Frostbite Series

After all the strong winds and rain, it was lovely to wake up to see the sun shining and a light breeze blowing for the two races last Sunday.

Three Solos, a Laser and an Osprey took part, with all the competitors taking the precaution to be well wrapped up.

It was the maiden voyage for Peter and Mick in the Osprey and Steve Hinksman's first appearance in a Solo.

Keith Jones and Julie set an anti-clockwise Monkstone, Pendine, Harbour course, with close racing to the first mark.

There was strong competition between the Solos, with the order changing frequently.

Final positions after handicap were: 1. Dave Plester (Solo), 2. Paul Griffiths (Solo), 3. Peter Bower and Mick Lightwood (Osprey), 4. Phil (Laser) and 5. Steve (Solo).

For the second race, they were allowed to unwind with a clockwise Amroth, Pendine, Harbour course and a failing wind!

All managed to finish however with similar placings, except that Steve managed to overhaul Phil for fourth place.

The next two Frostbite races are at 9.30 am on Sunday, November 24.

Laying-Up Supper

The club will not be open this Friday to allow for preparations to be made for the Laying-Up Supper this Saturday.

This is always an enjoyable event and this year likely to be especially so, with DIY entertainment and some hilarious acts in prospect. The plot will unravel on the night - be ready, be very ready! (apologies to 1986 horror film The Fly). Wondering what it is all about ? - you will never know unless you come along!

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

After light lunches which are being served from 12.30 this Sunday, we will have a review of this season's activities and the financial position of the club, followed by discussion of new membership arrangements and a decision on fees for next year.

This is, of course, the occasion on which your committee for next year is elected and we are still seeking two volunteers to serve as membership secretary and general secretary.

Why is there such reticence over these posts in particular ? They require no more time or skills than any of the other posts which have to be undertaken and members are again asked to make contact to offer your services for these roles, without which your club cannot function.

Nautical Nip

At this time of year when boats are lifted and prepared for the winter, with lockers cleaned and tidied up, we get a reminder of the dreaded expiry date on our flares, which seems to come round all too quickly.

It is good to know that the RYA is pressing the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) to review the carriage requirement for pyrotechnic flares and to recognise the modern technologies that are now available for distress alerting and locating.

EPIRBs and GPS linked DSC VHF for distress alerting and signalling lamps or EVDS (Electronic Visual Distress Signals) for final mile location provide mariners with a more effective and far less dangerous means of initiating a distress alert and more importantly a timely response.

Stuart Carruthers, RYA cruising manager, states: "The RYA has been shown no persuasive evidence that flares have search and rescue benefits that cannot be provided by modern technology.

"Couple this with the significantly reduced disposal service for flares and the argument for continuing to mandate flares becomes unreasonable and illogical."

Would that this sound argument could prevail for next year!

Skipper's Mate