Biography18-footer ABERDARE, built in Brisbane, had a narrow beam, reduced sail area and no 'heel' underwater. It was faster than the traditonal 18-footers. The Sydney Flying Squadron banned the new type of skiff. In retaliation James J Giltinan established a breakaway club called the New South Wales 18-Footers League in 1935 to race the modern 18-footer skiffs. , James J Giltinan established a breakaway club called the New South Wales 18-Footers League in 1935.