For most sailors, March signals the end of summer—daylight savings is wrapping up, and those late evening sailing sessions are coming to an end. But there’s one silver lining that makes up for it… The JJ Giltinan!
This year, RAYC has four teams over in Sydney preparing to take on the Aussies in the world’s most prestigious 18-footer regatta. With a mix of seasoned JJ’s veterans and fresh talent making their debut, our teams are ready to put it all on the line.
Three of our four teams arrived early Monday morning, ready to unload the container, rig their boats, and get valuable training time ahead of the Invitation Race this Friday and the start of the JJ Giltinan on Saturday.
? Racing Schedule:
? March 7th – March 16th (with two scheduled lay days)
? First warning signal: 1440 local time (1640 NZDT)
? Watch Live: Every race will be livestreamed on 18FootersTV (YouTube), with daily race reports and photos available at www.18footers.com.
? Watch at RAYC: Racing will also be streamed live at the Akarana Eatery on nights when the bar is open late.
?? C-Tech
Helm: Alex (Ginge) Vallings | Main: Matt Stevens | Bow: Brad Collins
C-Tech may be a new combination, but they’re certainly not lacking experience. Matt and Brad are no strangers to the top step of the podium, having won the JJ’s three years in a row (2018-2020) with Honda Marine. This year, they team up with skiff legend Alex Vallings, CEO of C-Tech, who has spent decades at the front of both the 12ft and 18ft skiff fleets. Could 2025 be his year for a well-deserved JJ’s win?
?? ASCC
Helm: Eli Liefting | Main: Adam Mustill | Bow: Josh Schon
After an impressive JJ’s debut in 2024, where they consistently mixed it up at the front and narrowly missed a top-five finish, the ASCC boys are back for more. They’ve put in the work both on and off the water, and have their sights set on the podium. All three sailors have a strong skiff background, having raced 29ers and 49ers, and Eli is coming in hot after winning the 12ft Skiff Interdominions in January. Could he claim another win off the Aussies?
?? Honda Marine
Helm: Harry Butler | Main: Olly Loyd | Bow: Tony Fitzgerald
Honda Marine is a name with big shoes to fill, being the three-time JJ’s winning boat. For Harry, Olly, and Tony, this will be their first-ever JJ’s—but don’t count them out. They’ve been training hard and have already proven their speed, especially in the light stuff. Harry has extensive skiff experience, from 29ers and 49ers to 12ft skiffs. Olly brings a keelboat and match racing background, adding tactical expertise to the mix, while Tony—a Scotsman turned honorary Kiwi—has been a key part of the 18-footer fleet since moving to New Zealand in 2023.
?? Akarana Eatery
Helm: Tim Howse | Main: Ollie Gilmour | Bow: Pat Morgan
Previously known as RAYC and skippered by Jack Frewin, Akarana Eatery has a new name, a new skipper, and a fresh team ready to take on the JJ’s. At just 19 years old, Tim Howse is the fleet’s youngest skipper, but he’s already making a name for himself—especially in big breeze. When he’s not on the 18-footer, he’s tearing it up in the Moth class, recently finishing in the top 30 at the Moth Worlds. Ollie Gilmour brings a wealth of tuning and sail setup knowledge from his work as a Doyle sailmaker, balancing professional sailing in Palma with time back in New Zealand. Pat Morgan rounds out the team with his rock-solid work on the bow, adding experience, energy, and the all-important ability to keep things running smoothly at the front of the boat.
There’s a strong contingent of RAYC members heading over to Sydney to support our teams, and the buzz around this year’s JJ Giltinan is real. We’re backing our crews all the way and can’t wait to see how they stack up against the best in the world.
? Make sure to tune in, follow the action, and cheer on the Kiwi teams!
All photos from 2025 NZ 18ft Skiff Championships & taken by Live Sail Die
