Saddened

This week has been a particularly sad one for Tenby Sailing Club as we mourn the loss of one of our most popular sailors, Jane Brace Squibbs.

The whole club celebrated when Jane and Rolly finally tied the knot only two years ago and it is with great sadness that we prepare to say goodbye to Jane. The club will not be the same without her friendly smile, her good humour and her kindness to all.

She and Rolly made a great team on and off the sea and our thoughts go out to him, to Jane's dad and to both families.

The photo of Jane and her beloved Rolly sailing their Redwing is a more fitting epitaph than any words of mine. Goodbye Jane - you will be much missed.

Sunday sailing

Sunday's sunny weather tempted nine boats onto the water for the latest race in the 'frostbite' series.

Five Ospreys, an RS600, an RS Vareo, a Topper and the club Wayfarer enjoyed a pleasant force three easterly with the usual chop for the race run by Richard John.

At a competitive windward start, the Ospreys were to the fore, with Paul Redford and Steve Garvey crossing the fleet on port to take an early lead. By the first windward mark at Monkstone, Ted and Joe Lewis had taken over, hotly pursued by Mike Stace and Deanna Morton and the rest of the fleet.

A small course had been set once again emphasising boat handling and the faster boats did six or more laps. In the RS600, Jon Morris found the brisk wind and bouncy sea a challenge, suffering a few capsizes, while Danny Owen in the Vareo and Alex Brace in the Topper both enjoyed the conditions and kept the mast upright. Paul and Anthea Evenden in their Osprey had spinnaker issues, resulting in a late season swim and a good battle developed between the Ospreys of Paul and Steve and Alastairs Mackay and Knibb. Eventually, on the third lap Mike and Deanna, under spinnaker, passed Ted and Joe, who were not, and they sailed off to take the win, followed by Ted and Joe with Paul and Steve in third.

Junior Sailing

The junior prize-giving took place last Wednesday. A superb turnout was welcomed by commodore, Terry Evans, who thanked everyone who had contributed to the success of this year's junior training programme. The prize-winners were as follows

Racing: 1st overall - Harriet Sleight (Junior Cup); 2. Deryn May (advanced Book); 3. Matthew May (Advanced Book); 4. Holly McDonald (sailing book); 5. Richard Dwyer (sailing book).

1st Topper - Harriet Sleight (Thomas Cup).

1st Optimist - Deryn May (Bulmer Cup).

1st Feva - Carwyn Owen (Steve Finch Cup).

Advanced sailing: best helpers - Carwyn and Huw Owen; best attendance - Alice Mulholland, Charlie Sangster, Harriet Sleight, Tarn Richards, Ben Sheldon, Bethan Rogers, Deryn May, Dylan Bolton, George Amos, Hollie MacDonald. They received gift vouchers

The remainder of the junior fleet all received chocolates.

The junior Christmas party will be held on Wednesday, December 14.

Darts

Dire, woeful, abysmal, lamentable, pathetic, inept, random, paranormal, maladroit, bungling. Just a few words which sum up the most incompetent exhibition of dart throwing ever witnessed since records began. You guessed it - we lost big time. Whitewashed! Yes, in some of the games we had opportunities to nail that elusive final double, but it would have been easier to find the proverbial needle in the haystack. The evening was summed up when captain, Terry Evans, uttered "it's not going well" after the first three darts were thrown. We have no game this evening, so it will be a time to reflect before we face that mean darting outfit from Tenby Bowling Club.

Social Programme

As mentioned previously, a social programme for the next few months is complete and is published in the latest newsletter which has been circulated - copies are also available at the club. Please support the club's efforts on the social front. Just a few dates to note - the club Christmas party will be held on Friday, December 23; New Year's Eve - see below.

Tenby

Blues Festival

Tomorrow (Saturday) evening, Cottonmouth, a well known local blues band, will be performing at the club. They kick-off at 9 pm. It should be an evening to remember.

New Year's Eve

Great news! In keeping with recent tradition the club has acquired the services of a caterer who will be putting on food on New Year's Eve. This year it will be a gala buffet to include three courses.

Tickets will be £15 per head for adults and £8 per head for children.

Numbers will be limited, so please make your reservations as soon as possible by contacting vice-commodore, Mark Brace, on 07831579772, or email him on mark.brace1@btopen world.com. It promises to be a great evening.

Jam Evening

The next acoustic jam will be on Monday, November 28, whilst the next electric jam is on Wednesday, November 30. It's the place to be - don't miss it.

Howard

As we are taking part in the Blues Festival, Howard will be catering this evening only. Come on down and enjoy fine food in warm and convivial surroundings. His steak pie is amazing!

Dinner Dance

and AGM

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 club annual general meeting, at the club, on Saturday, November 19.

The menu for is now available and is in the newsletter and on the club's website. This is the last call for members to make a reservation. If you have not already done so, please contact the commodore, Terry Evans, as soon as possible, to give him your choice of menu. He will be confirming final numbers with the Giltar on Monday!

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.

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