The 2026 JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff World Championship has gained a notable boost with the entry of the first USA 18 footer team to contest the event in seven years. A fleet of 27 teams from six countries will compete in the championship, set to begin on Sydney Harbour on Saturday.
John Winning Jr., skipper of the championship favourite Yandoo, played a significant role in the entry of the Andoo-USA team by loaning his 2022 and 2023 world champion Andoo skiff to three US sailors. They will race under the name Andoo-USA in the nine-race regatta.
The Andoo-USA team comprises Mikey Radziejowski, David Liebenberg, and Evan Sjostedt. While Winning’s support is a positive development for international 18 footers, his primary focus remains on steering Yandoo to a third consecutive Giltinan victory. Winning recently took over the role of skipper and has already achieved two convincing wins in the Australian 18 Footers League Club Championship.
The competitiveness of the fleet is at a high, and Yandoo has shown remarkable performance so far. With Winning, Fang Warren, and Lewis Brake as part of the team, their skills have propelled Yandoo to success in recent championships. However, they must consider two main challengers: the Balmain crew, who has demonstrated impressive boat speed, and Germany’s Black Knight team, which has prepared extensively for this year’s competition.
Moreover, the championship features various strong teams from Queensland, including GC Sails, Big Foot Bags & Covers, and Brisbane 18 Footers. The rivalry within the fleet adds an extra layer of excitement, particularly with the Shaw and Partners Financial Services teams from Australia and New Zealand both vying for podium positions.
Notable personal rivalries will also emerge, such as the friendly competition between Ben Crafoord and Jacob Marks, leading their respective teams. Additionally, several other teams have been consistent contenders throughout the season, including Lazarus Capital Partners, Vaikobi, Smeg, and Club Marine, each with the potential for race victories.
There is no spectator ferry following Friday’s Invitation Race but you can still catch the SailMedia live stream video coverage on youtube.com/video/bgA8rxUdreA/livestreaming SailMedia will also cover every race during the 2026 JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff World Championship, presented by The Winning Group.
There will be a spectator ferry following each of the seven race days of the championship and tickets may be purchased through Buy Ferry Tickets
Race Dates:
Friday March 6, 2026: Invitation Race
Saturday March 7, 2026: Race 1
Sunday March 8, 2026: Race 2
Tuesday March 10, 2026: Races 3 & 4
Wednesday March 11, 2026: Races 5 & 6
Thursday March 12, 2026: Race 7
Saturday March 14, 2026: Race 8
Sunday March 15, 2026: Race 9
Entries:
Yandoo, Shaw and Partners Financial Services (AUST), Black Knight (GERMANY), Balmain (AUST), Shaw and Partners Financial Services (NZ), GC Sails (AUST), Vaikobi (AUST), Sixt (AUST), Lazarus Capital Partners (AUST), Smeg (AUST), Brisbane 18 Footers (AUST), Big Foot Bags & Covers (AUST), Fisher & Paykel (AUST), Rag & Famish Hotel (AUST), Akarana Eatery (NZ), and others.
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