Club Racing

A good fleet of nine boats lined up for the first two races of the late series. There was an unpredictable, gusty wind ranging from force 1-4 from the west with the odd squally shower to cool the hardy sailors.

A Monkstone, Pendine, Harbour course was set by Peter Bower ably assisted by Wendy, with John Roberts and Ben Hinksman, Charlie and Anita crewing the patrol boats.

Slow but steady sailing in race 1 saw Ben Dancer first (Laser), Paul Griffiths second (Solo), Chris Bannister third (Laser 2000), fourth Alan Lambert (Solo). The wind increased for the second race providing a few spills and a closer result with Paul Griffiths first (Solo), Ben Dancer second (Laser) - only 12 seconds ahead of Alan Lambert third (Solo) who was only six seconds in front of Chris in the Laser 2000 in fourth place.

Finlay Harrison had his first outing in his go faster freshly painted Oppie managing a very respectable eighth and seventh with no scratches!

This coming Sunday sees a late start of 6 pm for the Evans McDowell Cup.

Saundersfoot Regatta

The sailing club has been running a sailing regatta in Saundersfoot for many decades. This year, we are radically altering the format to attract wider interest and participation by members, locals and visitors. We hope that there is something for everyone during this event which will last all of the Bank Holiday Weekend at the end of this month.

Saturday 27th

A real seaside fun day which will have a pirate theme with everyone encouraged to dress up. This is in support of the RYA National Pirate Day which is fundraising for Sailability. Sailability is a charity which supports opportunities in sailing for people with disabilities, and provides advice on training, health and safety, and recruiting.

There will be games on the beach from 11 am for all ages. All these plans are of course dependent upon the weather, but we have contingency plans for alternatives in the clubhouse.

The activities include an obstacle race involving a pirate flag, a really wet race which involves water!, a hunt for treasure buried somewhere on the beach, a sandcastle competition and various sideshows.

The RNLI will have an exhibit promoting safety at sea with experts available to test life saving equipment and give practical advice.

A tug of war competition is scheduled for 3 pm.

At 3.30 pm, there will be a watercraft relay race involving teams of a kayak, an Oppie and a Topper with a baton to pass to the next competitor at the start/finish line on the beach. Come and join in - minimum skill needed!

The clubhouse will be open all day with a buffet from 6pm in the evening

Sunday 28th

A serious race for dinghies (max yardstick 1067) and cruisers out to the DZ1 buoy in the middle of the bay and back. Remember the mystery picture and reference in previous reports? Well this is IT!

All competent sailors welcome. Race starts at 4.30 pm and aims to get everyone back on the tide ready for a barbecue from 7.30 pm on.

Prizes for all the Saturday and Sunday events will be awarded during the evening.

Monday 29th

A race around Caldey Island for cruisers starting at 11am in the bay. We hope for an impressive armada which will provide a grand sight from the beachfront in Saundersfoot.

Skipper's Mate