Boat | |
---|---|
Crew | 3 (triple trapeze) |
Hull | |
Hull weight | 155 kg (342 lb) |
LOA | 8.9 m (29 ft) |
LWL | 5.49 m (18.0 ft) |
Beam | 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in) |
Sails | |
Jib/genoa area | 9.28 m2 (99.9 sq ft) |
Spinnaker area | Unlimited, typically 61–73 m2 (660–790 sq ft) |
Upwind sail area | Unlimited, typically 26–32 m2 (280–340 sq ft) |
Racing | |
RYA PN | 675 |
The 18 ft Skiff is considered the fastest class of sailing skiffs. The class has a long history beginning with races on Sydney Harbour, Australia in 1892 and later in New Zealand. The boat has changed significantly since the early days, bringing in new technology as it became available. Because of the need of strength, agility and skill, the class is considered to be the top level of small boat sailing. Worldwide this boat is called the "18 Foot Skiff". It is the fastest conventional non-foiling monohull on the yardstick rating, with a score of 675,[1] coming only third after the Tornado and Inter 20 (Both multihulls).