Swap Day - the highlight of the Manly 16ft Skiff Clubcalendar
by Adam Lucius 20 Apr 2025 10:23 BST
12 April 2025
For all the trophies, titles and honours Manly 16ft Skiff Club accumulates each year, the collective smiles on the faces of Swap Day participants probably best sums up what the place is about.
It's an afternoon where senior members of the 16s fleet give up their time to afford the next generation a taste of this thrilling class of sailing. Many of the educators are current trophy winners who were introduced to the sport via this "soft launch".
Last Saturday, 65 registered juniors took the opportunity to go for a spin on a 16 under their watchful eye. One look at their beaming faces tells you it was a major success.
"It was a perfect autumn day and a comfortable sou' easter which allowed us to host the day just off the club deck in Manly Cove," Skiff club commodore Michael Childs said. "The numbers who participated in the day were testament to the work both the junior division and club in general is doing to advertise our junior sailing pathway to the broader community. "Swap Day is a highlight on our calendar, and there could not be a better way to end what has been an enormous season.
"It's a day which really showcases what the club and its community is all about - a diverse group of Sydneysiders who come together to enjoy skiff sailing on the best harbour in the world."
Reigning Australian champion IMEI was among the 25 boats to hit the water. IMEI's five-time national winner Rob Napper, who was joined by sons Coby and Ash, said: "It was a perfect day for sailing and I think the juniors got a lot from it," "It's a chance for them to get a taste of a 16 in great conditions and also a chance for the seniors to give something back. "It really is an enjoyable day and one of the best things we do as a club."
And there will be no resting on laurels. Childs said: "The goalposts won't change next year. Just as many generations have done before us, we will strive to do our best to continue to grow 16ft skiff sailing in Manly. "We will do that by being a welcoming and supportive club which fundamentally cares for its members, whilst facilitating some of the best and most exciting sailing in Australia."