Tenby Sailing Club Race & Social Event Report

          The winter series on Milford Haven consisted of 12 races. Tenby members Billy Stubbs and Tony Spiller entered their newly acquired yacht Apatshe in the series run jointly by Pembroke Haven Yacht Club and Neyland Yacht Club.

          The weather played a major part in the series – so much so that only nine of the scheduled twelve races took place. Unfortunately, due to the crews' prior commitments, Apatshe did not compete in all nine races. The division 3 consisted of 15 yachts of varying size and handicap. Apatshe, considering she was slower on handicap than most of the other yachts, acquitted herself very well resulting in an overall position of seventh which was very pleasing for the first season of racing. She also performed very well in strong winds and heavy seas which pleased the crew enormously. The team of Billy Stubbs, Tony Spiller and Roy Lawrence look forward to the spring series in April, especially after some fine tuning.

          Nick will be not be on duty this evening or tomorrow evening.

          The meeting to discuss the new sailing season and related was very well attended. Sailing captain Paul Redford led the discussion which was open and productive. As a result the new fixture list has been finalised and will be available soon. Some issues relating to various sailing rules were discussed and clarified. As a result there will be a meeting at 7.30 p.m. on Saturday March 13th to familiarise members with sailing rules. There will be food available during the evening. Following on the sailing theme, there will be a recap session for club members who will be acting as race officers during the new season. The meeting will take place at 7.30 p.m. on Saturday, March 27th. Again food will be available.

          The New Year has not got off to a good start. Yes, we lost. There were some positives. Captain Terry Evans won his masters match in style as well as scoring the elusive maximum of 180! Vice-captain Colin Parmenter also had success and several games went to doubles but our inability to finish remains our nemesis. Nil desperandum! We shall endeavour to approach this evening's match with confidence and panache. Vice-captain Colin Parmenter will have to bear the mantle of leadership in the absence of captain Terry Evans. Members please note we are at home to the Castle Inn, another good darting outfit who have a good record against us. We live in hope.

          A new newsletter has been circulated which includes details of sailing and social events. There are copies available at the clubhouse.

          The club has accepted an invitation to visit Pembroke Haven Yacht Club and participate in a games challenge evening. Provisionally this will take place on Saturday, March 6th. Would members please note – the date will be confirmed as soon as possible. Watch this space.

          Members and friends are invited to watch the Six Nations Rugby on our big screen. Food will also be available to satisfy the ravenous.

          It's that time of the year. Members are reminded that the annual subscriptions are now due. Contact membership secretary Julia Dashfield on 844918 for further details.

          As mentioned over the last few weeks, at the AGM Mark Dashfield, retiring Commodore, announced the launch of new major initiative to raise funds for essential renewal of equipment and the structured upgrading and replacement of the Club's ageing Optimist and Topper fleets. Do you have some fun and exciting ideas about how to raise funds? If so please contact Mark Brace, Vice Commodore on 843548, or using the reply slip at the base of the poster or via the website. All junior sailors, parents and interested club members are invited to attend a Fund Raising Ideas Meeting at the Club on Wednesday 20th January, 2010 at 7.00 p.m. at which your ideas can be discussed and a Fund Raising Group formed. We look forward to seeing you there.

          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 is still on offer. Contact any member who will be delighted to furnish you with further details.

          GP14