The tragic loss of a five-year-old youngster highlights the risks that exist for children when they try out water-based activities. Saundersfoot Sailing Club run a very carefully controlled sail training programme for youngsters, and insist that all trainees are aware of the requirements to wear personal buoyancy aids when on the water.

The sad tale that unfolded at Saundersfoot, once again highlights the dangers that exist from the use of inflatable dinghies.

Our thoughts are with the parents of young Ryan Ingram at this sad time.

REGATTA ATTRACTS ENTRIES FROM CHAMPIONS

The entries for Saundersfoot Sailing Club regatta contained a number of formidable competitors. The entry list contained a number of class champions and in David Edwards from British Steel, Port Talbot, a former world champion in the Fireball class. World champion Robin Wood formerly in the Canoe and Moth classes also travelled to the event.

Saturday's series of three races began with a steady and somewhat variable WNW force three. Race officer Rolfe John with his team set a triangular course.

Race one started with 48 craft and we saw a number of competitors recalled for individual recalls for being over the line at the start. The majority of the fleet completed two laps in or around 46 to 54 minutes.

After corrected time had been calculated, first place went to local sailor Steve Stubbs from Tenby SC, second place to Robin Wood, British Steel, and third place to Gordon Evans, British Steel.

Race two began with a general recall; the wind was beginning to create a problem for the race officer. However, the re-start saw the fleet safely away and the majority of the competitors completed three laps in the allotted time. Winner was Patrick Cunningham, second Colin Newman and third Gavin Simms.

Before race three could take place, it was decided to re-set the course because of the now significant change in the wind direction. A clean start saw the fleet enjoying a fast competitive race, with the majority completing three laps in the time available.

Winner this time was David Roe, with Gavin Simms improving on his previous third place in second and in third place Colin Newman.

The overall result for the series was decided on discard, an indication of the very high standard of competition.

1. Patrick Cunningham (Cherub) 5 pts; 2. David Roe (Cherub), Lee-On-Solent, 5pts; 2. Gavin Simms (Cherub), Neyland SC, 5pts; 4. Colin Newman (Int Moth), Saundersfoot SC, 5pts.

ROUND THE ISLAND

Sunday and the start of the eagerly awaited Round the Island Race saw 56 craft take to the water for the race round Caldey Island.

This event attracts sailors from all over the UK and this year we had visitors from Burton-on-Trent, Chelmarsh, Redditch, Birmingham and Cardiff, to name a few.

Race officer Nick Johns set the fleet away shortly after 10.30 am in a northerly force two. A breathtaking site was seen from the shore at Saundersfoot and at Tenby as the fleet made their way up to and through Caldey Sound. A small armada of craft escorted the fleet round the back of the Island and then safely back to the bay at Saundersfoot.

Winner was David Edwards sailing his 49er from British Steel; in second place was Daniel Jackson in a RS 700 from Tenby SC, and in third place Gavin Simms with his Cherub, and a very creditable fourth place to Rolly Squibbs, of Tenby SC, in his Redwing.

Saundersfoot's best placed boat was the Fireball of John and Paul Griffiths in sixth place.

A very busy weekend was rounded off in the clubhouse in the evenings with tales and yarns of the days' events.

A big thank you to all the members who helped to make the event such a success, those who helped on the water, and to those who stayed ashore and manned the galley and the bar, thank you one and all. Special thanks to Tenby Sailing Club, and Pembrokeshire Water Sports for their assistance over the weekend.

For details of activities this weekend, please look on the notice board, or for details of sail training contact Tina on (01834) 812383.

LUDWIG JUNIOR