SUNDAY RACING

A bumper turn out of 12 boats contested the third in the club's summer series on Sunday. Two races were run in very light trying north-westerly winds but, for the most part, in bright sunshine. Four Ospreys, two RS600s and an RS400 contested division one; in division two were a Wayfarer, a Vareo, a 420, a Laser and a Topper.

The first race, run over a triangular starboard course, was won by Mark and Emily Dashfield in the RS400, just beating the Ospreys of Mike Stace and Deanna Morton and Paul and Anthea Evenden into second and third, respectively.

The second race over a port triangle followed immediately but, owing to the fickle nature of the wind, this was shortened to one lap. In that, Dan Jackson in his RS600 took the honours, from the Dashfields in second, with Alistairs Knibb and Mackay in their Osprey taking third and recording their first Osprey 'win' of the season.

The division two boats enjoyed an unpredictable battle; in race one, the Wayfarer and the Topper failed to make the start and the Laser helmed by Richard John took the honours from the 420 and the Vareo. In the second, all boats started, some more slowly than others, and after one slow lap it was the Vareo from the 420 and the Laser, with the Topper bringing up the rear, the Wayfarer having retired. Absent from division two so far this year have been the GPs; hopefully they will be making their presence felt soon.

Darts

As expected we lost, although the margin of defeat was slightly better than the last time we met. Our only successes were by Colin Parmenter and Jonathan Morris, leaving the rest of us licking our wounds. To be fair, we played well, but the opposition's consistency and finishing power was the key factor. Nil desperandum - we have no match this evening as the opposition has had to cancel. Hence there will be the usual obligatory practice session.

Howard's back

Great news for club noshers. Howard's back and will be catering this evening and tomorrow evening. The return of the legendary steak pie is most welcome! Would any noshers wishing to be fed on Saturday book early as we have a music evening - thanks in anticipation.

Hoochie Coochie Band

Tomorrow (Saturday) evening we are going to be entertained by the well-known Hoochie Coochie Band, led by the legendary Mojo Morgan. Doors open at 8 pm and it's open to all - there will be a £5 entry charge - not bad for an evening of great music and dancing in a great venue.

Social

Programme

The promised wine-tasting and quiz will take place on Saturday, May 26. More details next week.

Junior Section

After last Wednesday's encouraging second registration session, the sailing will start in earnest this Wednesday, April 25. Youngsters are normally split into four groups, beginners, two intermediates and a racing group. There will be an opportunity to gain Levels 1 to 4 of the RYA certificate courses. Please contact principal instructor, Blake Shaw, on 01834 842535, for further details. As usual, there will be tasty snacks available during the evening. 

Sarah Webb Gosling OBE, who represented Britain twice at the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships and won two consecutive Olympic gold medals, presenting Jonathan Morris at the Volvo Youth Nationals, Pwllheli, with his cup for first Welsh in the Standard Laser.

Dinghy Open Weekend

The annual dinghy open weekend will take place on the weekend of May 5 and 6. More details next week.

Subscriptions and Weekly Draw

It's that time of year. The annual subscriptions are now very overdue. This year we are running a weekly draw which can only be won if you are present in the club when the draw is made and you are a paid up member.

Weekly Draw

The 15th draw took place last Saturday which resulted in a rollover as the owner of the 'winning' number was not present. The draw was independently verified by the draw master, Paul Redford. The next draw takes place tomorrow evening at 9pm when the prize will be £100. Please note - you must be present and have your membership card with you to claim the prize!

Jam Evenings

Monday's acoustic jam session was most enjoyable where participants took the opportunity to share and practice various techniques and styles. The next sessions will be announced soon. Watch this space.

Humour

One day while driving home from his fishing trip in the pouring rain, a man got a flat tyre outside a monastery. A monk came out and invited him inside to have dinner and spend the night. The fisherman accepted. That night he had a wonderful dinner of fish and chips. He decided to compliment the chef. Entering the kitchen, he asked the cook, "Are you the fish friar?" "No," the man replied, "I'm the chip monk."

Website

Information on club activities etc can be found on the club's revamped website.

This is a very friendly and welcoming club which endeavours to involve all members in a variety of activities. Contact any member who will be delighted to furnish you with further details.

GP14