Angle Regatta, August 9

It was a wonderful morning's sail down to Angle with a mostly blue sky and a decent if mostly westerly breeze, and on arrival, the scene for the Old Point House Angle regatta event was set with bouncy castle, music, food and drink as usual for the event. All went well as the race started, but soon a vicious rainstorm set in for a half-hour or so, with winds stepping into force 6 with poor visibility. This then abated and ridiculously we found ourselves struggling for wind and several boats retired in frustration as we were beating into a strengthening in-bound tide. Gradually, the wind picked up enough for all remaining boats to finish within four hours. By this time, there was a great crowd and a good party was on. Shortly afterwards, however another big shower came over and this time there wasn't enough space for everyone to take cover so many got a good soaking. Thanks from all competitors to Neyland YC for organising the race deck. Results: Division1: 1. Maelstrom (D. McIntosh); 2. Double Trouble (Watkins/Smart/Pritherick); 3. Enigmatic (D Yeomans). Division 2: 1. Starlight Express (R. Gwilliam); 2. Picante (P Lefevre); 3. Spring (P Collings). Gentleman's Division: 1. Crionna (J. McMullen); 2. Kaiku (C. Riggs)

Pembroke Dock Bi-centenary Water Festival show race

As part of the Pembroke Dock bi-centennial on Sunday, August 10, a very blustery Hobbs Point was used as a viewing point for a Welsh national rowing racing event (reported elsewhere) and a show yacht race put on by the club. The race was organised as a pursuit race over a short course within view of Hobbs Point. Boats started at different times according to their handicap rating with the slowest boat first and the fastest last so that in theory they would all finish together, and so the best sailed boat on the day would cross the finish line first. Conditions were difficult with a rising force 6/7 so that boats had to be rigged with severely shortened sail. However, thus suitably prepared a very enjoyable short race was held and the eventual winner was the last starter, Maelstrom who coped best with conditions and worked her way past slower boats despite a 12 minute starting handicap. Returning by dinghy to Hobbs Point was especially difficult as the wind rose further and a nasty chop developed. Thankfully, the rain held off most of the day and with the club open for refreshments and with various stalls and a boat-jumble raised £224 for the RNLI.

Upcoming events

August 15 - Tonight (Friday), at 6 pm, we will hopefully be joined by a representative from the RNLI who will be checking lifejackets.  Bring your jackets along (non-members welcome) to be checked and the BBQ will be up and running for those who would like to avoid cooking that evening! August 31 -  Walking Treasure hunt, 4.30 pm, meet at the clubhouse, £2 per person entry. This is a family event. All friends and family welcome. September 6 - Up River Race and BBQ weather permitting. Pembroke Haven Yacht Club, Hobbs Point, Pembroke Dock, http://www.phyc.co.uk">www.phyc.co.uk