Several dinghies descended on Tenby to take part in the Open Dinghy & Osprey weekend. The main part of the fleet consisted of Ospreys from far and wide. Indeed, such was the draw of Tenby, that some competitors travelled all the way from Scotland.

          Conditions on Saturday were precarious to say the least. Race officer Mark Dashfield had to weigh all the options up and make the decision. To sail or not to sail? The former was chosen which meant a gruelling three races for the competitors.

          With the strong wind coming from the east and the sea extremely choppy launching proved a challenge in itself. Eventually all the boats made it to the race area where the safety crews were kept on their toes by capsizing craft. Racing stated on time with the fleet enjoying the course set by Mark. As the racing progressed some boats retired because of the conditions and occasionally because of gear failure. However a large section of the fleet finished all three races. The post racing conversations in the clubhouse were of precarious moments and exciting sailing. The evening was rounded off by the world renowned Terry Evans Barbecue.

          Sunday's conditions were more favourable with most of the fleet making it to the start line. In a way, Mark's job was made more difficult than Saturday because of the major changes in wind direction. All problems were overcome and the competitors enjoyed three races. Even in slightly lighter conditions than the previous day some boats suffered minor "ailments" which meant retirement. The leading set of Osprey sailors, which included several of the Tenby fleet, seemed to have mastered the very tricky conditions. After three demanding races the fleet relaxed in the comfort of the clubhouse. Well fed by the galley crew, the competitors compared various events which took place on the water.

          Prior to the prize giving, commodore Mark Dashfield thanked all for attending and hoped they had enjoyed the variety of weather conditions Tenby had offered. He also thanked all who had contributed to the success of the weekend which included the competitors, safety crew, beachmaster, galley crew and committee boat crew. In particular he thanked Roy Lawrence whose sterling efforts in manning the committee boat for several hours in very choppy conditions was above and beyond "the call of duty". The prizes were presented by madam commodore, Julia Dashfield.

          The results were as follows:

          Mike Stace, Tenby's leading helm over the weekend, certainly put his crew, Deanna Morton, through the mill. On one spectacular capsize Deanna was dragged along like a water skier until she released he trapeze shackle. Someone should tell Mike that an Osprey hasn't got an engine! Well done to all Tenby sailors who completed all six races in such demanding conditions. The winning helm, Richard Hartley, paid tribute to Tenby's race management and all who had contributed to the weekend. They will be back!

Regatta Results

          Conditions on Saturday were such that the annual regatta nearly didn't take place. The encouraging entry from as far as Blithfield held their breath as race officer, Blake Shaw, weighed up the situation. Eventually the wind, albeit gusty, turned to a more favourable southerly direction which prompted Blake to give the go ahead. The first race was over three laps in very gusty conditions resulting in some early retirements.

          The second race was curtailed to one lap as the conditions became precarious to say the least. Needless to say, the pursuit race was cancelled.

          On Sunday the wind strength was at least a steady force 7 which prompted Blake to cancel racing for the day. The relieved sailors were pleased to attend the prize-giving brought forward to Sunday morning. Prizes were presented by commodore Mark Dashfield.

          Overall winner was our own Daniel Jackson in an RS600. In second place were Keith MacDonald and Andy Britton of Blithfield Sailing Club sailing a Fireball. In third place were our own Mike Stace and Deanna Morton in an Osprey. Mike and Deanna also won the Galleon Trophy for the first Tenby Osprey. In fourth place were our own Ted Lewis and Matt Goldwait in an Osprey. In fifth place were Tenby's Ed Dashfield and Emily Kirby in an RS500. The first junior was Tenby's Jonathan Morris in a Topper.

          Thanks were extended to all the safety boat personnel, the galley crew and the beach-master and his entourage. All agreed the weekend had been most enjoyable despite the adverse conditions.