Photos of the 1979 Worlds at Alamitos Bay Yacht Club

The 1979 Worlds at Long Beach California was the first fleet racing world championship. Previously the International 14 class had used their international team racing week to establish international bragging rights.

The 1979 World Champ, John Gallagher, sends along these photos, taken by Peter Gale, of that championship.

Peter Gale

A little bit of bother on the spinnaker set.

Peter Gale

John Gallagher, with his brother Dave, in US 906

Peter Gale

Peter Gale

The double wire, much lighter, Aussie 14-footers were invited as an "open class". The International 14's were able to stay with, and even win, against them in the light air races but once the Aussie 14-footers were able to use both wires, they were away.

Peter Gale

This appearance by the Australians at the 1979 Worlds was the beginning of the International 14 class moving towards an Aussie 14. Today the modern International 14 is considered an Aussie skiff without reservation.