There's been a lot of sailing going on since last week's article. Many thanks to all who contributed the following reports.

RS600 Nationals

Last week, one of our sailing members travelled to the South Coast to take part in the RS600 National Championships. Club commodore, Daniel Jackson, had an enjoyable week racing under the burgee of the Royal Torbay Yacht Club with some excellent weather but very little wind. Being one of the heaviest sailors in the fleet was quite punishing in such light conditions. Having not raced a great deal in a light airs class event, the commodore found himself well off the pace in race one. Fearing the worst, some drastic changes to the rig took place before the start of race two; this transformed the pace of the boat with a fourth place finish!  A hard lesson learnt - but one that will not be forgotten.   The rest of the week remained light and some consistent results led to an overall finishing position of ninth in the UK. As racing was abandoned on the last day, Dan could not improve on this result, but was generally happy with this eight-race series.

Wednesday points race

Wednesday night's racers were greeted by a shifty light northerly. OOD, Mark Dashfield, set a course well out in the bay. At the windward start line, three boats were over the line before the start and had to restart. Mike Stace started correctly and sailed away from the rest of the fleet to a comfortable win; behind him, four other Ospreys and Max Randles 29er battled for position. Expert spinnaker work by Emily Lewis brought Osprey 1310 to second position, followed very closely by Paul Evenden in third, with Chris Mackay and Rolly Squibbs following along, Rolly hampered by four attempts to start correctly and considerable weight on board for the light conditions!

Sunday racing

A light northerly greeted the six Ospreys and Edward Dashfield in an RS400 for Sunday morning's club race. A port triangle course with a beam reachstart was agreed. Mike and Deanna in Osprey 1327 were over the line and had to restart. Rolly Squibbs and Ted Lewis got away first from the start line, with Rolly reaching the first mark slightly ahead. Mike Stace powered his way through to second by the windward mark, where spinnakers were hoisted once again for the downwind leg. Positions remained unaltered for the next lap, but an error at the jibe mark by Ted and Emily let Paul and Anthea and Chris and Alastair through. Edward and Emily in the RS400 were keeping up well with the faster boats, the light airs obviously being to their liking. Paul and Anthea, motoring along under the power of their new sails, maintained their position to the end. Chris and Alistair lowered their spinnaker into the sea, causing a temporary stoppage and losing a position to Ted and Emily.   Final positions were: 1. Mike Stace and Deanna Morton in an Osprey; 2. Rolly Squibbs and Marc Shepherd in an Osprey; 3. Edward Dashfield and Emily in a RS400; 4. Paul Evenden and Anthea Paterson in an Osprey; 5. Ted and Emily Lewis in an Osprey; 6. Chris and Alistair Mackay in an Osprey; 7. Colin and Alison Parmenter in an Osprey

Cruiser racing

The sailing captain, J. Griffiths, chose a good length race, but seemed to have forgotten the ebb tide. A close race ensued from the harbour to DZ2 and then to the Spaniel Buoy on two close reaches, during which the five competing yachts largely maintained close formation. Thereafter the fight against the tide began, Beagle leading the way under the cliffs at Drinkam and Paul Jones Bay. Tejeda attempted to follow, but remained on station, stemming the tide for an age before eventually rounding North Highcliff point. By this time, however, Astra had sailed right past Tejeda by taking the opposite approach to fighting the ebb tide. Beagle had already rounded Giltar Buoy and was headed for home, to enjoy a 'lemonade' or two while waiting for Tejeda and Astra to complete the race. Both Slipstream and Aries retired late on to ensure enough water was on their moorings to allow boats to be put away for the night. Results: 1. Beagle (helmed by Rowland Squibbs and crewed  by Bob Wilcox, Arthur Squibbs and Helen Williams); 2. Astra (helmed by Roy Lawrence); 3. Tejeda (helmed by John Griffiths and crewed by Roger Shorter and Jeff Powell).

Junior Sailing

Wednesday saw the usual plethora of juniors being put through their paces by Blake Shaw and Mark Dashfield. Both tutors have been impressed by the progress made this season. As a follow-up, Blake Shaw will run a mini series of Sunday sessions when the juniors will have an opportunity to race, thereby emulating the main fleet. Details of these sessions will be given out during the remaining training evening.

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. As from next week, the club will open on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as Sunday lunchtime. This arrangement will continue to the end of September when there will be a further review.

End of Season Party

Would members and friends please note that the annual 'end of season' party will take place on Saturday, October 6. The fancy dress theme is Cowboys and Indians. The food will be the legendary Terry Evans bangers and mash, accompanied by the infamous onion gravy. To finish the evening off there will be music by the popular Gina. It promises to be a great evening. Don't miss it!

Social Programme

The autumn and winter social programme is being prepared, which will include live music, culinary evenings quizzes etc. Watch this space.

Darts

The darts season is upon us. The first match is scheduled for next Friday, September 21, and is away to the Captain's Table. Would participating members please note. There will be an obligatory practice session this evening when team tactics will be discussed.

Nosh

Many thanks to Terry Evans and Peter Bolwell for their sterling efforts last weekend. The faggots and peas evening was a great success - much appreciated by several visiting sailors. There will be food served this evening, prepared by the ever-present Terry Evans. There will be faggots and peas available, as well as other delicious treats.

Important Dates

Saturday, October 6 - end of season party; Saturday, October 20 - Terry Evans quiz and Bangers and Mash evening on behalf of the RNLI; Saturday, November 24 - annual prize-giving and dinner dance at Trefloyne Golf Club; Saturday, December 1 - club AGM. 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 still on offer. Contact any member who will be delighted to furnish you with further details. GP14