When the Rag & Famish Hotel team of Ben Crafoord, Marc Chapon, and Max Nearn line up for the start of the Australian 18 Footers League’s 2026-27 season on Sydney Harbour in October, it will mark the 31st continuous season of the hotel’s sponsorship since its inception in 1996-97.
The partnership between the hotel and the iconic Australian 18 footers class has flourished over the decades, symbolising a strong family tradition in both entities. George Calligeros’ purchase of ‘The Rag’ in May 1975 laid the foundation for its enduring values, with Peter and Anna Calligeros continuing the legacy.
The connection between the hotel and the skiffs began in the 1990s when Peter Calligeros started sailing with Anthony (Jack) Young and Charlie Diekman, marking the first instance of the Rag & Famish name on an 18ft skiff. Peter recalls his father’s determination to win the JJs, leading to a change in skipper to David Gibson.
In the 1999-2000 season, John Harris became the skipper, culminating in a JJ Giltinan World Championship victory on Sydney Harbour in 2001. George Calligeros, a passionate supporter, often cheered for his crew, famously shouting “Go The Rag” from the spectator fleet.
George’s vision for visibility led to the adoption of a bright fluro-yellow spinnaker, making the boat easily identifiable on the water. He witnessed his dream of winning a JJ Giltinan World Championship before passing away in 2005, and his legacy is honoured with the George Calligeros Memorial trophy presented to the winning team of Race 1 in the annual Giltinan world championship.
After John Harris moved to the US and other key sailors retired, Jack Macartney took over as skipper for the 2010-11 season. Peter Calligeros emphasises the importance of succession planning, highlighting the careful selection of Jack, who had a long history with the class.
Jack successfully led the team for seven seasons, achieving notable results, including runner-up finishes in the JJ Giltinan Championships. However, the following seasons were challenging, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with fluctuating results.
The 2021-22 season saw the return of skilled sailor Harry Price at the helm, leading to a third-place finish at the 2022 Giltinan Championship. The 2022-23 season followed with a promising fourth place, and a runner-up finish at the 2024 JJs, showcasing the team’s resilience.
In 2024-25, the team won the Australian Championship, entering the Giltinan worlds with high hopes, though they ultimately finished third. After Harry Price’s retirement, the team introduced a new, youthful crew led by 19-year-old Ben Crafoord.
Despite their age, the team quickly proved their mettle, finishing third in the NSW Championship amidst varying conditions. Ben, alongside teammate Jacob Marks, excelled in international competitions, showcasing their potential.
Reflecting on their first season, Ben noted the team’s achievements, including a second-place finish in Race 2 of the NSW titles and consistent placements in major regattas.
As the new season approaches, experienced sailor Marc Chapon joins Ben and Max, with their first outing as a trio in Garda showing promising results, including a race victory. Ben expresses excitement for the upcoming challenges, aiming to honour their sponsors and the legacy of the Rag & Famish Hotel.
Peter Calligeros acknowledges the long-standing support from sponsors, highlighting the importance of community in the 18ft skiff sailing scene. Looking ahead, he anticipates another exciting year with the hotel’s recent renovations and the continued development of young talent in the sport.
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