Tuesday Racing

Tuesday evening was warm and sunny with a declining northerly breeze providing ideal weather conditions for the evening club race. Four Ospreys Danny Owen in his Vareo, Max Randles in his RS600, Ian Kenny in the club Laser and Mark and Emily Dashfield in an RS400 came to the line for the race run by Dan and Ruby Jackson. The start at the southern mark was as competitive as ever and the fleet set off on the long beat to Monkstone. Unfortunately, the Osprey of Mike Stace and Deanna Morton headed for the harbour mark losing considerable distance in the process. Ted Lewis and Matt Goldwait rounded the windward mark first hoisted the spinnaker and sailed away to take the win. Behind them, Mike and Deanna made up good ground passing the other two Ospreys of Paul and Anthea Evenden and Nick Berridge and Richard John to take second with Nick and Richard taking third in the Osprey fleet. Corrected time results are presently not available, but the Laser and the Vareo enjoyed a good battle; the RS400 found there was rather more wind than they expected and Max in the RS600 sailed well but could not get ahead of the Ospreys.

Saturday Sailing

 

Last Saturday, a highly successful session was thoroughly enjoyed by trainers and trainees alike. The trainees were put through their paces by Mark Dashfield and Mike Stace who advised the trainees as they took part in some close racing. There will be no Saturday sailing tomorrow due to the championships.

Cruiser Racing

 

With the wind forecast to ease as the evening wore on, a short course was planned from the harbour to North Highcliff, Monkstone, Harbour, Monkstone and home. It was a fetch to North Highcliff, and the 2 faster boats of Rolly Squibbs in Beagle, and Dan Jackson in Artful Dodger eased ahead. Meanwhile, Roy Lawrence in Astra, after a poor start, ghosted past Blake Shaw in Slipstream, and Steve Lewis in Aries, and just managed to catch Billy Stubbs in Apatshe, at the North Highcliff mark. Rolly and Dan hoisted their spinnakers, and set off towards Monkstone, leaving the rest of the fleet to fight it out at the rear. The Monkstone mark had decided to add interest to the proceedings, by shuffling itself further north east from its usual position, but once identified, the race continued! Rolly was around first, and began the beat back to the harbour, closely followed by Dan. Billy in Apatshe was next, followed by Steve in Aries, Blake in Slipstream, and Roy in Astra. With Rolly and Dan being more that 15 minute ahead at the harbour mark, and after one-and-a-quarter hours of racing, Billy, Steve and Roy arrived at the mark together, with Blake a minute behind. The final run back to Monkstone, and beat home resulted in Dan beating Rolly over the line by one second! Final result was: 1. Dan Jackson in Artful Dodger; 2. Rolly Squibbs in Beagle; 3. Blake Shaw in Slipstream; 4. Steve Lewis in Aries; 5. Billy Stubbs in Apatshe; 6. Roy Lawrence in Astra.

Junior Sailing

There were again around 20 boats on the water last Wednesday for the junior sailing accompanied by four safety boats. Many thanks to all the helpers and parents who help to get the boats ready and put them away afterwards. Last time, the tractor could not be used to recover the ribs and it was all hands on deck to pull them up the slipway. Recently, the racing group have completed a longer race during their session and it is intended to continue this until the end of the season and award prizes with the best 50 per cent of results to count.

Race 1 results: Harriet Sleight, Holly Macdonald , Deryn May, Bethan Rogers, Carwyn Owen, Ryan Draper

Race 2: Harriet Sleight, Richard Dwyer ( only 8 seconds behind), Matthew May and Carwyn Owen in a Feva, Huw Owen, Tarn Whitehead.

We look forward to more juniors joining in these races. Juniors are reminded there will be no junior sailing next week because of the Scorpion Dinghy Championships. Come along and watch the activity. Racing every day sun to Friday starting 11 am. As mentioned last week, the popularity and success of these Wednesday sessions means that the club's resources, including manpower, are stretched. If any parent and/or member can lend a hand please contact Blake Shaw on 842535 or commodore Terry Evans on 844256. The evening was complete with the universally acclaimed Terry Evans barbecue.

Scorpion National Championships

The Scorpion will be with us from tomorrow (Saturday) until August 12. It's going to be a busy week for the club demanding a great deal on manpower and equipment. If any member and/or friend can help in any way during that week please contact race officers Mark Dashfield on 844918 or Blake Shaw on 842535 or commodore Terry Evans on 844256 as soon as possible. As above, many thanks in anticipation.

Jam Evening

The next acoustic jam will be held on Monday, August 15. There's a change of date for the electric jam. It will now take place on Wednesday, August 24. It's the place to be - don't miss it.

Howard

Due to the Scorpion Nationals, Howard will be only be catering this evening. Come on down and enjoy superb food in warm and convivial surroundings. Howard derives our support.

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