Club Racing

Last Sunday's racing fleet were in for a treat when our OOD on his first outing in the job made an epic decision to use the newly-sited big red water mark which could have been laid especially for the club by Trinity House. We have all been aware of this new addition, but full marks (ha! ha!) to James and his assistant Morgan for using it.  The race officers had it going for them really with an enthusiastic fleet of keen sailors, a good blustery 3 to 4 wind and a course now using the new mark producing possibly the best beat of the season which had the thumbs up from those flying round the course. Six boats started out, with Hywel in his Topper making a race winning start if he were able to keep up with the flying Tissimans, who were acrobatically showing us how high wire work in a Fireball should be done. Battling alongside them was the flying circus of other close contenders for a gymnastics gold medal. Mick Lightwood clearly in philosophical mood, noted that as Paul and Julia in their National 12 passed him in his lonely rescue dory, he heard only friendly banter and there seemed to be some intimate team work going on to keep the boat skimming across the waves. He observed that married bliss obviously pays off when sailing double handed together at high speed with high pressure manoeuvres intricately happening without the need to talk - just the look of a helm in charge makes it all happen seamlessly. (Ah, that it was always so!) Anyway, while all the fancy trapezing was happening, there was the usual suspect of race winner creeping up in stealth mode from behind, in the form of David Plester showing us how a Solo should be sailed. Harry Hinksman helming his dad round in the RS Vision made excellent progress and Hywel as well in what were challenging conditions. John Roberts was having problems with his Solo and made an early retirement back to harbour. Final positions after handicap were: 1. David Plester (Solo), 2. Mark and Debbie Tissiman (Fireball), 3. Paul and Julia (National 12). James sent the second race off again on the same Pendine, red mark, harbour course, with contenders using lessons learnt from the first race to outdo rivals in the second. They were joined as a late entry in this race by Rhys Jackson in another Topper. It was an impressive sight to see the N12 going round the red mark first ahead of the flying Tissimans. Alas at the harbour mark, spouse telepathy failed and Paul gybed (despite crew advice that it was not the right idea in the gusty shifting conditions) and upside down they went and with it the winning position - and the helm had to make his own dinner that night! Final positions were 1. David Plester, 2. Mark and Debbie Tissiman, 3. Paul and Julia Griffiths. Rhys's recent training course proved its worth in the gusty conditions and he finished in sixth place which was excellent. Thanks to James and Morgan OOD. Also to Mick and Terry and Keith and Ben on safety who even managed to bring home a speedboat with passenger and broken engine after Elgar's crew spotted him drifting towards the Mumbles.      Next Racing

Two races are scheduled for a 4.30 pm start this coming Sunday.

Cruiser Outing

Four of our cruiser fleet enjoyed a brisk sail to DZ2 and back last week. No racing- just a pleasant outing in a decent breeze. DZ2 is one of the Pendine Range buoys in the bay which can be seen at times reflecting the light in a line roughly towards the end of Worms Head. It looks tiny but in fact is huge!!

Friday Sailing/Training

This Friday (8th) we are planning to take out any willing novice in the double handers (2 Laser 2000s, the Feva and the Wayfarer) for training/experience. Experienced sailors will be on hand to guide and assist and hopefully get the kites out as well. Social sailing will be available as well for anyone interested. Start on the water at 4 pm. Forecast W 2-3. Please let Mick know if you are coming [email protected]">[email protected]   Tempests in Italy

This year's Tempest class world championship is being held at Lake Como in Italy on August 30 and guess who is popping over for the week long event? Yes, our very own Peter Bower has decided his shoulder should be up to the job of two races a day for five days! But who could he drag along to be his crew? It was a difficult decision, but Mick Lightwood's arm was twisted half-way around his back and reluctantly he will be dragged, kicking and screaming, to crew for Peter in this prestigious event! The last time these two paired up they won the Tenby round Caldey race in 2013... so no pressure guys! Wendy and Jude will be accompanying them as chaperones (it's a hard life girls!) So good luck to the team to bring some silverware back, even if it is only for the crew with the oldest combined age! WYA Rebranding

The Welsh Yachting Association is the RYA's Council for Wales and recognised as a National Governing Body by the Welsh Government and Sport Wales. WYA was 50-years-old in 2013 and over that time has played and continues to play a key role in developing the sport and talented young sailors. There is often confusion over the distinction between the RYA and the WYA leading to a current plan to rebrand the Welsh association. Consultation is being held between now and October 2014 when a resolution will be put to the WYA AGM that the name is changed to RYA Cymru- Wales. All views are welcome, contact [email protected]">[email protected]

Clubhouse Opening

Don't forget to give your views on Saturday evening opening. Volunteers welcome. Contact Ivan on (01834) 812249 or [email protected]">[email protected]

Skipper's Mate