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5:28 AM Mon 16 Feb 2009 GMT
Former Manly 16ft skipper and now Pittwater Yacht Racer David Taylor may have described himself as 'middle of the pack skipper', but the former skiffy showed he still has what it takes during Manly's Old Buffers Day last Saturday.
Brought in as guest skipper aboard Altis Consulting, the 40-year-old Taylor rolled back the years to claim a tight win in a beautiful 12-15 knot sou' easter.
He beat home a fleet of former and current skippers, impressing regular Altis boss Phillip Cooke in the process.
Cooke, who was sailing a Flying 11 when Taylor commenced in 16's back in the mid 80's, said of the his older colleague: 'You realise when these guys are at the top end of a big rig that they're still pretty good sailors despite the fact they don't sail that much.
'Dave's still got it, that's for sure.
'I hope I'm going as well as him when I decide to retire from skiffs.'
Other veteran and former 16ft skiff National Champion Bill McMahon is still as keen as ever, with him this year teaming up on the current Australian Champion Fire Stopping with regular Sheethand James Bury and Manly 16s Sailing Manager Brad Andrew.
'I don't get on a skiff much these days but it's always good fun when you get the chance,' Bill said.
'The other boys did really well considering they had a lump of lard at the back. I really enjoyed it.'
Brad returned ashore dragging his knuckles up the beach after 10 years out of the bow on a 16 footer.
'I had a great day, but not sure how I will pull up tomorrow' Brad said.
But by all rights, the Altis boys shouldn't really have been enjoying victory drinks.
Energy Australia skipper Lawson Abbott threw away a certain win after sailing around the wrong bottom mark allowing Altis to take the lead on the last lap.
He was leading the fleet but went to the wrong mark in North Harbour letting go of the march to victory and allowed Altis to sneak through and claim a thirty-second victory.
Chris James aboard Integratos, was two minutes behind in third place.
Handicap Honours went to Jim Thomas skippering Thomas Hopper & Partners, with Hagar (Jim Buckland) second and Fire Stopping third.
Most skippers agreed the racing was the easy part - it was back on the skiff club deck reminiscing about the old days that was harder.
The last of the Old Buffers called it quits when the skiffies closed at midnight arguing it is always the best day of the year.
by Media Services
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