The start of the Australian 18-ft skiff Championship
Date1948
Object number00050224
NamePostcard
MediumSilver gelatin print, paper, ink
DimensionsOverall: 83 x 135 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection. Gift from Alan Wiles
HistoryWilliam (Bill) Charles Wiles (1897-1979) was a member of the Keriki Sailing Club 1912-13 and went on to crew 18-ft skiffs for over forty years with the Sydney Flying Squadron and the 18-Foot Sailing League. He crewed for some of the best known skippers of the day including Chris Webb who won a record seven Australian 18-fter Championships between 1907 and 1927 and William 'Billo' Hayward - a World and Australian champion, who won 82 titles in a remarkable sailing career. Wiles also sailed on MASCOT and HC PRESS in the 1920s and 1930s and on SWANSEA and CROWS NEST in the 1940s.
Wiles was in the crew of CROWS NEST when it won the World Title in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1948. He also crewed on LIGHTNING, DY, COLLAROY and ST GEORGE.
SignificanceThis sailing memorabilia documents the sailing career of William Wiles from 1912 - 1948 and some of the best known 18-ft skiffs sailing from the 1910s to the 1940s. He also crewed for high profile skippers of the pre World II era such as Chris Webb and William 'Billo' Hayward and sailed on some of the most successful skiffs such as HC PRESS.
Valentine & Sons Publishing Company Limited
1914