Whew! What a week! Last week the club hosted the Merlin Rockets for their national championships. Sixty-four boats registered to take part from far and wide. Indeed, such is the reputation of Tenby as a sailing venue that the event attracted sailors from Holland. Saturday was a busy day when the competitors arrived throughout the day, coping very well with the traffic restrictions. The traditional evening briefing was conducted by race officer Blake Shaw and vice-commodore, Mark Dashfield. Mark Dashfield welcomed the competitors to Tenby and hoped that they would have a great week. Blake Shaw advised the competitors of local conditions and salient points from the sailing instructions. Sunday's racing consisted of a short practice race and a full race. The practice race went very well, but almost immediately after the race had finished a major wind shift took place which caused the race management problems in laying a new course. Eventually the wind direction settled and the race took place, much to the relief of the patient competitors. Monday's conditions were such that the race management cancelled racing for the day. The evening saw the competitors enjoy the sound of local Tyler Brown Blues Band. Tuesday's conditions were much more favourable which meant two races, back to back, could be completed to make up for the loss of the previous day's racing. The competitors were treated to Terry Evans's legendary BBQ. Terry had to delegate his normal duties due his argument with an outboard motor the previous day. As expected, finger jokes were the order of the day. Some members even asked whether the evening meal was a 'finger' buffet! Wednesday saw the wind turn northerly and increase in strength. The competitors met the challenge, with only one case of structural damage, apparently down to human error. The safety crew and race management were impressed by the skill of both helm and crew in these conditions. Thursday saw similar conditions to the previous day, with the fleet again surviving, as was the case on Friday. Thursday evening the competitors and members were entertained by local band Elephant Gerald - all agreed that the evening was a 'smash'. Friday evening the prize-giving took place in the clubhouse. Commodore, Daniel Jackson, thanked all who had contributed to the success of the week. He congratulated the competitors on their sailing and the manner in which they conducted themselves both on and off the water. An impressive array of trophies and prizes was presented by Madame Commodore, Tracey Jackson. The final 1-2-3 was as follows: 1. William Warren and Chris Robinson from Shoreham Sailing Club; 2. Tom Stewart and Chris Downham from Northampton Sailing Club; 3. Stuart Bithel and Matt Mee from Hollingworth Sailing Club. In his address, winning helm William Warren praised the club for its race management and hospitality. He paid tribute to all who had contributed to the success of the week and intimated that the Merlins would like to return as soon as possible. The success of any major event is reliant on the time and goodwill of several members and friends. To name all would be impractical - however, a huge thank you to the galley crew, bar crew, safety crew, beachmasters and the race committee. Redwing Nationals
As if one week was not enough, next week the club plays host to the Redwings. Numbers may not be as high as the Merlins, but personnel are still required to run the event. Again a plea - if any member or friend is available to assist, please contact Daniel Jackson on 813397. Thanks in anticipation.
Important Dates
Wednesdays - sail training and the legendary Terry Evans BBQ; Wednesday, August 23 - blues jam evening. The clubhouse will be open every evening until September. Doors open at 7 pm unless otherwise stated. This is a very friendly and welcoming club, which endeavours to involve all members in a variety of activities. If anyone would like to participate by joining, now is an ideal time. Contact any member who will be delighted to furnish you with further details. We look forward to meeting you.
GP14