Racing, April 13 Perfect peace prevailed outside the clubhouse before Sunday's races - not a breath of wind! However, it pays to heed the experience of the old 'salts' - in this case in the form of a 'raring to go' Trevor, who predicted that 'when the heat comes off the tarmac a good breeze will spring up' - which indeed it did. Novice race officers Martyn and John boldly set a 'red run' (to port) around all four marks, not perhaps fully appreciating Graham's new siting of the marks to use more of the bay! Luckily, the leading dinghy found the new lurid green Monkstone mark with its garden ornament top without problem and the race was on. The breeze increased to a gusty F4 and tested the over-winter maintenance of boats and crews, with a strained shoulder on the human side and a failed mainsheet cleat on the equipment side. A hot bath eased the former and the latter was overcome by double lashing the mainsheet to the helm's knees! The course was shortened for the second race, but the Pendine mark took some spotting from the harbour. Competition between the RS300, the Solos, the Lasers and the Grad was hot, with no-one dominating the points and all enjoying their first trip out this year. A good review over noggins in the bar followed, to complete a 'good club racing Sunday' and the return of perfect peace outside the clubhouse. Sail Training We held our first on the water session for the improvers on Saturday, the session was used mainly just to get everyone back on the water and to familiarise the trainees once again with the principles of sailing! A good time was had by all, however. One of our newly-qualified instructors and a trainee decided to test how cold the water was by taking an unexpected dip all in the name of a capsize drill - well that was their excuse! A good time was had by all and many of these improvers will hopefully start racing on a Sunday, so watch out all you Sunday racers. Sail training this Saturday starts at 3.30 pm. Taster Session
Saundersfoot Sailing Club is running a taster session on Saturday, May 3, at 3 pm. Anyone over the age of eight, adults and children alike, is welcome. There is no charge, you just need to bring a change of clothes and yourselves! For further details, contact Tina on (01834) 812383. We will be starting our beginners courses at the end of May. These are RYA certificated courses run by RYA qualified instructors. Coppet Week
Can all OOD, assistants, safety boat crews for Coppet Week please note we will be holding a training night on May 16 at 7.30 pm. If you would like to help at Coppet Week, either on the water, near the water or in the clubhouse, please contact Tina (dinghy captain) on (01834) 812383. Powerboating
Trevor took two eager trainees out on Saturday to start their level two training. All went well until the boat decided it wanted to go one way and the helm the other, leaving the crew to take the only course of action - turn the engine off and turn to alternative methods of propulsion, i.e. paddling! Well the trainees haven't been put off and are returning for part two on Saturday! If any member of the club would like to undertake powerboat training in the view of helping as safety crews, please contact Trevor or Tina. Sunday Racing
The first two club races took place this Sunday. Although it was very cold, the wind stayed at a steady F3-4, although at times it seemed to be coming from all directions. Two challenging courses were set and the OOD on the second race was checking to see if there was any eagle-eyed sailor out there by switching flags! The race results were as follows: Race 1: 1. Leighton Price (RS300); 2. Paul Griffiths (Solo); 3. Trevor Smith and Sarah Boorman. Race 2: 1. Paul Griffiths; 2. Solo; 3. Malcolm Williams (Laser). Social events
Sunday lunch was prepared by May and Graham. It was well attended and enjoyed by all. Lunches will recommence in September now that the season is under way. Watch this space! Many thanks go to May, David and Graham for all their hard work.