Tenby Sailing Club Race Results & Social Events.

          Friends and acquaintances often ask questions such as "If I want to sail, what sort of boat do I need?", "Is there an age limit?", "Is it difficult?" or "Do I need to be a member of a club?"

          There's no hard and fast rule when it comes to choosing a boat. Many factors will influence a final decision. What type of sailing do you want to participate in, cruiser or dinghy, for example? How experienced are you? A novice dinghy sailor would be advised to choose a boat which is fairly easy to handle and stable: a Topper, Mirror, GPl4, to name but a few. More advanced sailors would possibly choose from the plethora of asymmetric classes which are currently on the market.

          Is sailing difficult? - the level of which you can aspire is dependent on a myriad of factors, but at the end of the day it's up to the individual. Basic sailing is not difficult as long as basic procedures are adhered to.

          Age should not be a factor - again choice of boat would be dependent on skill and, to some degree, fitness. If you intend to sail on a regular basis it is advisable to join a club, the benefits are obvious.

          If any adult has a yearning to have a go then, as mentioned a few weeks ago, the club will be running it's usual 'come and try' series of evenings. It's free and supervised by well qualified instructors and will take place in May or June.

          Several of our keenest members joined as a result of attending the 'come and try' series - indeed, such is their enthusiasm that they are now posing a threat to the regular Sunday and Wednesday podium occupiers. Watch this space for further details.

          The optimism of the previously mentioned practice session did not materialise into a win. Far from it! We were white- washed! Oh the humiliation! Even our own resident mathematician made an uncharacteristic faux pas in advising a member on a finish which did not help a rapidly deteriorating score line.

          Our hosts were magnanimous in victory and all agreed the evening had been most entertaining.

          There's only one way to go - this evening we are at home to the Sun. Captain Terry Evans expects a greatly improved performance from all. Participating members please note.

          There's no fixture next Friday, February 18th. Instead of the obligatory practice session, there will be the inaugural Club Darts Championship - this is open to all members and members of Saundersfoot Sailing Club. What an evening in prospect!

          This annual culinary experience takes place tomorrow (Saturday) evening. Mike Stace and Deanna Morton are again in the hot seat. If last year's evening is anything to go by, we are in for a treat - the ravenous hordes await with eager anticipation. You can view the menu elsewhere in these pages.

          I understand there are still a small number of places remaining - should anyone wish to participate, contact Mike or Deanna on 844484 as early as possible this evening.

          On the evening of Friday, February 25th, the club is delighted to host Greenhill School's quiz in aid of the Tsunami Appeal. This is a most worthy cause which deserves your support. We look forward to quizzing you.

          On Wednesday, February 16th, the club is delighted to host local blues artists who will endeavour to 'jam' throughout the evening. Doors open at 7.30 p.m., so why not enjoy good soul-wrenching music in warm and convivial surroundings. Being an avid blues fan, I wait with eager anticipation. All are welcome - an evening not to be missed!

• Saturday, February 26th - Terry Evans' great steak evening.
  
  
• Saturday, March 5th - Greenhill Jazz Band (confirmed).
  
  
• Saturday, March 19th - an Italian evening.
  
  

          Other activities are in the pipeline which will include, for example, a quiz with a particular theme, a games evening - watch this space!

          It's that time of year again. Annual subscriptions are now due. Please contact membership secretary, Julia Dashfield, on 844918 for further details. You can print off a Membership Subscription Form elsewhere in these pages.

          This is a very friendly and welcoming club which endeavours to involve all members in a variety of activities.

          If you would like to participate by joining, then now is an ideal time. Contact any members who will be delighted to furnish you with further details. We look forward to meeting you.

          GP14