JJ Giltinan: World’s Greatest 18 Footer Event

The 2016 JJ Giltinan Championship sponsored by appliancesonline.com.au will be a closely fought battle with 30 boats on the start line and a number of them in the hot seat to take the title. Racing kicks off February 12 on Sydney Harbour with the Invitation race, followed by the JJ Giltinan Championship on February 13-21.

Think you know who is going to win each race of the JJ Giltinan? Place your picks with Pick the Podium. Register at ptp.18footers.com and select who you think will be top three in each race – remember to take wind, weight and rigs into consideration when placing your picks.

Each pick you get correct with score you one point. These points will accumulate throughout the series and at the end of the eight races, invitation race and seven championship races, the Grand Champion will be awarded. Ragamuffin 100 has donated a prize pack for the winner.

Pick the Podium race tipping competition has been newly launched, and in time, to run in conjunction with the JJ Giltinan Championship. This launch edition is free and once you get registered, is fun.

Follow all the action with online live stream video as Bob ‘Killo’ Killick, Andrew ‘Bucko’ Buckland and Warwick ‘Wazza’ Rooklyn present the racing.

Before the race the team will give you a quick preview to help you place your picks with Pick the Podium and keep you up to day on all the action around the boat park. Just head to 18footers.com to watch the action.

You can also keep up with all the action on our social media channels with live tweeting during the racing and video updates on Facebook and Instagram. Share the JJ Giltinan experiences by using #18footers #JJGiltinan #PickthePodium.

Facebook: International 18ft Skiff
Twitter: @18skiff
Instagram: @18skiff

RACING SCHEDULE
Race 1 … 13 February
Race 2 … 14 February
Race 3 … 16 February
Race 4 … 17 February
Race 5 … 18 February
Race 6 … 20 February
Race 7 … 21 February

Races will start at 3pm local time, with the exception of Races 1 and 6, which will start at 4pm.

For more information head to www.18footers.com

Report by Kimberley Wilmot/18 Footers League.

Background: The 2016 JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff Championship on February 13-21 is the 77th anniversary of the world’s greatest 18 Footer event, held annually on Sydney Harbour and providing spectators (both on the water and along the harbour foreshores) with the world’s most spectacular racing.

In 1937. Mr. James J. Giltinan, Secretary of the Australian 18 Footers League, planned a world’s championship for 18 foot open boats and the League presented a trophy (popularly known as the JJ Giltinan Trophy) to celebrate the event.

Since the first regatta on Sydney Harbour in 1938, the championship has always been regarded as the world’s premier 18 Footer championship and many of its competitors have become world, Olympic and national champions in a variety of yachting classes.