18ft Skiffs Racing Kicks Off This Sunday

When the Australian 18 Footers League’s season begins on Sydney Harbour next Sunday, the young Sixt 18ft skiff team of Jacob Marks, Alex Marinelli, and Matt Doyle will aim to defend their Spring Championship title. This marks their second consecutive year holding this title.

The first race of the 2026 SIXT Spring Championship will be held on Sunday, launching a series of seven races that will conclude on November 15. The series operates on a handicap basis, requiring each team to participate in all seven races to secure their final score.

Jacob Marks, the 19-year-old skipper of Sixt, expresses confidence in their performance as the season kicks off. He acknowledges the challenge of defending their title against a competitive fleet, stating, “We will be giving it our best to defend the Spring Championship title, particularly as our very supportive boat sponsor, Sixt, is also the series sponsor again.”

In addition to the Spring Championship, the Sixt team will also work to defend the League’s esteemed Season Pointscore, which has been held every season since 1935. The 2026-27 MONDIALE VGL Season Pointscore will consist of 18 League club races, culminating in the final race on February 21. This event demands consistent strong performances from all teams.

Marks highlighted the pride in winning last season’s Season Pointscore, noting that it reflected the team’s consistency throughout the year. He added, “The accumulation of what we learn each week also gets us in the best shape possible for the JJ Giltinan world championship, which follows immediately after the conclusion of the pointscore.”

The upcoming season features a mix of emerging champions ready to challenge more experienced teams. Early favourites for the major championships include the Giltinan world champion Yandoo team, led by John Winning Jr, alongside Australian champion Balmain (Henry Larkings) and Shaw and Partners Financial Services (Keagan York). The competition promises to be intense, with numerous new teams entering the fray, potentially leading to one of the closest contests in recent seasons.

With a strong South East breeze anticipated for the opening race, it presents an excellent opportunity for new teams to showcase their capabilities, hinting at what lies ahead when the League’s fleet competes in international and interstate events.

Spectators can enjoy the action from a ferry, which serves as a “floating grandstand,” departing from Double Bay Wharf at 2:15 pm. Onboard, patrons can relish the views and enjoy drinks and snacks.

For those unable to join the ferry, the professional SailMedia Livestream team will provide comprehensive coverage of the race. Multiple cameras, including a drone and a POV camera from the commentary team, will capture all the thrilling moments.

SailMedia’s coverage highlights close racing alongside the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour, featuring expert commentary from former competitors.

The link for Sunday’s coverage: http://youtube.com/video/eFFzJCCRdKo/livestreaming

Australian 18 Footers League 2026-27 Fleet:

Balmain Henry Larkings, Tom Grimes, Locky Pryor
Club Marine Emma Rankin, Cameron Walker, Daniel Watson
Fisher & Paykel Hugo Stoner, Julian Taylor, Hugo Leeming
Killer Coffee Co Ryan Ewings, Matt Stenta, Finn Rodowicz
Lazarus Capital Partners Tom Cunich, Logan Radford, Jack Taylor
Ocius Dante Oliveri, James Hodgson, Nick Rozenauers
Rag & Famish Hotel Ben Crafoord, Marc Chapon, Max Nearn
Shaw and Partners Financial Services Keagan York, Otto Henry, Jerome Watts
Sixt Jacob Marks, Alex Marinelli, Matt Doyle
Smeg Ash Rooklyn, Ricky Bridge, Tom Quigley
Sothebys Bec Hancock, tba, tba
TBA Lachlan Steel, George Morton, Sam King
The Kitchen Maker Jordan Girdis, Josh Feldmann, Jacob Broom
The Oak Double Bay-4 Pines Kade Morgan, Graeme Fairbairn, Noah Chennal
Thurlow Fisher Lawyers Joel Beashel, Shaun Connor, Trent Barnabas
Vaikobi Kirk Mitchell, Max Vos, Paddy Bannon
Yandoo John Winning Jr, Fang Warren, Lewis Brake
18 Footers Bar & Restaurant Luca Gambacorti, tba, tba