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Pure Blonde 18ft skiff launched on Sydney Harbour

by Frank Quealey 16 Sep 2006 10:12 BST 14 September 2006

The first 18ft Skiff launching for the new Sydney Harbour season took place at Double Bay on Thursday (14 September).

The Fosters-sponsored PURE BLONDE skiff, which was christened by Pauline Pedryc (one of Australia’s top swimwear models), will be skippered by former Interdominion 12ft Skiff champion Nick Press in his rookie season in the 18s.

Press will be joined in the team by Brad Yabsley and William Moor who have crewed in Interdominion and Australian championship-winning 12ft Skiffs.

The skiff formerly raced under the Casio sponsorship and is the current Giltinan (world) champion.

Press and the crew are looking forward to the new challenge.

“It’s going to be tough competition against some of the world’s best skiff sailors. We’re used to being winners so we’ll certainly be aiming at the pointy end of the fleet. We’re lucky to have such a good skiff so now it’s just up to us and our crew work under pressure”.

The first race of the season will be sailed on 8 October. Highlight of the season will be the Giltinan (world) championship from 16-25 February 2007.

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