Calling old salts – Historical 10s and book launch

February 21, 2012 Author:

It's been now over two years since the Historical 10ft Skiffs have done battle on the Brisbane River for the Bob Lundie Trophy, the Australian Championship for the class.  While the usual timing of the regatta should have seen us sail here in Brisbane last season, the devastating 2011 Floods in South East Queensland left the health of our beloved River a little worse for wear, and the unfortunate decision was made to cancel the regatta in the interest of safety.

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The floods not only forced the cancellation of the Championships, but effectively the entire season for the Tens.  This, along with some retirements from the class, has left the Brisbane fleet struggling to conduct regular racing.  Thankfully the AHSSA agreed to swap around the order to help boost interest locally and this year's event will now be held here in Brisbane.

The Club is calling all of the "old salts" to come and say g'day to the visiting "cockroaches" over the weekend March 24 to 26.  Eight NSW boats appear likely to make the trip, including scratch boats Wrecker (Michael Chapman, Karen Warburton, Damian Gould) and Miss Marlene (Dale & Tracey Jacobson, John Hodda), Col Gillespie's new Irene M (Ian Graves and Brett Ryman), former national champions Peter Walsh, Daniel Weber, Tony Weber in a new Merle, Keriki (John Lewis, Coral Taylor), Truant III (Rod Zemanek & crew), Gunners Daughter (Brian Gleeson, Neil Wales, Mark Nugent), and Kismet (Michael Northam, Tim Dodds & Hughie Dodds).

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As always the battle is likely to be fierce on the water but expect some good time to be had after the race is over.

Galloping Ghosts - book cover shot

As added incentive, we are also delighted to be able to announce that Robin Elliott will be in Brisbane over the same weekend to show off his new book, "Galloping Ghosts", a history of the mighty 18 foot skiffs in Australasia.  John "Steamer" Stanley will also be here to help promote the book.  With luck, local Brisbane contributors Jack "Hambones" Hamilton, Bill Wright and Tom Cuneo will also be here.  Further details on the book can be found here at the publisher's website.  Keep your eyes open here on further details on the unofficial Brisbane book launch.