Sail training

After a couple of weeks where the weather was such that no sailing could take place, it was great to see such a good turnout for Wednesday's sail training. All were treated to the usual legendary BBQ prepared by Karen Morris, Julia Dashfield and Jane Stuart-Walvin.

Junior sailing will continue on the four Sunday mornings in October, commencing October 5, in the form of a series of short races. Turn-up time around 9.30 am, with races starting at 11 am.

Sunday sailing

Sunday dawned bright and sunny, with the force three easterly wind throwing up quite lumpy conditions in the North Bay. Race officers Alastair Mackay and Alistair Knibb set a triangular course with an upwind start out to the eastern mark.

The tight and congested start saw the Ospreys of Rolly Squibbs and Marc Shepherd and Mike Stace and Deanna Morton cross the line first, with the RS600 of Dan Jackson, barging his way in at the rescue boat end.

The rest of the fleet was in close attendance, and all set off for the windward mark, views being exchanged between the competitors at the front of the fleet! Dan, duly did his penalty turns, and still arrived at the windward mark first, planing away in the boisterous conditions to take a comfortable win on handicap.

Behind him in the Osprey fleet, Rolly established himself at the front, only for spinnaker issues to permit Mike and Deanna and Ted Lewis and Matt Goldwait to sail past. On the following beat, Rolly recovered one place, but lost it again by choosing not to fly his spinnaker on the tight reach, enabling Ted and Matt to sail past.

The three Ospreys and were in close contention throughout the race, with Paul and Anthea initially finding conditions a little demanding, but making good ground as the wind eased during the race.

Throughout all this, Nick Berridge, in his Phantom, sailed a solid race, planing down the waves and keeping up well with the faster boats to achieve a second on handicap; probably sufficient to secure him the club championship for the summer series, with only one race remaining.

Tommy D'Ortez and Connor Keohane sailing their 29er had their moments, particularly downwind under spinnaker, but found it difficult to compete with the other boats upwind.

Final results were: 1. Dan Jackson in his RS600; 2. Nick Berridge in his Phantom; 3. Mike and Deanna in their Osprey; 4. Ted and Matt in their Osprey; 5. Rolly and Marc in their Osprey; 6. Paul and Anthea in their Osprey; 7. Tommy and Connor in the 29er.

Cruiser Racing

The final results and positions can be viewed on the club's website.

Darts

It's that time of the year again. The darts season begins this evening when we are at home to the Castle Inn. Would participating members please note. The vice-captain, in the absence of captain Terry Evans, will be eager to get the season of to a winning start.

Club Openings

During the remainder of this month, the club will continue to be open on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtime. The times may include Monday and Tuesday evenings if the demand warrants opening. On a procedural note, would members please have their membership cards to hand, as temporary bar staff may not know the identity of all our members.

Wedding

Vice-commodore Terry Evans would like to thank everybody for their good wishes regarding his daughter's wedding last Saturday. It was a truly memorable day, enhanced by the superb weather.

Thanks to Phil Wathen for some excellent photographs which can be seen on the club's website.

Website

Information on race results etc. can be found on the club's website.

Important

Dates

Wednesday, October 15 - 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 still on offer.

Contact any member who will be delighted to furnish you with further details.

GP14