18ft Skiffs – NSW Championship

Back on Sydney Harbour this Sunday

The incredible story of John ‘Woody’ Winning and his son John ‘Herman’ Winning Jr. continues on Sydney Harbour this Sunday when the two skippers lead their teams in the quest to win the 2022-23 NSW 18ft Skiff Championship.

‘Herman’ (Andoo) with two wins from the three races sailed so far holds a narrow lead over ‘Woody’ (Yandoo), whose team has had best results of one win and a second placing.

Andoo, the NSW Championship favourite
Andoo, the NSW Championship favourite

With just two races still to be sailed, on January 15 and 22, and each team allowed to discard its worst race placing from the five-race championship, Sunday’s result will be critical towards the overall winner.

Yandoo, a winner in Race 3 of the NSW Championship
Yandoo, a winner in Race 3 of the NSW Championship

That a father and son are competing against each other at the top of the points table in such a demanding, high speed class as the 18 footers is rare, but their story has an even greater twist.

Only two weeks ago ‘Herman’ and ‘Woody’, together with Andoo’s two other 18ft skiff crew members, Seve Jarvin and Sam Newton, raced together on AndooComanche and took Line Honours in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2022.

The 70-year-old ‘Woody’ was obviously thrilled to be part of AndooComanche’s Line Honours victory with his son, but is a real pro when it comes to competing in the 18s.

He quickly reminds everyone, “We are in the middle of a major 18 footer championship and my focus is entirely on trying to beat every other team in the event.”

“I’m sure every other team has the same attitude and I can’t be thinking about friendships or past teammates.”

While the strong Andoo team retains favouritism to take the NSW Championship, Yandoo’s boat speed has been impressive and the team work faultless under pressure.

The early weather forecast indicates similar conditions to those in Races 2 and 3 which produced such a close contest between Andoo and Yandoo.

The battle behind the two leaders is also tight and a good result on Sunday is essential to retain any hope of a top finish overall after the last race of the championship on January 22.

Shaw & Partners and Fisher & Paykel looking for a podium finish
Shaw & Partners and Fisher & Paykel looking for a podium finish

Only three points (net) separates third placed Shaw and Partners Financial Services, Smeg, Lazarus and Fisher & Paykel.

Smeg's quality crew should test the top group
Smeg’s quality crew should test the top group
Lazarus, in line for a top finish
Lazarus, in line for a top finish

Adding another dimension to the contest is the ongoing improvement of new boats Rag & Famish Hotel and Balmain Slake, the introduction of the new Finport Finance (Keagan York) and the return from New Zealand of Sean Langman’s Noakesailing.

Battle behind the two leaders
Battle behind the two leaders
The Oak Double Bay-4 Pines looking to regain early season form
The Oak Double Bay-4 Pines looking to regain early season form

Progress Pointscores (net after present discard):

2 Andoo, John Winning Jr.

3 Yandoo, John Winning

6 Shaw and Partners Financial Services, Jim Colley

8 Smeg, Michael Coxon

9 Lazarus, Marcus Ashley-Jones

9 Fisher & Paykel, Jordan Girdis

11 Rag & Famish Hotel, Harry Price

14 Balmain Slake, Henry Larkings

14 Birkenhead Point Marina, Kirk Mitchell

17 Burrawang-Young Henrys, Simon Nearn

19 The Oak Double Bay-4 Pines, Alex Marinelli

20 The Kitchen Maker-Caesarstone, Lachlan Steel

21 Marine Outlet, Cam Gundy

22 Noakes Blue, Nathan McNamara

24 18 Footers Bar & Restaurant, Pedro Vozone

24 Noakes Youth, Tom Cunich

28 Lazarus Youth, Hugo Stoner

Shaw and Partners ready to pounce if the leaders falter
Shaw and Partners ready to pounce if the leaders falter

Spectators can follow the action on board the club’s spectator ferry, as they have done for the past 87 years, which leaves Double Bay Wharf alongside the clubhouse at 2pm.

Burrawang-Young Henrys looking to stay in the top ten
Burrawang-Young Henrys looking to stay in the top ten

Booking online through the club’s website www.18footers.com is essential at,

http://18footers.com/18-footer-racing/spectator-ferry/

Birkenhead Point Marina is a consistent performer
Birkenhead Point Marina is a consistent performer

For anyone who can’t make it out onto the water, the League’s live broadcast team will be out on Sydney Harbour to capture all the action. Live streaming is available at www.18footers.com by clicking on the ’18 Footers TV’ link.

For all the club’s racing and up-to-date news:

Club Website www.18footers.com

Frank Quealey
Australian 18 Footers League Ltd.

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JPK 11.80 July 2024