Coppet Week Regatta

Sunday saw the start of Saundersfoot Sailing Club's annual Coppet Week regatta. Over the six days, up to 100 dinghy sailors from all parts of the United Kingdom were to take part in the now traditional event. It has always been and remains an event to appeal to families. In many cases, several members of a family will be competing, either as crew members or in separate boats. The event is restricted to one race per day, weather permitting, so that the entrants can combine a competitive series of races with a family outing to enjoy the many attractions of this part of West Wales. The aim is always to run the races close in shore to provide as much of a spectacle as possible for the visiting families and visitors to Saundersfoot in general. In the early part of the week, this will not be possible. The tides dictate a shortage of water close inshore and races will be run from committee boats some distance off shore. Sunday: Race One, The RNLI Pennant Race: The first race of Coppet Week is always dedicated to the support of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. Entrants compete for the RNLI Pennant presented each year by the Institution who, in turn, receive the proceeds of the race. Results for this year's Pennant Race were: 1. Robin Wood (Int. Canoe Ass ) 3884 secs; 2. Chris Martin (Merlin Rocket) 3918 secs; 3. Keith McDonald (Fireball) 4060 secs. Local SSC members Peter Bower (Tempest) and Nick Berridge (Phantom) were fourth and fifth respectively. The result, a close finish with many different classes in with a shout, is an encouragement to Saundersfoot SC's Handicap Committee in their efforts to bring about some close competition. Having said that, Robin Wood probably has a house full of RNLI Pennants given that he is a past or present World Champion in several dinghy classes, supports Coppet Week every year and wins more often than not. Nobody minds, it is that sort of event and it is a pleasure to watch how he does it. Monday, Race Two: This was unfortunately a wipe out. Race officer Rolfe John, out in the bay on the committee boat recorded wind gusts up to force nine. The Gybe mark would have been out among the white horses and we could expect a bay full of upturned boats and parts of boats. Hopefully, we shall have some calmer weather for the rest of the event.

Ancient Mariner