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The 12ft Skiff originated in Sydney Harbour, Australia in the late 19th Century, although the exact origins of the 12ft Skiff are something of a mystery. Early records of the present class date back to 1916 when the Lane Cove Sailing Club (still a successful and popular club for 12ft Skiffs), first recorded an open boat which set the parameters for future 12's.
By 1924 the class was sailing regularly in Sydney at Greenwich, Lane Cove, Middle Harbour and Vaucluse. In those times the 12's carried more than 28sq units of working sails plus spinnaker and ballooner and were crewed by up to 5 hands. After World War II the crew was reduced to three persons, and then down to two where it remains today.
By the 1950's skiffs became righted more easily after capsize, and were gradually emerging from a number of classes, becoming popular not only throughout NSW, but also New Zealand and Queensland, providing opportunity to establish interstate and international racing regattas.
With the help of high technology design and building techniques, and the use of Mylar and Kevlar for new sail designs, Nomex and carbon for hulls, very light carbon masts, and the advantage of assymetical spinnakers, modern 12ft Skiffs have evolved into one of the most spectacular classes on the water.
In 1957, the very first "Interdominion Championships" were held, where a team from Australia competed against a team from New Zealand for the "Silasec trophy". This title has become one of the most covetted and recognised prizes in the southern hemisphere, having been won over the years by the worlds top sailors, such as Iain Murray, Bruce Farr, and Russell Bowler.
In 2006, the 12ft Skiff class was introduced into the UK for the first time, and since then the UK class has generated a significant following.
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