Because of the need of strength, agility and skill, the class is considered to be the top level of small boat sailing.

It is the fastest conventional non-foiling monohull on the yardstick rating, with a score of 675,[1] coming only third after the Tornado and Inter 20 (Both multihulls).

Parts of the history of the early days of skiff sailing, between 1892 and 1945, is found on the pages of the Australian 18 Footers League.

Although there are differences in the sailing aspects of the two designs, their measurements are very close, with a waterline length of 18 ft (5.49 m) and an average beam of 6 to 8 feet (1.83 to 2.44 m), not including the wings.

When the boat is dry it should weigh not less than 375 lb (170 kg) including wings, foils (centreboard and rudder) and the number one rig of sails, spars and ropes.

The high speed makes it hard to handle and requires extremely fast reflexes and a broad awareness of your surroundings in order to anticipate changes.

Each year the JJ Giltinan International Trophy is contested on Sydney Harbour to decide the de facto world champion of the class.

Typically the event was dominated by Australia and occasionally won by New Zealand, but in recent years entrants such as the USA's Howie Hamlin have taken out the title, displaying the classes growing international appeal.

In the early 1950s The Sydney boats put emphasis on carrying large extra sails down wind called ringtails.

From this period increased knowledge and understanding of hydrodynamics and aerodynamics, coupled to the availability of plywood and reliable waterproof glues saw dramatic changes.

By the late 1960s a greater understanding of the science behind planning saw hulls made with increasingly less rocker, very fine forward with very flat aft sections.

Other modern features are carbon fibre prods (bowsprits) supported by bob stays, dolphin strikers and bow struts.

Huge spinnakers could be set quickly by having halyards geared by mini blocks running internally in the mast.

Bare hulls weigh 120 lbs but are very strong with the use of carbon and kevlar to locally reinforce mast steps, centreboard cases, chain plates and wing attachment points.

Replicas of famous 18’ skiffs from the period of 1930 through to 1950 have been built using original techniques, including wooden hulls and spars, gaff rigs, several-piece spinnaker poles and unrestricted sail area.

These boats race under the rules of the Australian Historical Skiff Association, which bans wings, trapezes, cleats for controlling ropes for the mainsail, jib and spinnaker, and most of the other modern equipment which makes sailing easier.