Tenby Sailing Club Race Results & Social Events.

         The club has had a very busy week hosting the Firefly National Championships. There follows a brief summary of the week's sailing and social events.

         Fireflies arrived throughout the day. At this point in the proceedings, beach master, David Morgan, had to ensure all boats were safely put in their allocated areas and the cars and road trolleys were clear of the harbour area. No mean feat! Colin Griffith was also very busy co-ordinating entries.

         Some of the fleet took to water to 'get a feel' for the local conditions; several of the entries had not sailed on the sea prior to this event.

         The evening saw a full briefing by principal race officer Blake Shaw, followed by a sumptuous meal prepared by galley crew, Ruth Tebbutt, Karen Morris and Julia Dashfield.

         Conditions were such that sailing was postponed to a later date, much to the relief of the less experienced members of the fleet.

         Conditions were much improved which enabled racing to take place. Two races were scheduled, which were successfully carried out.

         The annual general meeting of the fleet was held in the evening.

         Conditions were slightly lighter, which posed a minor problem for the race officer who had to add an extra race to the day's sailing to make up for Sunday's lost race. It went well, with the competitors having to show their skills in light winds.

         The fleet were treated to Terry Evans's legendary Barbecue, which was much appreciated by all. Many thanks to Ruth, Karen and Julia for their invaluable assistance.

         There was plenty of wind and a loppy sea. Some of the fleet took to the water with some trepidation but, apart from a couple of gear failures, the fleet coped remarkably well with the trying conditions. The race was a long one, covering a distance of approximately 15 miles. The eventual winners were worthy of the accolades from the committee boats.

         The fleet was split into two for this race, enabling the less experienced sailors to pick a trophy. After the prize-giving, the evening's party was a lively affair, which left some sore heads next morning.

         Another two-race day with conditions taking time to settle. Once the wind settled, the fleet enjoyed some exciting sailing during the first race.

         The second race took on a different nature as the wind gradually diminished to next to nothing. All the boats eventually finished, with almost the entire fleet having to be towed in as the wind disappeared altogether.

         As mentioned last week, the sighting of a giant leather backed turtle created much excitement as it passed by the windward mark. One of the members of the race committee was heard to say, "if it hits the mark, it will have to do a 360° penalty."

         The evening's entertainment was supplied by the local band led by well-known guitarist Richie. The evening, by general consensus, was a huge success.

         Last race of the week was, in its own way, the most problematic for the race committee due to the wind changing direction on several occasions. Eventually the race got underway, with all finishing in very good times considering the fluctuating nature of the wind.

         The evening's prize-giving was a warm and friendly occasion when the helms and crews were rewarded for their sterling efforts over the week. The prizes were presented by Madame Commodore, Deanna Morton. The final 1,2,3 was:

         1. Anthony Gunstone and Lucy Buck from Imperial Poona Y.C.; 2. Ian Williams and Lizzie Edwards from Imperial Poona Y.C.; 3. Alex Davey and Sally Wilson from London Corinthian S.C.

         In his address, class chairman, Richard Thomson, praised the club for its race management skills and thanked in particular Blake Shaw and his team, Alistair Mackay for his prompt results notices, beach master Dave Morgan, the safety team headed by Terry Evans, Ruth Tebbutt and her galley crew and club steward Howard Ball and his staff.

         In reply, rear commodore Mark Dashfield praised the class for its sailing prowess and its courteous nature. He thanked all who took part and hoped they would be back soon. All agreed the week had been a great success.

         The evening was completed in style by another of Terry Evans's world famous barbecues.

         A week such as this does not happen overnight. A great deal of planning and organisation takes place before and during the week, involving a great deal of people.

         Many thanks to all who contributed to the success of the week. Special thanks to the crews from Saundersfoot Sailing Club who so freely gave of their time in aiding the safety fleet.

         After such an intensive week, life returns to normal with sailing as usual on Sunday and Wednesday.

         GP14