No Points Racing
Last Monday Bank Holiday's Open Race (which did not comprise part of the season series) attracted just four boats.
As these were all novices, Paul Johnson and John Hollies set an appropriate course with a temporary mark towards the Monkstone buoy and ran a sausage course with a beat back to the start line.
This area of the bay was pretty quiet whereas out by the normal course marks there were white horses and quite unpleasant conditions.
We were also sheltered from the expected force 4-5 south south westerlies but had enough for decent sailing in the Toppers and Oppie.
Harry Hinksman's Oppie actually made the best start and maintained good concentration for the first lap rounding the mark second after his father's Topper.
Wind shifts were quite challenging to wind awareness and caught much of the fleet out at times with the lead changing hands frequently as a result.
After a while, the three Toppers got their act together and sailed neck and neck for the later stages of the race.
The pace was hotting up with only 28 seconds between them on the third lap and 15 seconds on the fourth lap.
Steve then unfortunately got distracted allowing Mark and Ben to pull away on the last leg. Harry's patience in the Oppie was strained by an altercation with the harbour mark and shifting wind and so completed three laps whilst the Toppers managed five laps with an impressive finish riding the swell which was quite large, but long and smooth, giving an exhilarating surfing finish across the line.
The final order was - Mark Jones first: Ben Hinksman second: Steve Hinksman third; Harry Hinksman fourth.
After de-rigging and a cuppa in the clubhouse, the smiles suggested that it had been an enjoyable session.
The weather then deteriorated with squalls and heavy rain which increased the satisfaction that we had fitted in a good race in the best conditions of the day.
Club Racing
Last Saturday's club race was cancelled due to mist giving dubious visibility.
Correction
Last week's report that Paul Johnson attained third place in the Sunday racing attributed magical powers to the Commodore which even he disclaims, having been in Stoke on Trent at the time! Is this the ultimate in virtual club racing? Apologies to Paul Griffiths whose rightful place it was and who was sailing in reality.
Next Sailing Events
This Sunday is the next Jollity Cup Race (second out of three) starting at 6 pm
At the time of writing, the weathermen are predicting pretty abysmal weather for the rest of the week thanks to Tropical Storm Danny which is moving across the Atlantic towards us. Why can't the States send us some nice tropical weather from the Caribbean for once? If it remains as overcast as it has been we may have to floodlight the course for Sunday's race!
Laying-Up Supper
Not wishing the season away, but just a reminder to make sure you have Saturday, October 10, in your diaries for this end of season event. 7.30 for 8 pm.
Without You There Is No Club
Not everyone reads the message board on the club website, but Twmbarlwm (sounds like some medieval bard but is actually a hill near Caerphilly!) has entered a very salient plea to all club members.
"The end of the 2009 season is not far off and the current committee members are looking to the current membership to provide volunteers for committee posts next year. Have you thought how you might like to help the club?
Saundersfoot Sailing Club is like most other clubs, it is as strong as the number of volunteers that come forward to help.
If you would like to talk to someone about becoming involved in helping to run your club, take a look on the club web site for the e-mail address of the current committee members, give one of them a call and express your interest, a chat will help you to decide what help you can offer.
Go on, make that call, Saundersfoot Sailing Club is your club and will continue to provide excellent facilities for both young and old with your help."
Skipper's Mate