. Innovations continued with talents like Norman Wright and his sons, who designed several successful 18-footers post-war.
The legacy of these designers and skippers continued through the 1940s and into the 1950s, with many Australian Championships won by renowned sailors such as Lance Watts and Norman Wright Jr. The competitive spirit of Queenslanders persisted through decades, with their innovative designs influencing the class significantly.
As time progressed, the introduction of high-tech materials impacted the racing scene, leading to a decline in Queensland’s dominance in the 18 footer class. However, since 2019, Dave Hayter and a team of young sailors have been working to reignite Queensland’s presence in 18 Footer racing. Hayter’s recent skiff, built in 2023, achieved impressive results at the 2024 Winnings Giltinan World Championship on Sydney Harbour.
The upcoming 2024-25 Australian 18 Footer Championship in Brisbane aims to showcase the talent and determination of Queensland sailors. The six-race series promises to be an exciting event for all sailing enthusiasts.
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Alex Tanaka, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Singapore, has a deep passion for the sea that began in childhood. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the National University of Singapore, Alex has built a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling. Their work captures the excitement of sailing and the intricate details of maritime life, making them a respected voice in the sailing community. When not writing, Alex enjoys exploring new waters and participating in local regattas, always seeking the next adventure on the horizon.
