The close fleet racing witnessed in the first two weeks of the 2026-27 Australian 18 Footers League racing season on Sydney Harbour has supporters excited at the prospects of the racing to come as new teams continue to improve their experience and teamwork.
One of these teams is the impressive Smeg crew, consisting of Ash Rooklyn (skipper), Ricky Bridge (sheet), and Tom Quigley (bow), who finished second in last Sunday’s club championship race, just behind Giltinan world champion Yandoo. This was only the second time the crew has sailed together, showcasing their potential despite the limited experience. Rooklyn expressed encouragement from their performance, stating, “We were happy with the performance which was a reward for the hard work we did during the off season.” He added, “We are a happy team and looking forward to building on the good early start.”
Lighter wind conditions than usual for this time of year have allowed all teams to demonstrate their capabilities, resulting in better racing overall. Lazarus Capital Partners, leading the Sixt Spring Championship with 9 points, is another new crew combination that has quickly shown consistency and possesses the talent for further success.
New skippers Ryan Ewings (Killer Coffee Co) and Joel Beashel (Thurlow Fisher Lawyers) have joined the fleet, bringing high expectations with their champion crew members. Alongside them are current and past Australian champions Henry Larkings (Balmain) and Keagan York (Shaw and Partners Financial Services), defending Spring champion Jacob Marks (Sixt), last Sunday’s Race 2 winner Emma Rankin (Club Marine), Ben Crafoord (Rag & Famish Hotel), and Jordan Girdis (The Kitchen Maker).
The Giltinan world champion Yandoo crew, featuring John Winning Jr, Fang Warren, and Lewis Brake, remains a formidable competitor, especially from the ‘scratch’ mark against such a talented fleet.
Looking ahead, Sunday’s Race 3 of the Sixt Spring Championship promises to be a thrilling contest over a 3-buoys course in an 18-knot NE wind.
The League offers the ‘Royale’ spectator ferry, departing from Double Bay Wharf at 2:15pm, allowing patrons to follow the racing while enjoying views and refreshments from the on-board bar.
For those unable to board the ferry, the professional SailMedia Livestream team will capture the action on the course with multiple cameras, including a drone and POV commentary team. SailMedia’s coverage will showcase the close racing alongside the scenic harbour and city, with expert commentary provided by former competitors.
The link to Sunday’s SailMedia coverage is http://youtube.com/video/FMjELIwrys8/livestreaming.
#18footers #SailMedia #SIXTSpringChampionship #SydneyHarbour #AustralianSailing
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