At last, the sailing season is under way at Saundersfoot Sailing Club, but with initial echoes of last year's problem - either howling gales or flat calm and nothing in between - no use at all!

The race on Sunday, April 25, attracted only six boats, but, by way of compensation, six others were at the Welsh squad selections at Pwllheli underlining the club's commitment to youth training.

In the faintest of breezes, race officer Tina Osbourne set a mainly inshore course and all managed to complete one lap. Such conditions are deceptive. Competitors appear to be drifting along without a care in the world: actually they are all desperate for speed, with blood pressures off the scale and crew relations at breaking point.

After several changes of lead, all at 0 mph, Trevor and Norma Smith came home ahead of Paul Griffiths (2nd) and Alistair Davies (3rd), both sailing Lasers.

On Sunday, May 2, the start was again in doubt due to lack of wind, but by race time a respectable offshore breeze had developed and allowed steady, at times rapid, progress without too many alarms and excursions - an enjoyable afternoon's racing for all competitors.

These conditions clearly favoured the Phantom - Nick Berridge won both races, with Paul Griffiths's Laser again in second place.

All members are reminded that the Annual Coppet Week Regatta will be held from Sunday, May 30, onwards. On past form, we can expect up to 80 competing boats, complete with crews, families and other supporters. Races have to be supervised, patrol boats manned and our visitors fed and watered. Volunteers should contact either our sailing captain Trevor Smith or house manager Graham Wellman.