Laying-Up Supper

The clubhouse was full to the gunnels and bursting with enthusiasm on Saturday night for the annual laying-up supper.

Club Commodore Paul Johnson offered a warm welcome to all and thanked all the many helpers on and off the water who had ensured the success of our many activities over the season.

A record total of 42 trainees had attended our RYA Certified Sail Training during the year receiving introductory taster sessions, training for beginners and intermediates and initial coaching towards racing for the more advanced.

Thirty-two RYA certificates were awarded by Malcolm Williams, the sailing school principal, who offered sincere thanks to all instructors, safety crews and other helpers who had delivered such a successful and enjoyable year of events.

Prizes for trainee ladies' junior helm went to Megan Herritty (first) and Samantha Attwell (second) and for trainee gentlemen's junior helm to William Horton (first) and Ryan O'Neil (second). Harry Hinksman was awarded for best attendance and most enthusiastic sail trainee.

Sailing captain Tina Osborne congratulated everyone involved and hoped that all this latent talent would move on to enjoy the cub Sunday racing next season.

Tina commented on the difficult conditions for dinghy racing this year despite which Coppett Week in May and the visit of the Supernova Class for their National Championship in July were most successful.

The large and impressive range of club dinghy racing awards were then presented by Commodore and sailing captain.

Mark and Debbie Tissiman in their Fireball headed the Fast Handicap Fleet and were first locals in the Round Caldey Race with Debbie also winning Lady Helm for 2008.

Tonia and Julia Griffiths came out as the 'Girls On Top' in their Graduate coming fourth overall in the season.

Ben Dancer, who achieved considerable success elsewhere this year, competing in the Topper class culminating with the world championships in Ireland, confirmed his abilities by taking the junior helm, best junior and Topper prizes and receiving the Lady Merthyr Trophy - an exquisite carved wooden sailing boat. His father Nigel not to be outdone won the club Laser Class prize.

Our one and only Streaker was Keith Jones who won the Most Improved Sailor of the Year.

Club champion for 2008, who picked up many other awards, was Paul Griffiths in his Solo. He was also presented with the most avoided prize of the 'Toilet Seat for the Longest Swim of the Year'.

The evening then continued with one of Graham Wellman's fantastic buffets. Many thanks to Graham and all his helpers on providing such a good spread.

Frostbite Series

A large group of enthusiastic (or desperate) sailors lined up for the first winter series race last Saturday, but were thwarted by a complete lack of wind - watch out in the bay next Saturday, they are not easily deterred.

Winter Events

Whilst daylight hours are rapidly drawing in, there is much to attract members to the club over the coming weeks. The bar will be open with food served every weekend between now and April. The club will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 6-11 pm and on Sundays between 12 and 2 pm. Special Sunday lunches will also be served once a month over the winter. Read the club notice board, look on the website http://www.saundersfootsailingclub.org.uk">www.saundersfootsailingclub.org.uk or phone Kate on (01834) 812473.

A warm welcome and good cheer awaits members and their guests so do come and join in. Social membership is only £5 so if you are not currently a member you can easily participate - telephone membership secretary Trevor Smith on (01834) 811235.

Bowls and supper, Saturday, November 8: Meet at 6.45 pm at Canaston Bowl for the usual riotous evening of fun returning to the club for food. Cost for bowling and Graham's super two-course supper is only £8 per head. Please contact Kate on (01834) 8112473 to book.

Carols and mince pies, Friday, December 19: Always a good evening in the run up to Christmas. 7.30 pm in the candlelight clubhouse.

New Year celebrations, December 31: Join the NY's Day Swim and then watch the spectacular fireworks from the warmth of the clubhouse in the evening.

Skipper's Mate