New Year's Eve
As expected, it was standing room only in the clubhouse on Sunday, December 31, as members and guests gathered to celebrate the New Year. It is a time when members who live far away and who are to be seen intermittently in summer return to Saundersfoot for the Christmas holiday. Increasingly, it is a time when six-foot something giants appear in the clubhouse and are eventually recognised as the members' small children they once were! Once again, the clubhouse justified its reputation as the best vantage point from which to watch the fireworks. Those responsible are to be congratulated on another cracking display.
Autumn Series 2006
The final race of the series was scheduled for Saturday, December 30, but postponed on account of bad weather. Given the howling gales and Stygian gloom endured in recent weeks, Autumn Series, with its hint of golden leaves bathed in sunshine, is not the most appropriate title. Full marks to the tenacity of our winter sailors who were determined to finish the series and who rescheduled it for New Year's Day. As the accompanying photo shows, there were calm seas and illumination from a strange yellow object in the sky. One might think it was perfect sailing weather, but read on... In the words of vice-commodore Paul Johnson: "Westerly winds Force 3 with squalls. One squall hit during the start countdown; all three Solos promptly commenced excavations of the seabed. Alan Lambert continued the race, John Roberts bent his mast and I snapped mine in two! Nick and Govan Berridge had their first race in their new Osprey and came first with Andrew and Malcolm Williams chasing hard in the RS400 for second place." Overall, the Frostbite (sorry Autumn) Series experiment has to be rated as a great success. Despite the most dismal weather, there were 14 races in which 16 competitors took part at various times, giving a total of over 70 'voyages' where once there would have been none. Most important of all, it has maintained a constant buzz of on-the- water activity at a time when normally the club hibernates. Full marks to all who participated, not forgetting the unsung race officials who had all of the weather and none of the competitive buzz. As has been emphasised throughout, you can never win a dinghy race series by stepping in with a first place here and there - the penalties for DNC (did not compete) see to that. Worthy winner of the series was Alan Lambert (Solo) six points, with Paul Johnson (OK) 16 points in second place. There was a fine tussle for third spot between Graham Wellman (Solo) 23 points, Keith Jones (Laser) 24 points and John Roberts (Solo) 26 points. Believe it or not, the first race of the Warm-Up Series (sic!) is scheduled for April 1. Just enough time to repair storm damaged boats!
Ancient Mariner