Tenby Sailing Club Race & Social Event Report

          After spending the last two weeks celebrating our famous and unexpected victory it's time to come back to earth and get ready to do battle again. This evening we are home to the Parsonage who will want to repeat their win over us earlier in the season. Can we pull it off? Can we actually win two games in a row? Historically the odds are stacked against us but who knows? Watch this space.

          Would members and friends please note that the new season's fixture lists are available and are also on the website. Start planning your sailing well in advance.

          Please support the club's efforts on the social front. Just a few dates to note - Terry Evans has agreed to put on a Surf & Turf evening on February 18th (see below) and a Cheese & Cawl evening on March 3rd. On Wednesday, February 22nd we are holding a film evening during which tasty snacks will be available. More details next week.

          Good steaks and fine fish – come on down and enjoy a culinary treat on Saturday, February 18th. Good food, fine company in warm and convivial surroundings – what more could you ask for? Terry needs to know exact numbers so would you please make reservations in advance to Terry Evans on 844256 or 07796084003. Should be a great evening.

          It's that time of year. Yes the annual subscriptions are due. This year we are running a weekly draw which can only be won if you are present in the club when the draw is made and you are a paid up member. See below:

          The fourth draw took place last Saturday which resulted in a third roll over as the winning ticket holder was not present – so tomorrow's prize fund will be £80. The draw was independently verified by the draw master, Paul Redford. As mentioned above, the next draw takes place tomorrow evening at 9 p.m. Please note - you must be present and have your membership card with you to claim the prize!

          The next electric jam will take place on Wednesday February 15th. It's the place to be!

          This is a report about a boater writing to his insurance company about an accident that occurred while he was working on his sailboat:

          I am writing in response to your request for additional information for block number 3 of the accident reporting form. I put "poor planning" as the cause of my accident. You said in your letter that I should explain more fully and I trust the following detail will be sufficient.

          I am a sailboat owner, and on the day of the accident I was working alone at the top of my 60-foot mast. When I had completed my work, I discovered that I had, over the course of several trips up the mast, brought up about 200 pounds of tools and spare hardware. Rather than carry the now unneeded tools and material down by hand, I decided to lower the items down in a small barrel by using a pulley which was attached at the top of the mast.

          Securing the rope at deck level, I went to the top of the mast and loaded the tools and material into the barrel. Then I went back to the deck of the boat and untied the rope, holding tightly to ensure a slow descent of the 200 pounds of tools. You will note in block number 11 of the accident reporting form that I weigh only 155 pounds.

          Due to my surprise of being jerked off the deck so suddenly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. Needless to say, I proceeded at a rather rapid rate of speed up the mast. In the vicinity of the 30 foot level, I met the barrel coming down. This explains my fractured skull and broken collarbone. Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep into the pulley.

          Fortunately, by this time, I had regained my presence of mind and was able to hold onto the rope in spite of my pain. At approximately the same time, however, the barrel of tools hit the deck and the bottom fell out of the barrel. Devoid of the weight of the tools, the barrel now weighed approximately 10 pounds. I refer you again to my weight in block number 11.

          As you might imagine, I began a rapid descent down the mast. In the vicinity of the 30 foot level, I met the barrel coming up. This accounts for the two fractured ankles, and the lacerations of my legs and lower body. The encounter with the barrel slowed me enough to lessen my injuries when I fell onto the pile of tools and, fortunately, only three vertebrae were cracked.

          I am sorry to report, however, that as I lay there on the tools, in pain, unable to stand and watching the empty barrel 60 feet above me, I again lost my presence of mind. I let go of the rope. Painfully, I rest my case.

          We have returned to winter openings of Friday, Saturday evenings and for occasional functions which will be advertised. Why not call in for a 'lemonade' – there are not many watering holes with a vista like ours.

          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. Contact any member who will be delighted to furnish you with further details.