The Australian 18 Footers League has announced the dates for its major 18ft Skiff events for the coming 2012-2013 Season on Sydney Harbour.

Opening the season is the 8-race $10,000 3-Buoys Challenge series from October 14 to December 9.

Following the traditional Christmas-New Year break, the season resumes with the five-race Australian Championship from January 13 to February 3.

Highlight of the season (as usual) is the world’s premier 18ft Skiff event, the 64th JJ Giltinan Championship since 1938, which will be sailed on Sydney Harbour from February 15-24.

The Giltinan 2013 is expected to attract a fleet of more than 30 of the world’s best teams from USA, New Zealand and UK, as well as the leading Australians from NSW, Queensland and West Australia.

Defending champion, and five times winner of the Giltinan, Seve Jarvin will defend his title in Gotta Love It 7 but will be without his long-time sheet hand Sam Newton, who is presently competing in The America’s Cup.

Frank Quealey

Australian 18 Footers League

See 18Foot Skiff images

Last Updated ( Monday, 16 July 2012 )