AUGUST REGATTA
No sooner had the last entrants for the Laser 2000 Nationals departed, than 60 more dinghy sailors converged on Saundersfoot for the annual August Bank Holiday Regatta - two races on the Saturday and the traditional Round Caldey race on the Sunday. Once again, wild weather was promised, but fortunately did not seriously interfere with either the scheduled races or the enjoyment of participants. The only concession to the weather was the need to shorten the Caldey course for dinghies, to avoid the heavy seas on the far side of Caldey Island. Perhaps the brisk conditions had an effect, but for once the International Canoes did not have it all their own way, dominating race one on the Saturday, but then having to yield to a variety of classes - Fireball, Cherub and Scorpion. Results for Saturday (race one) were: 1. Robin Wood (Saundersfoot SC) International Canoe; 2. Steve Bowen (Abergavenny SC) International Canoe; 3. Simon Goodwin (Neyland YC) Cherub. The race to be the second Saundersfoot SC finisher was hotly contested by: 6. Colin Newman (International Canoe); 7. Paul Griffiths (Laser); 8. Govan Berridge (Laser). Saturday (race two): 1. Simon Goodwin (Neyland YC) Cherub; 2. Robin Wood (Saundersfoot SC) International Canoe; 3. Peter Rose (Chew Valley SC) Scorpion. In fifth place, Colin Newman was again the second Saundersfoot SC finisher. Overall winners of the two-race series were: 1. Robin Wood; 2. Simon Goodwin; 3. Peter Rose. Sunday (Caldey race): This race is always a race officer's nightmare. Weather hazards can vary from the sudden onset of heavy seas, to an entire 80-boat fleet becalmed on the far side of Caldey Island. So much of the action takes place out of sight of the race officer and 21st Century communications are no guarantee of infallibility. This year's flap was the confusion caused by a disappearing course marker. We are grateful to the RNLI inshore rescue boat for locating it and restoring the dinghy course before confusion descended into chaos. In the dinghy race, the leading positions were: 1. Keith McDonald (Blithfield SC) Fireball. Keith as been a regular visitor to Saundersfoot SC events for many years and a regular prizewinner to boot; 2. Simon Goodwin (Neyland YC) Cherub; 3. Peter Rose (Chew Valley SC) Scorpion. The leading SSC boat was Nick Johns (420) in a very creditable eighth position. There were 33 finishers, including an impressive turn-out by Saundersfoot's 'solo boys'. House manager Graham Wellman enjoyed a well-deserved break out on the water after feeding and watering in style so many visiting sailors. In parallel with the dinghy race, there was a cruiser race which, by virtue of greater seaworthiness, did circumnavigate Caldey Island. There were four entrants - a pale shadow of the grand fleets which used to contest the Caldey race in earlier times. Saundersfoot Harbour is as full of boats as it ever was, but they are increasingly disinclined to participate even in a unique annual event. Final placings were: 1. Blake Shaw, 'Slipstream', Tenby SC; 2. John Griffiths, 'Tejeda', Tenby SC; 3. John Miller, 'Sea Fever', Saundersfoot SC; 4. Rolfe John, 'Twm Balam', Saundersfoot SC.
OTHER SSC NEWS
The ladies helm race has been re-scheduled to September 11, starting at 4 pm. At the time of writing, we believe that Lara Caine and Chris Mackay, both of whom trained and raced as junior members at Saundersfoot Sailing Club, were due to arrive in Cardiff following a successful circumnavigation of the British Isles. Well done Lara and Chris - come back, all is forgiven.
Ancient Mariner