Two foot skiffs also known as ‘Balmain Bugs’ were model racing skiffs[1] typically raced on Sydney Harbour between the 1890s and 1950s.[2] The model skiffs were crafted by shipwrights in their spare time.[3] In the sports hey days the 1940s and 1950s there were up to 10 clubs at Abbotsford, Drummoyne, Balmain, North Sydney and Double Bay.[4] They raced with large rigs including four foot bowsprits to hold the oversize jib and spinnaker, with masts which were up to 10feet high, the keel was designed as a dagger blade fin with a lead bulb weighing up to 24lb.
In 1956 the racing came to an end when two bookies had a disagreement and one pull out a pistol. The NSW Police shut down the racing due to this event.[5]
The Balmain Two Foot Model Sailing Club had a big following, with spectators and families of the sailors hiring a ferry every Sunday to watch the race. Betting on the race outcome was available with bookmakers providing the odds.[6] [7]