Classic Adrenaline
John “Woody” Winning and his six crew aboard Aberdare show their winning form during the Historical 18ft Skiff Australian Championship this past January. They bested a fleet of 11—including defending 2012 champion Bob “Killo” Killick and his crew aboard Yendys. Conditions through the three-race series off Sydney were perfect. There was a solid 25-28 knots blowing in the final race, which made for some exciting sailing and left several crews swimming. “A lot of people look at us and think ‘silly old farts,’ but a lot of sailors couldn’t sail these old boats—it’s hard. They wouldn’t even be able to rig them,” Winning said afterward. “The fact is, it’d be easier going to windward in a square rigger.”
Photos courtesy of Bruce Kerridge/Sydney Flying Squadron
