F18 Training Day - Friday 21 January, 2011

Get set for some of Australia's leading multi-hull sailors to carve up Gosford this weekend in the Australian F18 Championships.

Tornado Gun and Four Time Hobie Cat World Champion Jason Waterhouse will face off against his dad, Rod, who has recruited Farr 40 Skipper, Chris Way as his crew.Other high profile competitors in this class include Andrew McDougall, Adam Beattie, Mick Guinea, Greg and Bret Goodall.

In latest news, it is uncertain if ETNZ's Dean Barker with crew Glenn Ashby, will be competing at all after the pair learned that their chartered boat had fallen through. However Barker's fellow team mate, Adam Beashel is a confirmed starter with crewman Grant Pellew, who just happens to be James Spithill's brother-in-law.

America's Cup winning helmsman, Spithill was rumoured to be participating but according to class president James Ogilvie, is not registered to race in the three day event that officially kicks off on Saturday 22 January, 2011.

Friday has been set aside for sail measuring and weigh ins to ensure all competitors and their boats comply with the class rules. It is expected that many of the crews will spend the afternoon training and familiarising themselves with the course area.

Gosford Sailing Club, home of the Lord Howe Island Race, will play host and are expecting a large number of competitors and their supporters to enjoy the Club's facilities after racing each day.

Lulu Roseman