Club Racing

Six boats braved somewhat unpleasant conditions last Sunday for two races. OODs Julia, Paul and Terry set an Amroth, Monkstone, Harbour course in blustery conditions.

After three laps, the final positions were: Dave Plester (Solo) in first place, with Keith Jones (Streaker) just seven seconds behind in second and then Peter Bower (Phantom) third, with Alan Lambert and Paul Johnson (Tasar) fourth. This race was for the Royal Marines Cup.

For race two, the course was changed to Monkstone, Pendine, Harbour in a freshening breeze.

This was a very close run thing, with very little between any of the competitors. Final positions resulted in Keith taking the win, followed by Dave just five seconds ahead of Alan and Paul, who slipped in only two seconds ahead of Peter in fourth.

Thanks to Martin Andrews on rescue for sterling work and helpful advice on a cold wet day - he advises that he has never been so cold in mid-June ever before!

Next Racing

This Sunday we hold our own Round Caldey Race for Cruisers starting at 10 am, with two club dinghy races round the cans starting at 5 pm.

David James would be pleased to hear from cruiser captains interested in participating - please contact 01834 813357 or [email protected]">[email protected].

Tenby Regatta Saturday

Tenby SC held their Regatta last week involving three races on the Saturday and a Round Caldey race on the Sunday.

A modest but select group of our members competed, with Andrew Williams (Laser) and Peter Bower with Mick Lightwood (Tempest) sailing the Saturday races against stiff opposition, particularly from the Tenby RS200s and their strong Osprey fleet.

As well as competing as individuals, everyone was allocated to one of four teams and Andrew's 'Lions' took first place, with Peter and Mick as 'Barbarians' coming second.

Quite a satisfactory achievement, but more and better was to come.

Tenby Round Caldey Race

Sunday's wind before the Round Caldey was typically 'iffy' and Paul Johnson and Phil Barlow (Tasar) were grateful for a tow from our new RIB, which Graham took round to the start. Huw Stiley and Wendy Bower also gave support in Sealegs, with John and Tonia Griffiths (Sherpa Mor) and Ray Smith (Spartacus) competing in the cruiser section.

Happily the wind then took off and the race was on. There were approximately 10 cruisers and some 25 dinghies all moving around the start line ready for the off.

The Tempest managed a good start after some confusion about lights and sound signals going off at wrong times, and the fleet was away without recalls.

A close beat up and around the lifeboat slip resulted in cat and mouse tactics, with no one wanting to find any dirty wind from following boats.

The Tempest opted to tack off in the direction of Giltar Point, a tactic not followed by the local boats, but it worked and they caught the lead boat and were up with the cruisers. At St. Margaret's Island, they held their nerve for a late tack, but caught the wind and extended their lead over the fleet.

At Chapel Point, the tides were causing much chop and distress to the sea, but they battled through this and with spinnaker up, commenced the very long run back to the finishing line.

Tenby's Ted Lewis (Osprey), meanwhile, hugged the shore for this final leg and seemed to be gaining. The wind held, though, and with a lot of kite-flying, the Tempest crossed the line just 45 seconds ahead of the Osprey, which after handicap adjustment secured the win.

What an achievement - we believe this is the first SSC win of Tenby's Round Caldey Race - well done Peter and Mick.

Andrew, Paul and Phil, John and Tonia and Ray all also completed the circumnavigation in good form, providing a very honourable performance from Saundersfoot.

No Points Club Race

The day was still far from finished, however, with everyone then having to sail back to Saundersfoot. But top marks were reserved for Paul and Phil, who, having returned, then ran the scheduled no points club race - a really long day!

Having set a Monkstone, Pendine, Harbour course and started five boats, the wind died and only Alan and Rachel in the Tasar made it round the circuit.

Mark and Trish (Graduate), Martin (Solo), Steve and Harry (RS200) and James and Ross (Laser 2000) thus retired and needed a tow back in the still airs.

Everyone must have returned glowing from sun and pride after a really superb day.

Sail Training Recruitment

Paul Johnson with Mick and Judy Lightwood formed a press gang to Saundersfoot Primary School's Fete recently and took along the club's RS Feva dinghy to promote the club and hopefully secure some interest in future sail training to encourage youngsters into the sport.

There was useful interest and we look forward to new recruits next year.

The fete was a big success and the RS Feva held up well from attack on all sides due to the number of youngsters wanting to try and sail it round the school playing field.

It seemed that at one point, due to the face painting, we had a dinghy full of tigers, princesses, and many other formidable cartoon creations, who were really enjoying staying in the boat to avoid contact with the apparent sharks!

 

Summer Holiday Training - Places Still Available

A few places are still available for this year's 'Summer Starts Here' sail training week, July 24 to 30, for all levels of trainees.

This includes a day's voyage to Tenby (weather willing) and is always a greatly enjoyed week.

Contact Paul Johnson on 01834 814415 or [email protected]">[email protected]

Bankers Ahoy!

Well not really bankers! But we are looking urgently for a member to take on the treasurer's role for the club as Huw Stiley has had to step down owing to other commitments with immediate effect. Rolfe John is currently holding the fort, but cannot take on this job fully.

Please can any member with understanding of accounts contact any member of the committee as a matter of urgency, as we obviously have to keep on top of our financial affairs.

Ruby Anniversary

T-Shirts

There are a few s/m/l Coppet Week anniversary T-shirts still available.

Useful kit and a good memento - excellent value at £12 from the club or contact Anne-Marie at [email protected]">[email protected]

Marine Navigation Bill

Latest news on the new legal powers to be given to harbour authorities is that whilst the RYA has not been successful in altering the planned Bill so that infringements of harbour authorities rules can result in criminal offences, they have secured the provision of a code of conduct which must be observed.

This will provide harbour users with a means of challenging orders by a harbour authority, and if no resolution can be achieved, disputes may be taken to an independent third party.

Skipper's Mate