Tenby Sailing Club Race Results & Social Events.

          Sailing, yes sailing, actually took place last Sunday. An encouraging number of sailors eagerly took to the water after a long layoff. Ed Dashfield set a course in keeping with the superb sailing conditions.

          Rolly Squibbs had a novice crew taking to the trapeze for the first time. Angelo Fecci certainly learned very quickly, much to the delight of helm Rolly. In fact, they led for the first leg, but were overtaken by the experienced pair of Mike Stace and Deanna Morton.

          It was great to see a new pairing entering the fray. Steve Davis and son fared very well initially, but discovered that a boat filling with water does not perform as well as expected - a faulty bung created this internal excess of water.

          All agreed the first race of the season had been unusual, but very enjoyable.

          Final placings were: 1. Luke Stace and Deanna Morton (Red- wing); 2. Rolly Squibbs and Angelo Fecci (Redwing); 3. Steve Davis and son (Laser 2000); 4. Tommy D'Ortez (Laser Radial).

          Racing as usual this Sunday.

          Tommy D'Ortez recently took part in the British National Youth Championships at Pwllheli. Ninety-seven boats took part and Tommy came a very creditable 31st. Not bad for a first time - well done Tommy.

          This weekend, Tommy and Angelo will also be taking part in the Welsh Youth Championships, again being held at Pwllheli. We wish them all the best.

          Looking a little further ahead there are a few important dates and events to note.

          On the weekend of May 1st and 2nd, the club is holding its annual open meeting. This is always a popular regatta, attracting sailors from far and wide. For. further details contact Rolly Squibbs on (01834) 842170, Mike Stace on 844484 or Blake Shaw on 842535.

          On the same weekend, several of our junior members will be attending a beginners' course run by Pembrokeshire Watersports. The future looks promising.

          On a dryer note, the club is running a club race officers' course this Sunday at the club, commencing at 1.30 p.m. The uptake to date has been extremely encouraging - there are places left, so please contact Blake Shaw on 842535 for further details. There will also be hot snacks available for the ravenous.

          These popular evening sessions will commence on Wednesday, April 28th. Contact Blake Shaw on 842535 for further details. As well as sailing, the weekly barbecues run by gourmet chef, Terry Evans, will begin on the first Wednesday in May - can you wait?

          On the social scene, the club is delighted to announce the return of the ever-smiling Howard Ball as club steward. Howard informs me that he will be catering on Fridays, Saturdays and maybe Sunday lunches - watch this space for more specific details.

          The lunchtime format proved very successful, with all who attended being treated to a superb lunch. Many thanks to Terry Evans, Blake and Althea Shaw for all their efforts - all agreed that the cuisine was of the top drawer!

          The club was privileged to host members of Manorbier Twinning Committee and their French counterparts. Joan and Nev Stace, helped by sausage expert Terry Evans, put on a mammoth 'bangers and mash' supper, which was much appreciated by our French visitors, thereby enhancing the entente cordiale! All agreed the evening was a superb success. Many thanks to Joan and Nev!

          Julia Dashfield, membership secretary, has asked me to drop a gentle reminder to those members who are overdue with their annual subscription. Please contact Julia on 844918 for further details.

          Finally, anyone wishing to join this thriving club should contact any member for further details. We look forward to meeting you.

          GPI4