An exciting new 18ft skiff team in the Australian 18 Footers League’s 2026-27 fleet on Sydney Harbour introduces Ryan Ewings in his rookie season as a skipper with major championship-winning crew members Matt Stenta and Finn Rodowicz in a brand new Van Munster Boats-built skiff for Killer Coffee Co., which is sponsoring the campaign.
The first stage of the team’s challenge took place at Double Bay on Sunday when the new hull was christened before the start of the opening 18 footer race of the new season.
In the light, variable conditions, the team used the race as a ‘shake down’ and, after giving starts to nine of the other 16 competitors, finished in eleventh place.
Twenty-two-year-old skipper Ryan Ewings grew up sailing a variety of classes, including Manly Juniors, Sabots, Optimists, Flying Ants, and Flying 11s. He then settled in the 29er fleet, sailing with Finn Rodowicz and Jacob Marks, winning the 2022 States.
Ryan remarked, “I shifted a lot between skipper and crew but have always felt driving the boat is my strong point.” He also had the opportunity to drive the Noakes Blue 16ft Skiff with Finn as bowman and Matt Doyle on the sheet. His experience extends to yachting and match racing, working for David Witt of Scallywag.
Among Ryan’s match racing successes are the 2022 Youth Match Racing World Championships and the 2025 Loro Piana Giraglia Offshore Line Honours.
“Last season I ended up sailing on the sheet with Ben Crafoord, who is a great mate, and we had a pretty good season considering we were a rookie crew,” he said.
Ryan has a familial connection to sailing; his father, Dave Ewings, always sailed 18s, inspiring Ryan’s passion from a young age. “It’s going to be an exciting season, and we are setting the bar as high as possible for ourselves,” he stated.
The team is supported by Nick from Killer Coffee and Mark and Dick at Norths. Witty has also been heavily involved, ensuring the team is competitive right from the start.
Matt Stenta, the team’s sheet hand, brings invaluable experience to the crew. He has won high honours in both the 18 and 16 footer classes and has had significant results in the 18s, including winning the 2022 JJ Giltinan with Seve Jarvin and Sam Newton.
Bowman Finn Rodowicz started sailing at a young age and transitioned to 18s in 2022-23. He has gained experience sailing yachts and competing successfully in the 18s, placing second at the 2024 JJs.
David Witt, a supporter of the Killer Coffee team, praised Ryan’s rapid ascent in the sailing world, recognising his talent and work ethic. Witt noted the combination of youth and experience in the team is promising for the upcoming season.
The upcoming race for Killer Coffee Co is on Sunday, 18 October, when the Australian 18 Footers League will stage Race 1 of the Club Championship. The race will also be livestreamed by SailMedia with expert commentary.
To catch SailMedia’s coverage, go to: http://youtube.com/video/BiMi3-Ei3Zw/livestreaming.
#KillerCoffee #18ftSkiffs #SailMedia #SydneyHarbour #SailingNews
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