Newsletter 23 May 2021
Feature explaining the Australian Open Skiff Trust. It recounts how 18 foot skiff racing began on Sydney Harbour in the late 19th century, with the original Yendys, Britannia and Taipan on display at the Australian National Maritime Museum.
What’s the AOST?
The glorious tradition of 18foot skiff racing began in Australia on Sydney Harbour in the late 19th century.
Although many efforts have been made to ensure that the history of these boats is not lost - three original 18 foot skiffs are on display at the Australian National Maritime Museum - it is actively racing these boats that truly captures the addictive essence of this Australian sport!
The original Yendys, Britannia and Taipan on display at the Australian National Maritime Museum
Decades after the wooden skiff design was superseded by the ever changing modernisation in this class, a small group of local skiff sailors decided to build two replica 18 footers.
Tangalooma and Scot were built by Reg Barrington and launched in 1993 and 1995, respectively.
This was all it took to rekindle the fascination with the sport.
Shortly thereafter replicas of Aberdare and Australia were launched in 2000, followed by Alruth in 2001 - all built by legendary sailor and SFS Life member, Robert “Angry” Tearne.
Top Weight was commissioned by Grant Taylor, and built by Robert Tearne in 2001 and Ian Smith built Britannia in 2002.
A decision was made by a group of SFS legends to expand the fleet and formalise the interest in the sport and by 2006, THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN SKIFF TRUST (AOST) was established with the primary objective being to promote, build and maintain replica skiffs and to provide the opportunity of participating in competition in classes of six, ten, twelve, sixteen and eighteen foot skiffs.
The trust is responsible for the raising of funds for the express purpose of building, restoring or rebuilding skiffs.
Through the AOST, The Mistake was built in 2005 (built by Robert Tearne), followed by Australia IV (Bill Fisher Jnr) and Yendys (Ian Perdriau/Col Bailey) in 2007. With Myra Too being the latest replica, built by Bob McLeod, in 2013.
The Sydney Flying Squadron currently has a fleet of 11 historic 18 foot replicas which are raced on Saturdays from October to April.
The purpose of the AOST is not solely about the boats. The current race crews comprise both men and women, experienced skiffies and beginners, of all ages - the only requirement is a desire to race historic wooden gaff-rigged 18-foot skiffs.
The most rewarding outcome of this project, apart from the exciting spectacle of the skiffs racing on the harbour, is to witness the human connection that building, maintaining and racing these historic skiffs provides. Old friendships are rekindled, new ones forged and, more importantly, they provide a great opportunity for senior sailors to mentor the young. This is a perfect example of something that is difficult to find these days — young and old finding mutual sporting challenges and enjoyment together, now and into the future!
Parallel to the on-water achievements, the Australian Open Skiff Trust’s historian, John “Steamer” Stanley, continues to research, align and present the lost history of the sport from private handed-down collections of journals, trophies, championship pennants and old newspaper clippings. This provides a great sense of achievement and tangible joint ownership of the sport by both old and new sailors.
The Australian Open Skiff Trust project is on target to reach its goals and there is confidence that when the history is completed, available and accessible at the Sydney Flying Squadron, new generations of caretakers will step up and protect this valuable link to Australia’s sailing past, keeping the special sailing skills alive and relevant to future generations.
Special mention to the SFS members who have also contributed to the project, led by John “Woody” Winning, and include Graeme “Fergy” Ferguson, Bob “Killo” Killick, Robert “Angry” Tearne, and Ian “Smithy” Smith.
For more info checkout this video posted on 18footerstv in 2011 made by the legendary Bob “Killo” Killick (we miss you Killo)
We are always looking to provide opportunities for people to join us.
Come on down to the Squaddie and have a go!
Stand by for detailed profiles of these iconic boats in coming mailouts…
Follow the Sydney Flying Squadron at FaceBook and Instagram
Don’t forget to support your local community club.
See you at the Squaddie!
Sydney Flying Squadron Ltd — Australia’s oldest open boat sailing club. 76 McDougall St Kirribilli NSW 2061
This text was read from the scanned original below by optical character recognition. It has not yet been checked by a person, so it may carry mistakes, and any results tables in the original are not reproduced here. The scan is the authority.