WHIST DRIVE

Last Monday evening we almost achieved our objective. Five-and-a-half tables were running - just two more players and we are there.

The lucky players this week were: highest score - Gladys Irvine; first lady - Enid Jones; second lady - Gladys Cleaton; first gent -Brenda Davies; second gent - Frank Buckley; highest first half - Lindsay Gallon; highest second half - Eric Sutcliffe; longest sitter - Beryl Marsh; lowest score - Elsie Berry.

Raffle: Heather Buckley, Merren Atkins, Lindsay Gallon and Enid Jones.

Play continues next Monday, August Bank Holiday. Doors open 7 pm. Play commences 7.30 pm sharp. Readers who would like to start playing the game will receive a warm welcome on their first visit, even if they are a little rusty.

JUNIOR REGATTA

Saturday afternoon saw six juniors (including some of our sail trainees) eagerly anticipating the Junior Regatta. This event was due to have taken place a fortnight ago but was postponed due to lack of wind. On this occasion there was concern that there would be too much wind for some of the mixed ability fleet, but the race officer Nick Johns gave the go ahead and everyone took to the water.

An added incentive for the sail trainees taking part would be a trip around the bay in the Tenby RNLI lifeboat for the one with the best result.

A short triangular course was set in the bay and with patrol boats at the ready the first race got underway. Lining up at the start were Simon in his Laser Radial, Adam and James Oakley in Optimists and, James, Huw and Jack in Toppers. As the start signal sounded, regular racers Simon and Adam were quickly away, followed by James N in a Topper and James O in an Optimist. Huw and Jack were bravely struggling with their Toppers in the very testing conditions.

Simon and Adam seemed to relish the windy conditions, showing there is no better way to improve sailing skills than by competition. Any competent junior member can gain their experience by joining club races on a Sunday.

At the end of the race, Simon had completed three laps, Adam two laps and both James' one lap. Huw and Jack found the conditions a little too windy and decided to retire. After handicaps were applied, first place went to Simon Smith, with Adam Johns second, James Oakley third and James North fourth.

Congratulations to Simon on his win. This is the third time he he has won this event, previously winning it in 1995 in an Optimist and 2000 in a Topper. Best novice was James Oakley who won a trip on the RNLI lifeboat. Additionally, all four novices were given RNLI badges for taking part.

After boats were put away, everyone tucked into a hearty barbecue at the club. Many thanks to all who contributed to making this event a success.

LATE SEASON SERIES GETS UNDERWAY

Sunday we had a record turnout for the two races in the late season series - difficult to come to terms that we have now reached the stage in our season to be talking about the late season series. Still there is still a lot of racing left in this season yet.

In both races, we had 18 starters, and a great sight was had from the harbour as the fleet jostled for the best position on the start line.

Race officer Helen Berridge decided to use the Pendine, Monkstone and Harbour course for both races one and two. Conditions for race one saw the force 2 NW used by some of the more experienced helms to good advantage and John and Paul Griffiths, sailing their Fireball, secured first place from Colin and Jennifer in the Iso in second, with Simon Smith in his Laser Radial in third place.

Race two began as race one, with John and Paul away to a great start, but the wind dropped and the rest of the fleet managed to catch up. While John and Paul had got away very quickly, the area of the bay they now found themselves in was devoid of wind. The rest of the fleet, seeing the leaders' predicament, made up for lost time by staying with the now variable wind.

Colin and Jennifer with Iso secured first place, with Tonia and Julia in their Graduate getting the better of their husbands John and Paul - well done ladies. Third place to another Graduate sailed by Trevor and Norma.

A very entertaining afternoon for competitors and spectators.

AUGUST DINGHY REGATTA

This weekend we have our annual regatta with competitors coming from all parts of the UK. Saturday we see a series of three races being sailed, starting at 2.30 pm, and then on Sunday the 'around the island race' when we expect over 60 boats to contest the race around Caldey Island, race to start at 10.30 am.

The clubhouse will be open to members and visiting sailors over the Bank Holiday weekend. Let's hope we have the weather and lots of fun on the water, see you.

LUDWIG JUNIOR