Sailing

The second Saturday of club racing was cold but bright. A mid range south-westerly breeze, the complete opposite of the forecast, provided pleasant conditions for the two races run by Ed and Emily Dashfield. Five boats competed; three Ospreys, an RS400 and a club Laser.

In the first race, over a triangular course, the experienced racers, suffering early season forgetfulness, chose to go out to sea on the first upwind leg, directly into the strongest of the incoming tide. Jaime and Griff in their Osprey correctly chose the inshore route and arrived first at the windward mark with a healthy lead of 50 metres or more.

The following broad reach then tight reach were not kind; all Ospreys tried to fly spinnakers on a reach that was too tight, causing mayhem and several place changes; Dan and Connor in the RS400 hit the front, followed by Mike/Deanna, Jaime/Griff, Ted/Lucas, then Richard in the Laser.

On the third beat, a significant wind shift crossed the course, promptly recognised by Ted/Lucas, who took full advantage and took a lead they kept to the end. Second were Dan/Connor in the RS400, then Jaime/Griff, while Mike/Deanna went trawling with their spinnaker!

A second race over a similar course followed immediately. Ted/Lucas were over the line at the start and had to restart; first to the windward mark were Mike/Deanna, then Jaime/Griff and Dan/Connor, who retired soon after. Ted/Lucas plugged away at the rear and slowly caught up, overtaking Jaime/Griff at the leeward mark and then picking their way through the shifts in a declining breeze to take the lead, and the boats finished in that order, with Richard in the Laser bringing up the rear.

TASTER SESSIONS

For all those who would like to have a go at sailing but don’t know where to start,the club will be running taster sessions in its annual come and try event on Sunday, May 15, run in conjunction with the RYA ‘Push the Boat Out’ event. There will be the opportunity for anyone wanting to have a go, to be taken out in dinghies, ribs or cruisers. This will be free for non-members as well as members. Plenty of time to think about it and for the weather to warm up.

Further information from Blake on 07717842713.

There will also be the opportunity for any adults wanting to learn to sail to have a go on Wednesday evenings by arrangement. Come down to the club on a Wednesday evening if interested.

Junior training

Over 30 youngsters and parents enjoyed the first training session. Too windy for sailing, so the beginners did some practice in an Optimist in the dinghy park and the rest went out to do some Rib training. Terry and Sharon served up bbq food to finish off. A very good start.

2016 Membership

A reminder to all members. Subs for 2016 were due on January 1. If you haven’t renewed yet, please go to the club website, print and complete the membership form and forward with payment to the membership secretary. Or, for those with online banking, please pay direct to the club account. Some of the membership benefits - discount on food and drink at the club; use of club premises outside ‘public’ hours; use of club boats, toilets and changing rooms. Please renew promptly.

Forthcoming events

June 25th and 26: Club regatta and Round Caldey race.

Club opening hours

The club is open Friday and Saturday evenings from 7.30 and on Wednesday evenings for junior training. Club racing on Tueasday evening will begin in May. Also, food will be available at the club from May Day bank holiday weekend during the day and in the evening when Yanni from Caffe Vista will begin his 2016 season.

Website

The club’s website can be found at www.tenbysailingclub.org.uk; the club and details of events going on can be found on Facebook and Twitter. New members welcome; sailors, aspirant sailors and non sailors. We are a members club run by volunteers who try to involve all members in a variety of activities, both sailing and social. To enquire about joining, call at the clubhouse, contact any member who will be pleased to help, or contact us on line.