Alas, the foibles of modern technology denied my avid readers the opportunity to enjoy last week's literary gem. For some inexplicable reason, the article did not reach the Observer and is still wandering in the maze of e-mail electronics. Hence the double sailing report this week, kindly submitted by Daniel Jackson. Sunday, July 8: Eleven boats gathered on the start line to battle for the Joe Wright Cup. The ever- expanding fleet of Tenby Ospreys were represented by seven boats and they enjoyed a battle royal! With the pressure on from the start, tempers flared in a bid to be first over line.  The oldest boat in the fleet, built in 1975, managed to escape the chaos and get into a good lead on the first leg - a tight spinnaker reach to the leeward mark! With all the kites up, it was a good scene on the water as the fleet sped downwind tussling for position with nearby boats. On the upwind leg, everyone settled down into a routine, trying to edge further ahead with every little wind shift, but alas at the top mark it was still the oldest boat on the water out in front. With a bear away hoist and set of the spinnakers, the race back downwind was on! Some confusion at the end of lap one saw the lead boat head for the wrong mark and drop back to third place, allowing the newer mark 4 Ospreys to pass. With two laps to go, the wind built slightly and the lap times reduced accordingly. With the increased speed of the competitors, a closely fought battle at the front ensued, which went all the way to the finish line, with just nine seconds separating first and second place. If anyone would like to join the new Osprey fleet in Tenby, please ask any sailing member for advice; today's race proved that this is not expensive sailing - just fun. Joe Wright Cup results: 1. Rolly Squibbs and Marc Shepherd in an Osprey; 2. Dan Jackson and Chris Mackay in an Osprey; 3. Mike Stace and Deanna Morton in an Osprey; 4. Tommy D'Ortez in a Laser. I'm delighted to report Alistair Knibb's first outing in an Osprey. He stood in for the absent Matt Goldwait, regular crew to Ted Lewis. Colin Parmenter also ventured forth in his recently acquired Osprey, accompanied by a junior member, Max Randles, also sailing in an Osprey for the first time. Sunday, July 14: A lumpy wet easterly breeze guaranteed exciting conditions for the club dinghy race. Race officers Helen Williams and Peter Randles set a testing port triangle for the 10-boat fleet, with the Osprey class once again well represented with six boats afloat. Crossing the fleet on port tack off the start line, 1141 took up an early lead which they managed to build on and hold to the finish. The battle behind for second place was hotly contested, with four boats neck and neck and lots of place changes. On lap four, Ted Lewis and Matt Goldwait managed to break away from the chasing pack. Flying the spinnaker perfectly on the tight first reach enabled the boat to surf on the large swells further out on the race course, leaving behind them a good tussle for the last podium place.  Of the single-handers, young Max Randles sailed consistently well in the club Feva to beat Neil Roberts in the Laser on corrected time. Max has gone from strength to strength this year and hot gossip from the dinghy park is the arrival of his new 29er dinghy which, weather permitting, will be afloat this weekend. Good luck Max!  Thanks again to Helen and Peter for the short notice service as race and safety officers.  Results: 1. Dan Jackson and Chris Mackay in an Osprey; 2. Ted Lewis and Matt Goldwait in an Osprey; 3. Paul Evenden and Anthea Patterson in an Osprey; 4. Roland Squibbs and Alistair Knibb in an Osprey.

Junior Sailing

Superb conditions prevailed which enabled all the junior fleet to enjoy a superb training session. All were treated to the universally acclaimed Terry Evans BBQ, a fitting end to a great evening.

Welsh Schools Regatta

Over 100 dinghies sailed by youngsters from all over Wales entered the Welsh Schools Championships at Pembrokeshire Yacht Club, Gelliswick Bay, Milford Haven, at the weekend. With ideal sailing weather, all six races were completed by midday Sunday. Three of our junior sailors competed in the event. Conor Keohane, sailing his Topper, came 15th overall out of a large fleet of 37. Jonathan Morris was second Topper in the under 12 group - an excellent achievement, well done! Matthew May, sailing in his first big event, gained third overall in the Regatta fleet. Theclub would like to thank Karin Morris and Joe Hinchliffe for taking the club rescue boat to Gelliswick and helping to look after the youngsters on the water.

Cruise in Company

Would members and friends please note that the cruise in company planned for Sunday, July 29, has been rescheduled for Sunday, August 12. Further information can be obtained from the recent newsletter posted on the club's web-site.

Annual Plea

This is the time of year when the club makes a plea to members and friends regarding the forthcoming national championship. This year we are running the Gul RS200 National Championships. This takes place during the week of August 19 to 23. The club is delighted to be asked to host the event which will probably attract an entry of 120-plus dinghies! To run such a championship requires a lot of personnel. Hence the plea. If any member or friend can lend a hand, please contact any of the following club officers, Daniel Jackson on 813397, Terry Evans on 844256, Blake Shaw on 842535 or Mark Dashfield on 844918. Many thanks in anticipation of a positive response.

Discounted Club Membership

If anyone is interested in learning to sail or would like to enjoy a superb social scene, then this is the club for you. Why not join now and enjoy a sizable discount for the first year. For further details contact membership secretary, Julia Dashfield, on 844918.

Dinghy Park

Would dinghy park users please note that the annual fees are overdue and prompt payment would be appreciated. Please contact Daniel Jackson on 813397 for further details.

Club Openings

Would members please note the following amendment to the opening times. The club will be open every evening as well as Sunday lunchtime.

Catering

Last Friday, members were treated to an evening of superb 'Bangers and Mash' prepared by Terry Evans, assisted by Ruth Tebbutt. Ravings about the mash accompanied by Terry's 'powerful' onion gravy are still being heard around the county. Saturday's BBQ was also much appreciated by the large number of partakers. Terry would like to thank Dina and Alison for their invaluable assistance, especially in the preparation of his legendary 'real chips'.

Important Dates

Every Wednesday - junior sailing commencing at 5.30 pm, followed by the mouth-watering Terry Evans BBQ. This is a very friendly and welcoming club, which endeavours to involve all members in a variety of activities. If anyone would like to join us, now is an ideal time especially with the discount on offer. Contact any member who will be delighted to furnish you with further details.

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