Many thanks to all who have given so freely of their time towards the maintenance programme. There's still a lot to do, please contact Rolly Squibbs on 842170 or Mike Stace on 844484 for further information on the winter programme.

          Three of our members, Mike Stace, Rolly Squibbs and Nathan Spiller, along with sailing colleagues from Saundersfoot, have spent the last few weekends participating in the R.Y.A.'s gruelling instructors course. I'm delighted to report that all carne through with flying colours.

          It means that the club is proud to boost a plethora of instructors endorsed by the RYA, which bodes well for the future.

          The club is indebted to Mal Jones, of the W.Y.A., for his expertise and tuition. Indeed, Mal was so impressed by the standard, that he recommended members should try for senior instructor status.

          The sailing season is imminent, in fact the first set of races will take place in April. News of all sailing events will be available as soon as we are in receipt of the new fixture list.

          Numbers were down on last year, mainly due to the inclement weather. However, these who did battle had a great time, with the eventual winners being Blake Shaw and his team, with the Brace family runners-up. Many thanks to Mark and Julia Dashfield for all their effort. I understand there is a new venture planned for next year. We wait with eager anticipation.

          We lost narrowly. Captain Terry Evans was in remarkable form, but alas, overall, our doubles were our nemesis.

          No darts this evening, but the usual obligatory practice will take place in conjunction with the steak evening as mentioned below.

          The eagerly awaited steak evening is upon us. By popular demand, Terry Evans has agreed to put on a steak evening, which will include 'real chips'. Don't miss this culinary extravaganza, eating will start at 8 p.m. He looks forward to feeding you.

          My attempts at maritime humour have had mixed reactions. The president of the Divine GPI4 Appreciation Society has expressed some concern about the standard of humour. Perhaps the following offerings will appease her:

• What happened to the boat that sank in the sea full of piranha fish? It came back with a skeleton crew.
  
  
• When is a boat like a fall of snow? When it is a drift.
  
  
• How does a boat show its affection? It hugs the shore.
  
  

          Membership secretary, Julia Dashfield, informs me that there are still a few outstanding subscriptions. Please contact Julia on 844918 for further details.

          Finally, anyone interested in joining this vibrant club should contact any member for further details. We look forward to meeting you.

          GP14

          One of South Pembrokeshire's long established hotels is undergoing a major refurbishment. Tenby's Royal Gatehouse Hotel is currently the centre of a £3.5 million project, which involves creating 30 four-star standard bedrooms, a number of apartments, which will be available for sale, and new staff accommodation.

          "We are downsizing and upgrading," said proprietor, Mr. Graham Fry, who expects the hotel to reopen in May.

          "This is the first time in 26 years that the hotel has been closed even for a minute. We are making the hotel smaller, but it will be of a much better standard," added Mr. Fry, whose sons Matthew, Mark and Simon are all involved in the redevelopment.

          The work at the hotel is part of a vision Mr. Fry has for the future of Tenby.

          As part of exciting ideas to revitalise tourism in south Pembrokeshire, other ambitious projects could include an exhibition centre at St. Catherine's Island, featuring a huge sculptured dragon and glass roof, an all-weather shopping complex at the town's St. Francis Yard, a marina and a showground.

          All featured in an impressive video sponsored by the Welsh Development Agency, which has already been the subject of a number of well-received presentations to tourism chiefs, the local MP, councillors and various organisations.

          "Everybody in Tenby has been very supportive of it," said Mr. Fry. "It's all about niche marketing and the ability we have to sell the assets we have in this geographical area."