Sunday, September 25, saw the last in this summer's series of club races. Race officers Danny Owen and Alistair Knibb set a triangular course with a windward start out at Monkstone for the mixed fleet of three Ospreys, an RS600, a GP, a laser 2000 and a Topper.

At the start, the Ospreys and the RS600 were away promptly, as was Alex Brace in his Topper. Despite the incoming tide, it paid to go out to sea on the first beat and at the windward mark it was Dan Jackson in his RS600 from Paul Redford, with Richard John in their Osprey, Mike Stace and Deanna Morton in their Osprey, then Ted Lewis and Matt Goldwait in their Osprey.

The reach was on the beam so spinnakers were hoisted. Ted and Matt were first at this and they sailed past Mike and Deanna then passed Paul and Richard by the time the gybe mark was reached, but Dan in the RS600 powered on to take the win from Ted and Matt, then Mike and Deanna.

A second race followed immediately over a triangle sausage course. Again Dan in the RS600 dominated, winning comfortably; again Ted and Matt, with good upwind speed and downwind spinnaker work, took second, with Mike and Deanna in third.

The results of the day confirmed Ted and Matt as club champions for 2011 after a series of 48 races. Congratulations to them.

Corus Regatta 

Five Tenby boats ventured up the motorway to TATA Steel Sailing Club in Margam for their Autumn Regatta held on October 1 and 2.

Ospreys  teams of 'Best Chance' (Lewis and Goldwait), 'Hakuna Matata (Redford and Garvey), Uzi Jane  (Squibbs and Shepherd), Shameless (Stace and Morton) were joined by Team Vario (Danny Owen).

Six races were scheduled over two days, on one of the hottest Octobe weekends for years.

Saturday's first race was held in a steady breeze and the Ospreys were among the leaders at the first mark. Crossing the lake several times in the downwind section for four laps, before in for lunch in the newly-extended clubhouse.

Two further races were held in the afternoon, before the Tenby teams returned home for the night.

Sunday morning broke with sunny skies and less wind. First race was an all-in race, with over 50 boats jostling for position at the start line. A complicated course across most of the lake turned into a drift. Front places were changing on every leg and eventually the wind filled in and brought the pack together for the finish.

Two further races were scheduled in the afternoon, before an enjoyable weekend came to a close.

The overall regatta was won by an ex-Tenby sailor, Steve Rich

A superb weekend of sailing was had by all. Just a pity we could not encourage the Margam veteran of Team Lady in Red to return. Maybe next year.

Meanwhile, back in Tenby, a few boats took to the water for what turned out to be a drift, finally being abandoned by race officer Paul Evenden.

It is rumoured that the Super Saturday winners, Paul and Ann Thomas,  were trying out the new spinnaker system. The other GP14 of commodore Terry Evans will need to improve if he is to beat them next year.

Last Sunday, racing was called off due to lack of participants - probably a rugby 'hangover'.

This Sunday, the clubroom will be open to watch the Rugby World Cup and racing will be postponed by half-an-hour.

Junior Sailing

There will be a get-together for juniors and parents on Wednesday, November 2, to discuss and plan for the future.

Sailing Meeting

There will be a meeting tomorrow (Saturday) for all members. This meeting will be on all aspects of sailing at the club. Your views are important, so please make every effort to attend.

Darts

We won! Yes the incredible has happened - we won our third match of the season, equalling, I believe, our total number of wins last season. As with the jubilant Welsh rugby team, we must not get over-confident when we face the Cross Inn at the club this evening.

Social Programme

As mentioned previously, a social programme for the next few months is almost complete and will be published as soon as commodore Terry Evans returns from a well-earned holiday. Please support the club's efforts on the social front.

Jam Evening

The next acoustic jam will be held on Monday, October 24. Also great news, there will be an electric jam on Wednesday, October 26. It's the place to be - don't miss it.

Howard

Howard will be catering this evening only. Come on down and enjoy fine food in warm and convivial surroundings.

Advance notice

Would members please note that the annual dinner-dance and prize-giving will take place on Friday, November 18, at the Giltar Hotel. This will be followed by the annual general meeting, at the club, on Saturday, November 19. Menus etc will be available soon. Please contact the commodore, Terry Evans, to make a reservation.

Maritime Humour

A nervous first timer turned to his skipper: "Do yachts like this sink very often?'

The skipper replies dryly: "No, usually it's only once!"

Opening Hours

We have returned to winter openings of Friday, Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtime. Why not call in for 'lemonade' - there are not many 'watering holes' with a vista like ours.

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