Tenby Sailing Club Race & Social Event Report

          The light breeze of early Sunday morning faded as race time drew near. The competitors found that by the time of the starting signal all were sailing backwards failing to stem the tide and unable to cross the line. The race was abandoned but still no one moved. Then a light breeze filled from another direction and the race officer Paul Evenden declared the race started. The original upwind leg became a spinnaker reach followed by another and then a beat back to the start. After a single slow lap and on corrected time it was the redwing of Mike Stace and Deanna Morton first, the phantom of Nick Berridge second and the Osprey of Rolly Squibbs and guest crew Anthea Evenden in third.

          The second windward leeward race followed immediately in slightly more wind for the first of the two slow laps. The results were the same except that Danny Owen in his RS Vareo is beginning to move up the results sheet, beating several regular competitors in the second race. Well done Danny!

          Hope for more, or indeed some, wind soon!

          The tenth cruiser race of the season took place last Thursday evening. Race officer Blake Shaw course a course of Eastern, Monkstone and Tenby marks in keeping with a Northerly breeze. After the first lap the wind shifted to a North-westerly direction and lightened for a short time. It, thankfully, gradually increased enabling all five competing yachts to finish. After handicaps were taken into account the final positions were as follows:

          Three boats turned up for the final of the super Saturday series with Dan Jackson sporting the RS600, Danny Owen in an RS Vareo with his new light weight sail or sail for lightweights and the Vice Commodore, Mark Brace, with his Enterprise.

          Race officer Paul Redford set a fairly large triangle course with a harbour start in almost perfect sailing conditions.

          First away from the line was the vice- commodore setting a blistering pace towards the Southern mark followed by the rest. Half way across the second leg, however, the Enterprise suffered a dismasting and his race was run. Meanwhile Dan and Danny competed for line honours with Dan Jackson just pipping it on corrected time.

          The series winner Dan Jackson was presented with and engraved salver by the Commodore Terry Evans who, due to prior commitments, could not enter the race. However the infamous Divine GP14 is now repaired and its crew are in training for an assault on the Frostbite series.

          As usual the hordes of trainees descended on the club to enjoy a very successful evening's training. Many thanks to principal instructor Blake Shaw, and all who help, for making these sessions so successful. If any member can help please contact Blake Shaw on 842535 or Terry Evans on 844256. Again, thanks in anticipation. As usual Terry Evans' universally acclaimed barbecue took place with the hordes of salivating trainees and sailors tasting some superb food. These barbecues will continue throughout them summer so please support Terry and the club.

          The Saturday adult training run by Mark Dashfield takes place as usual tomorrow commencing at 3 p.m. These are proving very popular including Toppers, Fevas and an RS Vareo. I understand that the demand to participate is increasing - trainees should contact their trainer prior to the Saturday session. New trainees should contact Mark Dashfield on 844918 or Terry Evans on 844256.

          As mentioned over the last three weeks, the club is hosting the Firefly championships this year. They will take place during the week of Saturday, August 14th to Friday August 21st. At least 55 dinghies are expected, possibly over 80. This is an important week in the club's calendar which puts a demand on the club's resources and manpower. With just over a week to go, the planning of allocation of posts etc. is well underway. Commodore Terry Evans and the committee would be most appreciative of any help given by members and/or friends. If you are in a position to help in any way please contact commodore Terry Evans on 844256 or email him on nicter@evans8uhp.freeserve.co.uk, who will inform the appropriate person who has responsibility in a particular area. Thanks in anticipation.

          There is a meeting scheduled for Monday August 9th at 7 p.m. for helpers and organisers. Please attend if you can.

          Nick will be serving food this weekend. Come on down and enjoy great food in warm and convivial surroundings.

          The next jam session will be this coming Monday, August 9th. Don't miss it. It's the place to be!

          The commodore, Terry Evans, invites members and friends to the annual Dinner Dance and Prize Giving which will take place on Friday, November 19th. On Saturday, November 20th the Annual General meeting will take place at the club. More details to follow.

          Information on club activities etc. can be found on the club's website.

          This is a very friendly and welcoming club, which endeavours to involve all members in a variety of activities. If anyone would like to join us, now is an ideal time especially with the discount which is still on offer. Contact any member who will be delighted to furnish you with further details.

          GP14