History
The origin of the 12ft Skiff is something of a mystery, but like most skiff classes, has its origins in the small skiffs that were a common sight on Sydney Harbour in the late 1800's. Early records of the present class date back to 1916 when the Lane Cove Sailing Club (still a successful and popular club) first recorded an open boat which set the parameters for future 12's.
By 1924 the class was sailing regularly at Greenwich, Lane Cove, Middle Harbour and Vaucluse. In those times the 12's carried more than 28sq units of working sails plus spinnaker and ballooner and were crewed by up to 5 hands. After World War II the crew was reduced to three persons, and then down to two where it remains today.
By the 1950's skiffs became righted more easily after capsize, and were gradually emerging from a number of classes, becoming popular not only throughout NSW, but also New Zealand and Queensland, providing opportunity to establish interstate and international racing regattas.
With the help of high class technology and the use of Mylar and Kevlar for new sail designs, Nomex and carbon for hulls, very light carbon masts, and the advantage of assymetical spinnakers, the new 12's have evolved into one of the most spectacular unique classes on the water.
Article from the 1938 Aquatic Annual.