Sunday Sailing

Sunday was grey, but dryish at race time with a gusty shifty north westerly blowing. Mike Stace ran the race and set a triangular course with a down wind start at the harbour, out towards Monkstone, gybing there towards Caldey then right and back to the start. At the start, Danny in his Vareo took everyone by surprise starting promptly spinnaker up, boat flat and planing hard whizzing to the first mark. Behind him, the three Ospreys of Paul and Steve, Ted and Matt and Jaime and Francois did their best but slower; the three Toppers, piloted by Matt James and Ieuan all got away promptly with the Laser sailed by Richard well in the mix. Danny gybed well and shot off towards the leeward mark on a tightish reach followed by the Ospreys. Ted and Matt flew their spinnaker, but Paul and Steve did not because the tightness of the reach meant that laying the mark with kite up was impossible in the gusty conditions. Spinnakers disappeared half-way down the leg, but by the windward mark Ted and Matt were first and they sailed on to take the win. Paul and Steve were second and they maintained that to the end. Back in the fleet the Topper battle developed; Ieuan found the gusting wind too much and he retired, but Matt and James enjoyed a good contest throughout and they took third and fourth respectively on corrected time. Danny dropped back a bit after his outstanding start and took fifth with Richard sixth. Jaime, in his new Osprey, brought up the rear after a highly competitive first lap, gaining good experience in gusty conditions. It was pleasing to see the racing fleet joined by the three youngsters in toppers; hopefully a sign of things to come.

Blake Shaw retires

Blake has given notice that he will not be re-standing as secretary of the Tenby SC at the annual general meeting next week.

Blake has been secretary for the last 43 years which must be something of a record for any organisation.

He moved to Tenby in 1966 to teach physics at Greenhill Secondary school. However, he was already hooked on sailing, had built a Mirror dinghy and soon joined Tenby SC both to sail and help out. He became Commodore in 1968, but moved over to secretary in 1969 when John Eastlake retired. He set-up an after-school sailing club for juniors which has continued to the present day.

During the whole period, he helped steer the Tenby SC through many changes in particular being project director for the Sportlot work in 1999 when the club received a grant to install changing rooms etc in their clubhouse at the harbour.

He also qualified as an international race officer and has helped to run up to 40 national sailing events in Tenby and elsewhere.

He was chairman of the training committee of the Welsh Yachting Association for many years and more recently an elected member of the RYA Council in London.

He was very pleased to become Redwing national champion in 1983 (his crew being the late Phil Bement), but his proudest moment was when he went to London in 2007 to receive the RYA award in recognition of his services to the world of yachting from Princess Anne.

Blake is looking forward to spending more time on his yacht Slipstream and with his family and grandchildren, although he has said he will continue with his work with the juniors on Wednesday evenings.

The club is indebted to Blake for all his endeavours over the past 43 years and is very grateful. His input and acquired expertise will be missed. We wish him well.

Howard

Howard will be catering this evening only.

Darts

We went, we played, we conquered! Yes, unbelievable as it sounds, we won. It was nip-and-tuck for the first six matches with Saundersfoot going ahead after seven games. Captain Terry Evans made some inspired selection decisions leading to us winning all the remaining games. Terry and Ruth Tebbutt played the role of captain and vice-captain by winning all of their games - leading by example. There were a few games that went to the wire (especially double one) and indeed this was the case when the winning darts were thrown by a returnee to the squad, Mike Stace. It was a mast enjoyable evening with our hosts making us very welcome. This evening we are at home to the rugby club - participating members please note.

Opening Hours

The club will now be open on Friday, Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes.

Weekly Draw

The 39th draw took place last Saturday - there was no winner so tomorrow's draw is a rollover. The draw was independently verified by the draw master, Blake Shaw. The next draw takes place tomorrow evening at 9 pm when the prize will be £120. Please note - you must be present and have your membership card with you to claim the prize!

Annual general meeting

The annual general meeting will take place on Thursday, November 8, at 7.30 pm. It's an important date in the club's calendar - please attend and have your input.

Annual Dinner, Dance and

Prize-giving

The annual dinner, dance and prize-giving will take place on Saturday, December 1, at the Giltar Hotel. Menus etc can be found on the club website and the newsletter. Please contact the Commodore, Mark Brace, to make a reservation.

Tenby Harbour Users Association

The annual general meeting of the Tenby Harbour Users Association will be held at the Tenby SC on Tuesday next, November 6, at 7 pm. Election of officers and harbour issues will be discussed.

Blues Festival

The club is delighted to continue supporting Tenby's annual Blues festival. On Saturday, November 10, we will be hosting the Hoochie Coochie band - not to be missed!

Website

Information on club activities etc can be found on the club's revamped website http://www.tenbysailingclub.org.uk">www.tenbysailingclub.org.uk. You an also follow us on Facebook - search on Tenby Sailing Club site. 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.

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