The Tip of the Iceberg
You may have an impression that nothing happens at the club at this time of the year. Wrong. The swan may have been gliding gracefully across the harbour, but only because of intense activity underwater: organisation of social events; preparation of boats and equipment; new licensing laws; sailing programme, organisation of regattas and championships; annual budget and cash flow forecasts; membership renewal; organisation of dinghy and tender parks; and on and on. The only problem - its like the sailing itself - great fun for active participants, not a good spectator sport. There is a moral there.
Social Events
Beetle Drive Mark II, tonight (Friday), 8 pm: Last call for last Beetle Drive of the season. Fitting Out Supper, April 1, 8 pm: Please contact Anita Osborne on (01834) 812383 to book a ringside seat.
Sail Training Matters
Club Commodore John Hollies has come up with a startling statistic - that to man each day of a regatta like Coppet Week, we need 16 volunteers and that is before we even think about the bar and catering. Hence the compelling logic in favour of the two session planned for April 7 and 14. I recall a fire extinguisher labelled 'Do not read these instructions by the light of the fire.' By the same token, the time to discover you can't remember a flag sequence is now and not when a fleet of 80 boats is charging towards you. There will be a race officers training session at the clubhouse on Friday, April 7, 8 pm. There will be a training session to bring race competitors up to speed on latest developments at the clubhouse on Friday, April 14, 8 pm. Adult beginners sail training sessions will be starting in June - dates to be confirmed by watching this space. During April/May (dates to be advised), junior beginners will be offered places at Pembrokeshire Watersports to complete Level 1 and Level 2 and will then return to Saundersfoot for Level 3 training sessions from June 3 onwards. Full details will be available on the club website http://www.saundersfootsailingclub.org.uk">www.saundersfootsailingclub.org.uk Training sessions for dinghy sailing - intermediates will commence with a shore-based session on April 1, 10.30 am -1 pm, and thereafter, weather permitting on the following dates and times: April 8 (1-6 pm), April 15 (1-6 pm), April 22 (9 am - 1.30 pm), April 29 (1-6 pm), May 6 (10.30 am - 4 pm), May 20 (9 am - 2 pm). This list of engagements is by no means exhaustive, yet serves to illustrate the effort and time which our volunteers donate to provide training to all grades of dinghy sailing. In these regulated times, 'just messing about in boats' is not so easy. RYA certificates will play an increasing role and to provide them our trainers need all the assistance they can get. Please form an orderly queue.
Money Matters
It is gratifying that a large number of SSC members enter the Coppet Week Regatta and match their skills against the visitors from all over the UK. It is mystifying that they are careless with money. Only a handful of the expected local entrants have signed up and after March 31, the regatta fee goes up by £15. Need more be said?
Ancient Mariner