Sunday sailing

Sunday morning's race took place in s shifty force 3 to 4 westerly breeze in alternately showery and sunny conditions. It was quite cold and only four boats took part; the Ospreys of Mike Stace with guest crew Alastair Knibb, and Paul Redford and Steve Garvey; the RS600 of Jonathan Morris and Jamie Bohata in the club Laser.

Mike and Alastair got away first at the start and hoisted their spinnaker on a tightish first reach. They were followed by Jonathan and Paul and Steve, who left the spinnaker in the boat, with Jamie bringing up the rear in the slower boat.

These positions remained at the jibe at Monkstone and down to the leeward mark at the eastern. On the upwind legs, Paul and Steve made up ground on Mike/Alastair and overtook Jonathan.

On the next lap, Mike/Alastair dealt with some precarious moments under spinnaker and extended their lead, losing ground again upwind.

After three enjoyable laps Mike/Alastair took the win, followed by Jonathan, just ahead of Paul and Steve, but not far enough to beat them on corrected time and with Jamie at the back demonstrating his increasing confidence in the Laser.

Junior Sailing

The junior Christmas party will be held on Wednesday, December 14. There was an error in last week's report - the hamper draw will take place on December 23 at the club Christmas party. If any member can contribute hamper gifts, please contact Jane Stewart-Walvin, commodore Mark Brace or Terry Evans. Many thanks in anticipation.

Darts

Saundersfoot held their nerve and pipped us at the post. Dan Evans and Paul Thomas were our stars, with the rest of us floundering in the darting mire. Captain Terry Evans played as if he was on another planet, while the rest of the unsuccessful members demonstrated the nuances of the Chaos theory.

Saundersfoot thoroughly deserved their victory, which was backed up by superb food, easing the ignominy of losing. Thanks for the superb hospitality Saundersfoot.

This evening we have a home cup game. Stand-in captain, Bob 'Steady' Wilcox, will have to rally the troops.

Social Programme

The latest newsletter has been circulated and includes details of social events for the foreseeable future. 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.

Looking ahead to the New Year, Terry Evans has agreed to put on a Bangers and Mash and Quiz evening in January, a Surf and Turf evening in February and a Cheese and Cawl evening in March. There will also be a Cheese and Wine evening, a Soup evening, some music evenings and some theme evenings.

Dates will be published soon and will be included in the next newsletter.

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 £18 per head for adults and £9.50 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 electric jam is on Tuesday, December 27. It's the place to be - don't miss it.

Howard

Howard will be catering this weekend. His steak pie is the best in the west!

Maritime

Humour

A sailor meets a pirate in a bar, and they take turns recounting their adventures at sea.Noting the pirate's peg-leg, hook and eye patch, the sailor asks "So, how did you end up with the peg-leg?"

The pirate replies: "We was caught in a monster storm off the cape and a giant wave swept me overboard. Just as they were pullin' me out, a school of sharks appeared and one of 'em bit me leg off."

"Blimey!" said the sailor. "What about the hook?"

"Ahhhh...", mused the pirate, "we were boardin' a trader ship, pistols blastin' and swords swingin' this way and that. In the fracas, me hand got chopped off."

"Zounds!" remarked the sailor. "And how came ye by the eye patch?"

"A seagull droppin' fell into me eye," answered the pirate.

"You lost your eye to a seagull dropping?" the sailor asked incredulously.

"Well..." said the pirate, "..it was me first day with the hook."

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.

GP14