These boats are hugely popular in Australia. The first races in the Skiff 18ft (18 footer) class began as early as 1892.
The Skiff 18ft is in a nearly constant state of planing, both on a tack and on a full course. Thanks to the enormous sweep of the 'wings' attached to the hull on each side, a boat weighing only 170kg (when fully armed) can carry sails of nearly 70sqm!