Consistency has propelled the Balmain 18ft Skiff team to the top of the NSW State Championship standings. Currently in second place in the Australian 18 Footers League’s Club Championship, the team is on track for its best results yet in the ongoing 2025-26 season.
Led by Henry Larkings, along with teammates Tom Grimes and Locky Pryor, the crew boasts significant talent and experience. Over the past four seasons, the team has achieved respectable placements at major championships, finishing 9th in 2022, 8th in 2023, and 7th in both 2024 and 2025. However, the team seeks to improve its standings significantly this season.
“This season’s team has a lot of local and international sailing experience, and I’m confident this will be a strong influence when the pressure is on during the major championship in March,” says Larkings. He reflects on past experiences where the young team may have pushed too hard in big regattas, neglecting the importance of consistency, which could have yielded better overall results.
As Balmain continues to gain confidence with each race, historical records remind the team that success at the Giltinan World Championship hinges on maintaining consistent performances throughout the regatta. Noteworthy past champions demonstrate that durability often triumphs over individual wins in a racing series.
The team’s current dominance is evidenced by their leading position on the points table after the first two races of the championship series, sitting at four points—followed closely by Yandoo, Rag & Famish Hotel, Smeg, and Club Marine.
The team looks forward to further competitions, particularly next Sunday (7 December), when the Australian 18 Footers League will host Races 3 and 4 on Sydney Harbour. Spectators can catch the action via the club’s ferry service from Double Bay Wharf.
SailMedia will livestream all the racing action here.
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