Wednesday, July 18: A very gusty westerly quickly saw off the lesser experienced helms leaving just three boats to do battle on the water. Nick Berridge in his Phantom was the only racer to escape a swim. Showing good speed around the course he just pipped the Osprey of Rolly Squibbs and Tommy D'Ortez who fell over at the gybe mark in the tricky conditions. Out in front and taking the win the RS600 of Dan Jackson relished the harsh weather and as a spectator put it: "I didn't realise a boat could fly". Inter-club, Saturday, July 28: After a team briefing by the sailing captain, the fleet headed off to do battle against Saundersfoot S.C. The sail to Monkstone Point was simply perfect with a sunny force 4 driving the boats along nicely. Everyone was looking forward to a sail in the lovely conditions. Unfortunately, as the fleet past the point heading for the start line off the pier, it became apparent that the good weather was most definitely on the Tenby side! With an unsteady wind consistently fluctuating in direction and strength, our sailors almost turned back, but in the spirit of the event carried on with a job to do. At the start, the fickle breeze came and went annoying all who knew what conditions were like just around the corner. Eventually, the fleet spread out and at the finish it was Nick Berridge in the Phantom who took the win closely followed by the Tenby RS600 and Osprey fleet. Race two was again poor with even less wind and heavy rain spreading in.  Again Nick took the win to make it 2-0 to Tenby, with the third and final leg scheduled for the end of August at the SSC Regatta. As the fleet headed for home, the rain eased off and the wind returned to bless the sailors with clear solid breezes all the way home.  Sunday, July 29: A sunny North Easterly greeted the sixteen competitors for Sunday's race. Officers of the day, Joe and Chris, set a starboard triangular course with a good beat to windward to settle the fleet down. At the gun, the Osprey of Dan and Chris crossed the line at full speed, narrowly avoiding the starboard tackers lying in wait on the line. A slight wind shift reeled the early leaders back in allowing Mike and Deanna in their Osprey to take the lead - still fresh from their exhaustive week in Torbay at the Osprey Nationals. As the fleet rounded the windward mark and the spinnakers came out to play, the fleet chased the leading pair hard, closing the gap to make a long line of Ospreys all itching to take the lead! Upwind again on lap two, Dan and Chris managed to work the shifts well and pulled out a sizable lead from the pack with the battle for second hotting up all the time. As the fleet hoisted the kites for the second time, it was top Osprey duo Ted and Matt in second with Paul and Anthea applying the pressure on their transom as the boats weaved their way downwind. This battle raged on for the next two laps with Paul and Anthea eventually seeing off the challenge from the competition. Out in front the lead Osprey extended the gap and was positively smoking downwind with the kite up to the finish. Results: 1. Dan Jackson and Chris Mackay in an Osprey; 2. Paul Evenden and Anthea Paterson in an Osprey; 3. Ted Lewis and Matt Goldwait in an Osprey; 4. Mike Stace and Deanna Morton in an Osprey; 5. Colin Parmenter and Rolly Squibbs in an Osprey; 6. Alistair Mackay and Graham Doney in an Osprey; 7. Andy Davidson in a Laser.  Many thanks to Daniel Jackson for the above contribution.

Honda Rib Challenge

Last Saturday, local junior sailor Connor Keohane represented Tenby Sailing Club at the Welsh regional finals of the Honda Rib Challenge. Completing the new and challenging course in 1min 34 sec, Connor secured second place missing out on first place by only one second. The club would like to congratulate Connor and look forward to a first next year.

Blues Jam Evening

These evenings get better and better. Many thanks to Terry, Bruce and Will for coordinating the jam session of July 18. The evening was definitely one to remember with several new jammers taking part. The next session will be on Wednesday, August 18. Don't miss it!

Eighteenth

One of our members, Tommy D'Ortez, has reached the milestone age of 18. The club wishes him a happy birthday and a bright and prosperous future. 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 our 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.

Important Dates

Every Wednesday - junior sailing commencing at 5.30 pm followed by the mouth-watering Terry Evans BBQ. Wednesday, August 15 - Blues jam session. Not to be missed! 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. GP14