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The JJ Giltinan 18ft Skiff World Championship 2026 kicks off with a thrilling Invitation Race on Sydney Harbour. In 8-10 knot SE winds, the Australian champion Balmain team, featuring Henry Larkings, Tom Grimes, and Lachlan Pryor, edges out the Smeg squad of Ash Rooklyn, Josh Porebski, and Niall Morrow by mere seconds. Smeg leads for most of the race but falters in the final stretch. Defending champions Yandoo, with John Winning Jr, Fang Warren, and Lewis Brake, claim third. The competition heats up as Balmain and Smeg engage in a fierce match race, trading leads multiple times. Balmain's superior downwind speed shines in lighter conditions, allowing them to close the gap significantly. The race delivers high-stakes drama, setting the stage for an exciting championship ahead. Other notable finishes include Shaw and Partners Financial Services, Vaikobi, and GC Sails.
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