Wednesday Racing
It was a glorious evening on Wednesday, with bright, warm sunshine and a force 3 westerly; ideal sailing conditions. Four Ospreys and Mike Stace and Deanna Morton in their Redwing came to the start line to sail a triangular course set by race officer Mark Dashfield.
At a competitive start, the fleet got away more or less together, except that Ted Lewis and stand-in crew Joe Lewis were forced to the very end of the line and just brushed the starting rib, resulting in a penalty turn.
Rolly Squibbs and Marc Shepherd set their spinnaker and claimed the lead. Ted and Joe did likewise, followed by the other Ospreys of Paul Redford and Steve Garvey and Nick Berridge and Richard John and the fleet powered off to the gybe mark.
Turning left there, it was a spinnaker leg down to the leeward mark and then back upwind to the start. Rolly and Marc protected their lead, making no mistakes, followed by Ted and Joe; a real tussle developed between the other two Ospreys, with the slower Redwing out of the action bringing up the rear.
After two enjoyable laps, the race was finished because of failing light. On corrected time, Rolly and Marc were first, followed by Ted and Joe, then Mike and Deanna, with Paul and Steve just pipping Nick and Richard for fourth. Then it was back to the balcony for sausages, steaks and unusual burgers at the world famous Terry Evans barbecue!
Sunday Racing
Sunday provided ideal sailing conditions, with bright sunshine, a force three north-westerly and a high tide meaning no pulling of boats over miles of sand.
Curiously numbers were low; three Ospreys of Rolly Squibbs and Marc Shepherd, Ted Lewis and Joe Lewis and Paul Redford and Steve Garvey, the Redwing of Mike Stace and Deanna Morton, the RS Vareo of Danny Owen, the RS600 of Jonathan Morris.
Race officer Alistair Mackay set a triangular course for the first race with a downwind start. At the competitive start line, the fleet got away more or less together; the wind proved to be patchy and shifty up the beat and by the windward mark Rolly and Marc had established a slight lead, followed by Ted and Joe and the rest of the fleet.
The following leg was a tight reach, too tight for spinnakers, and then a broadish reach back to the start. Ted and Joe were unable to make any inroads into Rolly and Marc's lead and at the end of three laps, on corrected time, it was Rolly and Marc first, Ted and Joe second and Mike and Deanna third.
The second windward leeward race followed immediately. More of the same, with Rolly and Marc taking line honours from Ted and Joe, but with Mike and Deanna, sailing the slower boat in splendid isolation, taking the win on corrected time.
Cruiser Racing
The final race of the season takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at 2 pm. Things are very tight at the top - so much so that tomorrow's race will be a nervous affair. Watch this space.
Junior Sailing
Again, the usual plethora of enthusiastic trainees turned up for the scheduled training session. Many thanks to principal instructor, Blake Shaw, and all who help for making these sessions so successful.
Juniors are advised to turn up regardless of conditions so that they can complete their RYA certification, especially when there are just two sessions left.
Again, Terry Evans's universally acclaimed BBQs took place, with the hordes of salivating trainees and sailors tasting some superb food.
On Wednesday, September 29, there will be a social evening for juniors and parents who have participated this year. More details next week.
End of Summer
Jam Evening
What a great evening of camaraderie and music. It was one of the best jam sessions to date, with several musicians from away and locally showing off their skills. Many thanks to Nick Thomas and Terry Evans for co-ordinating the event. The next electric jam will be on Monday, October 11. Don't miss it - it's the place to be.
Acoustic
Jam Evening
The next acoustic session will be on Monday, September 20. Don't miss it!
Darts
Yes that time of year has arrived. We play the first match of the season this evening when we are away to the Dogs Home. Captain, Terry Evans, is the eternal optimist and expects a good start to the season. Members please note.
Howard
Howard has agreed to take on the culinary role which is great news for members and friends. He will be serving up his delicious grub this evening. Again, I hope one of the options is his famous steak and onion pie.
Advance Notice
The commodore, Terry Evans, invites members and friends to the annual dinner dance and prize-giving which will take place on Friday, November 19. On Saturday, November 20, the annual general meeting will take place at the club. Even at this relatively early stage it would be useful if you could inform Terry if you intend to participate. You can contact him on 844256
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