Frostbite Series

Sadly, as predicted last week, the winds on Saturday were both freaky and too strong to enable any Frostbite racing to be held.

Dinghy Park

There are a number of boats in the dinghy park which have not been used at all this year which seems a great shame. Space is always at a premium to accommodate craft that are used, so please could those owners to whom this applies remove their boats if they do not see the prospect of using them. Subscriptions are due for renewal soon and all spaces in the park will have to be paid for, so now is a good time to sort this out.

New Membership

Membership renewal will soon be upon us - but potential new members please note that any membership taken out now will run through to the end of 2009. So don't delay if you would like to take part in club activities. Contact Trevor on 01834 811235.

Social

Graham has apparently been given a sandwich board and I mistakenly thought we would see him parading the harbour advertising kitchen equipment or the end of the world - depending upon his mood. However, it is simply to advertise the wider menu now available in the clubhouse - so still worthwhile coming to see !

The club is open for food every Friday and Saturday between 6 and 11 pm and on Sundays for lunch between 12 and 2 pm.

Sunday, November 2, 12 noon - Traditional Sunday lunch of roast beef and pudding. Please book with May and David on 01834 813595.

Saturday, November 8 - Supper and Bowls. Meet at 6.45 pm at Canaston Bridge. Please book with Kate on 01834 812473.

Sunday, November 23 - AGM, 2 pm. Why not have a drink and some refreshments in the club beforehand to get you in the mood.

Friday, December 19 - Carols and Mince Pies, 7.30 pm.

Sailing - the Sport

The return of our sailors with six medals from the Chinese Olympics confirms Great Britain's place as one of the leading sailing nations of the world. This was a fantastic achievement - albeit we have always been a maritime nation with more coast per capita than many other countries. However, it all seems rather remote from the village of Saundersfoot and its relaxed and peaceful historic harbour. But it is from the enthusiasm and efforts of sailing clubs like ours that champions can grow. The training of 42 youngsters and adults at SSC last year sows the seed for participation and challenge.

The Olympic success has also given a boost to the support available from the sport's representative body - The Welsh Yachting Association (WYA) -which provides a strong framework for encouraging and developing sailing skills. Local juniors are being offered the opportunity to continue sailing over winter with a regular programme of instruction within the WYA Regional Development Scheme. The next session will be held at 9 am on Sunday, November 2, at Pembrokeshire Activity Centre.

Further details from Chris Jeffries, WYA reg. dev. officer, on 07824 990695.

Not all of us, of course, can aspire to Olympic standards -the level of dedication requires very special and singular qualities. For most of us, just 'messing around in boats', with the occasional adrenaline rush of club racing is enough.

In this very competitive age, it is good to retain and promote the spirit of good sportsmanship where pleasure is derived from competing, and fairness is more important than winning. It is pleasing that this attitude prevails within our club and makes for a very friendly and worthwhile atmosphere.

The dedication of many non-sailors to run the sailing events, provide safety cover and organise all the necessary equipment and support is also to be applauded. There is a regular assembly of willing helpers most Tuesday mornings in the club as a working party to keep up with the jobs to be done and to socialise and enjoy the general atmosphere. Do please attend and join in if you are able.

Nautical Nips

With so much attention now on lending, mortgages, credit, etc, do any of you nautical readers know what 'Bottomree' is? (It is legal, decent and printable!). The answer will be in this column next week.

Skipper's Mate