A north-easterly breeze in excess of 20 knots had the 18ft Skiffs fleet on Sydney Harbour literally flying on Sunday afternoon, when the fleet competed for the Commodore’s Trophy.

In fact, the most commonly heard comment when the sailors came ashore elated after a superb race was: “Why couldn’t we have had this last week for the JJ Giltinan International Trophy?”

Clynton Wade-Lehman on ‘Total Recall’ made the best start, and led the fleet in the initial stages of the long work to Beashel Buoy, but it was Greg Paterson on ‘Vodka Cruiser’ who got there first with a handy lead.

By the bottom mark at the end of the first round, John Harris had taken ‘Rag & Famish Hotel’ into the lead, and, although Trevor Barnabas on ‘Omega Smeg’ kept up well for another lap, ‘The Rag’ finally came home with a good margin.

‘Vodka Cruiser’ took third place, ahead of ‘Terry Hogan Prestige Cars’ sailed by 49er sailor Warwick Rooklyn, who was enjoying his first 18 footer race for several years.

The 18 footers will compete in the Australia Day regatta next weekend, before the first heat of the national championship takes place in two weeks time.

Overall Results

1. ‘Rag & Famish Hotel’ John Harris

2. ‘Omega Smeg’ Trevor Barnabas

3. ‘Vodka Cruiser’ Greg Paterson

4. ‘Terry Hogan Prestige Cars’ Warwick Rooklyn

5. ‘d’Albora Marinas’ John Winning

6. ‘Bell Parners’ Tony Hannan

7. ‘Total Recall’ Clynton Wade-Lehman

8. ‘SP Systems-Team Alfa’ Tim Webster

9. ‘Newport Arms Hotel’ Matt Felton

10. ‘Avaya Communication’ Peter Morrison