Sunday racing

Race officer Bill Dowell set a triangular starboard course with a spinnaker reaching start from the moorings out towards Monkstone Point, followed by another reach out to sea and a beat back.

The Ospreys of Rolly Squibbs and Mark Shepherd, Mike Stace and Deanna Morton, Nick Berridge, and Paul Evenden and Anthea Paterson were eventually joined on the start line by the ex Bejing Olympics 49er of Connor Keohane and Tommy D'ortez.

After a keenly contested start, the 49er was soon ahead. Following a short tussle with Mike and Deanna, Paul and Anthea managed to sneak ahead after the first spinnaker gibe. The 49er suffered a capsize, but swiftly recovered. Some crews found the second leg too tight for the spinnaker, but not Paul and Anthea who, in the light winds, managed to increase their lead over Mike and Deanna by around 90 seconds a lap.

At the end of three laps, the 49er was nearly two minutes ahead of the fastest Osprey, but on handicap corrected time was fourth!

Final results were: 1. Paul and Anthea, 2. Mike and Deanna, 3. Nick and 4. Connor and Tommy. The 49er will come into its own with a little more wind no doubt. 

Jam Evening

The next session will take place on Monday, June 15. Don't miss it, it's the place to be!

Cruiser Racing

Last Saturday, seven cruisers turned out for the fourth race of the season. With a westerly force three, conditions were ideal for the course of DZ2, outfall and  home.

During the race, it became clear that outfall was no long visible or not there so the course was changed to Eel Point and home.

The final results were as follows: 1. Mike Stace in yacht Sibling; 2. Rolly Squibbs in yacht Beagle; 3. Daniel Jackson in yacht Artful Dodger; 4. John Griffiths in yacht Tejeda; 5. Roy Lawrence in yacht Astra; 6. Blake Shaw in yacht Slipstream; 7. Steve Lewis in yacht Aries.

Tuesday's racing took part in a westerly force five to seven, which meant some reefing. The course of North Highcliff, Giltar, North Highcliff, Giltar and home meant an exciting sail for everyone.

The final results were as follows: 1. Blake Shaw in yacht Slipstream; 2. John Griffiths in yacht Tejeda; 3. Rolly Squibbs in yacht Beagle; 4. Steve Lewis in yacht Aries; 5. Roy Lawrence in yacht Astra.

Junior Training

Yet again, over 20 youngsters turned up for the usual junior training session on Wednesday commencing at 5.30 pm using the club Optimists, Teras, Toppers and Fevas, 14 boats in all.

There was very little wind, but a good time was had by all. Thanks to all the helpers who prepared the boats and manned the five safety boats.

This was followed by the universally acclaimed Terry Evans BBQ.

Further sessions are planned every Wednesday, weather permitting.

VHF Usage

As mentioned in last week's article, the RNLI just had a new member join a local RNLI Sea Safety team who has just retired from the Milford Haven Coastguard Operations room. He has a great deal of expertise in VHF radios and also runs courses to gain the necessary operator's certificate.

His name is Keith John and he has offered to do talks to local clubs on VHF which will include a rundown of how DSC works - useful as an introduction to anyone considering upgrading to DSC (especially relevant as quality sets have now dropped well below the £100 mark) or as a refresher for anyone who did their DSC course a while ago.

I'm delighted to announce that Keith will be at the club this (Friday) evening at 7.30. Members and friends are welcome

Annual Subscriptions

Annual subscriptions are very, very, very, very overdue. Would members please note. We have some major capital spends scheduled, hence the plea.

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