Tuesday Sailing
Tuesday evening's race took place in lightish winds. Race officer Ed Dashfield set a triangular course from the harbour mark to the southern, turning left there to the eastern and back in to the harbour from there.
At the downwind start, Ted Lewis and Matt Goldwait were first away, spinnaker up heading for the southern. Hot on their heels were Mike Stace and Deanna Morton, followed by Nick Berridge and Richard John, all three crews in Ospreys. Also competing was Jonathan Morris in his RS600.
Both downwind legs were sufficiently broad for spinnakers and the Ospreys powered away, gybing at the southern and on to the eastern. The upwind leg back to the harbour was interesting in the shifty north-westerly, but positions remained unchanged.
Ted and Matt took the win from Mike (my sail's only half up!) and Deanna, followed by Nick and Richard, with Jonathan bringing up the rear.
Osprey Training
Over the weekend, race coach Adam Bowers came to Tenby to coach several of our racing fleet. Adam has coached all over the world, from youngsters sailing cadets to custom-made keel boats, and currently sails a multitude of craft, including Fireballs, Ospreys and J24's.
Adam owns and sails his own Osprey and came to share his expertise in the class with the Tenby fleet.
After the obligatory bacon butties and coffee, he gave a brief overview of the weekend, before all the fleet set out to sea. Testing conditions ,with wind speeds greater than 20 knots from the south, meant it was touch and go for a club race. However, it was deemed that sailing would take place.
Multiple starts and races were held in two-and-half hours on the water. Two boats finished the session, with the others retiring with gear failure or just too much wind.
During the session, adjustments were made to rigs and sails with the same instruction 'more kicker', going to every boat. 'Lady in Red', the new craft of Messrs Knibb and Mackay, took the phrase 'less is more' to extreme and removed one of their shrouds and part of the decking to give the boat a more aerodynamic feel.
The afternoon session on the water was cancelled due to a blustery force eight coming in. In fact, this was the last time the fleet put to sea due to the conditions.
However all was not lost, with a series of debriefs and lectures on rig tuning sail dynamics, rules and teamwork, together with practical demonstrations on boat set-up and sail shapes.
If we had any delusions of grandeur before the weekend, they were certainly corrected with more power and speed to be coaxed from these boats.
After a long two days, all agreed it was an excellent weekend, with everybody absorbing as much information as they could. Watching a video of top class sailors spinnaker reaching in 30-plus knots of breeze left most of us thinking we need to do a bit more practice before entering the 2012 Olympics.
Despite the excessive wind, a most enjoyable and instructive weekend was had; the question is will any of it be transferred to the race course?
Thanks to Deanna and Anthea for the food and drinks and Danny and Richard for covering in the rescue boats.
Cruiser Racing
Last Thursday's cruiser race attracted six cruisers. The courser of Giltar, North Highcliffe, eastern and home was set by Roy Lawrence, which incorporated a beat, reach and run. After a frenzied start, Artful Dodger soon raced into a formidable lead, which was maintained to the finishing line.
There was some confusion as to which was the Eastern mark, but all was resolved, to leave the following podium results after handicaps were taken into account:
Artful Dodger helmed by Daniel Jackson; Slipstream helmed by Blake Shaw; Astra helmed by Roy Lawrence.
Saturday Training
The Saturday session run by Mark Dashfield will begin, weather permitting, tomorrow, May 28. Members intending to participate should contact their sailing mentor.
Junior Sailing
Last Wednesday's junior training session was again very well attended, with all our training dinghies being used. Conditions again were ideal for all the juniors, ranging from race training to beginner. All were treated to the universally acclaimed BBQ once the boats were put away.
Jam Evening
The next acoustic jam will be held on Monday, June 13, followed by an electric jam on Monday, June 20. It's the place to be!
Howard
Howard is catering tomorrow only for this weekend. Howard deserves our support, so come on down and enjoy great food in warm and convivial surrounding. Last week's fish pie was 'top drawer'!
Subscriptions
Annual subscriptions are way, way overdue - hint, hint!
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. Contact any member who will be delighted to furnish you with further details.
GP14