Manly 16s Old Buffers Day
by Adam Lucius 15 Mar 18:54 NZDT
8 March 2025
Modern Concept Constructions (Brian Hansen) wins on Manly 16s Old Buffers Day © Manly Skiffs
Their bodies might have been screaming for mercy, but there was nowhere else a group of Manly Skiff Club greats would rather have been as they turned back the clock at the annual Old Buffers Day.
Fourteen Manly alumni pulled on a wetsuit again to combine with the current fleet for a spin around the harbour before reminiscing over a beer or two back in the traditional post-race debrief back at headquarters.
For the record, Modern Concept Constructions (Brian Hansen) was first across the line from Sutech Building (Dave Slennet), Imagine Signage (Robbie Treharne) and Shebang (Clare Hozack).
Shebang parlayed that fourth-placed finish into a win on handicap.
But the final placings matter little. It was all about reconnecting with a sport that stays in the bloodstream despite what the birth certificate might read.
For Hozack, it was particularly poignant given she stepped away from the class seven years to confront some major challenges in life. "I started sailing at Manly in 1996 at 15 in a F11 and filled in a lot in the 12ft skiffs and 16s during my late teens and early 20s, because my dad sailed them," she explained. "I was part of the development team for the 13ft skiff, then I bought my first 16 when I was about 26. I sailed the 2011 Brisbane nationals while pregnant and then filled in a lot, almost every weekend and for States and Nationals, including the 2014 Drummoyne Nationals while pregnant again.
"Then, about seven years ago I developed cancer. I had to pull out of a race to get surgery. "I had fairly major abdominal surgery then some mental health challenges and haven't really stepped on a 16 in that time."
Old Buffers Day gave Clare the opportunity to reintroduce herself to the sport and the local sailing community. She said: "It was an opportunity for someone that has literally fallen off the radar at Manly 16s to reingratiate myself with people I've known since I was a teenager. "It was like riding a bike. I was a bit wobbly but the conditions were benign so it was a lot of fun."
Contemporary Pools boasted the oldest crew, with a combined age of 180. But that didn't stop skipper Henry Harding (70), for 'and Pete "Weapo" Wettstein (65) and Andrew St John (45) from giving a bit of cheek. Wettstein, a two-time club champion, last sailed a skiff eight years ago and admitted to a fair bit of "ring rust". "The body was hurting Sunday morning - you don't realise all the different muscles you use in sailing," he said with a laugh. "We capsized at one stage and neither Henry or I could get back on the board, but it was a lot of fun."
"Saint", in is usual position on the sheet, was the conduit between the present and the past. He said: "The boys were a little rusty to start off but by the time the starter's gun went we were in some form of groove and enjoying our sail together.
"I really enjoyed sailing with two great mates and will remember the day for years to come.
"Old Buffers Day is not about the result but enjoying sailing these great boats with the guys that have sailed them before us."
Amen to that.