The Yandoo Team Steers to Victory in Sydney Harbour’s Buzzing 18ft Skiff Season Point Score Race 17

The Yandoo team, comprising of Tom Needham, Fang Warren, and Lewis Brake, made a name for themselves in the spine-tingling 18ft Skiff Season Point Score Race 17. The trio outperformed their competitors by sailing expertly through the 18-20 knot North East wind, marking an iconic win in the nautical history of Australia. Their victory brought renewed energy to the Australian 18 Footers League, which sponsored the event in collaboration with the Royal Oak Hotel Double Bay.

As the upcoming Giltinan World Championship looms around the bend, the pressure has been mounting for the teams. Yandoo, carrying the weight of their past reputation of being the defending Giltinan champions, faced sturdy competition from the reigning Australian champ, Rag & Famish Hotel team, led by Harry Price. This emphatic victory brings a powerful morale boost for the team, stirring up a whirl of anticipation for their performance in the upcoming championship.

The Yandoo team’s mastery over the craft was evident as they led the fleet from the beginning, showcasing an outstanding exhibition of sailing, beating competitors to the windward leg and then maintaining their lead right down the harbour stretch. Their strategies and execution have undoubtedly set the bar high for what’s to come in the final race next Sunday, which is part of the Australian 18 Footers League Season Point Score series. Honing in on the competition, all eyes are on Balmain, leading by a total of 82 points, followed on their heels by Rag & Famish Hotel 83, Yandoo 89, Vaikobi 91, The Kitchen Maker 92 and Lazarus Capital Partners nudging close on 96 points.

The thrill of the race intensified as the skiffs raced between the islands and Yandoo’s top-notch crew work helped them further increase their lead. Following a dramatic rounding at the bottom mark, an unexpected change shuffled up the leader board and Vaikobi snatched the lead from Yandoo. However, amidst challenging conditions and few opposing teams capsizing, the Yandoo team kept their composure and regained the lead, sealing their victory and giving the spectators an unforgettable sea spectacle.