Club Sailing

Ted Lewis and Matt Goldwait have pulled off a famous hat-trick of wins which they are still celebrating. Their road to this historic achievement is described below.

Wednesday, August 5: Five boats came to the line for Wednesday night's club race in pleasant conditions with a declining westerly breeze. The three Ospreys of Mike Stace and Deanna Morton, Rolly Squibbs and Marc Shepherd and Ted Lewis and Matt Goldwait were joined by the new foiling RS600 of Dan Jackson and the 49er of Tommy D'Ortez and Connor Keohane. Race officer Bill Dowell set a large triangular course well out in the bay using the club fixed marks and one jibe mark further out again.

The fleet got away cleanly, all except Ted and Matt electing for a starboard approach. The option did not pay and Ted and Matt arrived at the line too soon and had to duck the approaching fleet to start correctly, but last! On the upwind leg, it paid to head towards Caldey before tacking to go in towards Castle Hill, where the windward mark was stationed.

First round was the 49er, followed by the Ospreys of Rolly, Mike and Ted. Spinnakers were hoisted as the boats sped towards the Monkstone mark, then back out to sea on a tight reach, too tight for some spinnakers.

On the second beat, Mike tacked in early and lost his position to Ted. On the third lap, Rolly and Marc did not fly their spinnaker, initially, on the tight reach, enabling Ted and Matt to overtake.

After three laps and an additional beat, the 49er was first across the line, followed by the Ospreys of Ted and Matt, Rolly and Marc and then Mike and Deanna. The 49er was not far enough ahead to maintain its position on corrected time and in fact lost to all three Ospreys.

Dan Jackson in the RS600 had periods of foiling that were extremely fast, but other periods of non-foiling that were not! Dan retired from the race to fight another day.

Sunday, August 9: In the absence of several frequent racers, it was a mixed fleet that took to the water on a calm Sunday morning for the usual club race. The three Ospreys of Ted Lewis and Matt Goldwait, Alastair Knibb and Alastair Mackay and Colin Parmenter and Steve Earls were joined by the 49er of Tommy D'Ortez and Connor Keohane, the Phantom of Paul Redford, the new miracle of Dan and Ruby Jackson, RS Feva with Alex Brace and Emily Kirby and a topper helmed by Danny Owens. Race officer Rolly Squibbs set a small course in recognition of the very light starting wind which filled it in during the course of the race.

At a competitive start, it was Ted and Mat away first, followed by the Alistairs and the rest of the fleet. The strong tide made for some interesting tactical decisions, but they were made easier by the rising wind. It was good to see new boats taking part in the racing and different helms getting useful experience.

In the Osprey fleet, Ted and Matt consolidated their lead, having started just in front of the Alistairs and after four laps took the win followed, on corrected time, by Paul Redford in the Phantom, the Alastairs in their Osprey, Colin in his Osprey, Dan with his four-year-old crew Ruby expertly flying a spinnaker, then Alex and Emily and Danny and his Topper bringing up the rear (but one suspects not for long).

Again, well done Ted and Matt. What about a fourth win this Sunday?

Junior

Training

The weather proved to be ideal for sail training. The usual plethora of trainees turned up to enjoy the favourable conditions. After the training session, the trainees and racers were treated to the legendary Terry Evans BBQ. Sessions are planned for every Wednesday at 5.15 pm, weather permitting.

Saturday

Adult Training

Saturday again showed us the best of the recent weather, sunny with a lovely breeze, and the adults were eager to go out for another training session run by Mark Dashfield. This session enhanced the skills of the adult group, with a small race circuit set to reinforce the skills of racing.

Thanks go to Mark for the hard work that he has put in to these sessions, which will continue as and when other club events do not clash - please contact Mark regarding this Saturday (tomorrow) due to the scheduled inter-club event versus Saundersfoot Sailing Club. 

Summer Ball

 

The Tenby Sailing Club 2009 Summer Ball will be held on Saturday, August 22, at Trefloyne.

Numbers will be limited so, to pre-book your tickets, ring Julia Dashfield on 01834 844918. 

I understand that there are still places left. Please make your reservation by next Monday, August 17.

It is anticipated it will be a repeat of the highly successful and much talked about 2008 Ball. Again the music will be by the ever-popular Cherie. Don't miss out, book today!

Inter-Club

Sailing

Tomorrow (Saturday) sees the annual inter-club sailing event which is organised by Saundersfoot this year. Let us hope for great sailing conditions.

 

Jam Evening

The next jam session is provisionally scheduled for this coming Monday, August 17. Don't miss it - it's the place to be!

The Food Club

Nick Bolwell will be serving his culinary delights this evening and tomorrow evening. Come on down and enjoy great food in one of the best watering holes in Europe.

Congratulations

Mary Simmonds is 90. Best wishes from all at Tenby Sailing Club. Mary is a seasoned 'mariner' who has supported the club for many years. Have a great party Mary!

Advance Notice

At the end of August, the club will host the RS800 class for their National Championships. Any championship cannot occur without sufficient personnel. If any member or friend can lend a hand, please contact the commodore, Mark Dashfield, on 844918. Thanks in anticipation.

Website

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

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.

GP14