Club Sailing

Wednesday evening's race was held in a mid-strength, but declining breeze and contested by eight boats. The RS200 of last season's champions Steve and Jas took the honours from Ted and Matt in their Osprey, then Bill and Tom in their Redwing. Behind them, Paul and Julia fixed the Commodore and Anthea by four whole seconds for fourth and fifth! The weekend's race was the first of the August races that are scheduled for 6 pm on Saturday to avoid the Sunday Summer Events at the Harbour. It was windy all day Saturday, but sunny too. However, the stiff breeze limited numbers to three; two Ospreys of Ted and Matt and the Alistairs, and the Redwing of Mike and Deanna. Richard Johns kindly volunteered to run the race and he set a smallish triangular course from the start out in the bay, in towards the harbour then out to Monkstone, gybing there and back to the start. All the boats found they were a little rusty in the strong breeze having had only light to mid-range for several weeks, however, they all powered away at the start in conditions suited to the Osprey's size and speed. Ted and Matt reached the windward mark first, bore off and up went the kite. The Alistairs followed suit in close contention and so it stayed throughout, even though spinnakers proved troublesome and required at least two visits by the crew to the prow on the leading Osprey! On the final bear off, the Alistairs were hit by a gust, dropped the end of the boom in the water and ended up on their side. They quickly recovered, but this put some distance between the Ospreys. The Redwing plugged away throughout, but couldn't compete in the conditions and took a gallant third.

Cruiser racing

The Tuesday evening race was sailed in lighter NW winds and a course around NHC, Giltar and a beat back to the mark off Monkstone. John Griffiths, in Tejeda, led at Giltar, but chose an inside course back whereas Billy Stubbs and Tony Spiller, in Apatshe, chose the Woolhouse route which proved to have less foul tide. On handicap, Apatshe had a fine win with Steve Lewis in Aries second and Tejeda third.  There were strong SW winds for the Sunday morning race. The beat was the leg from NHC to Giltar buoy and this was done twice. Aries was ahead at NHC, followed by Apatshe and Blake Shaw in Slipstream. Also turning out was Denny Young in Heather. Slipstream tacked towards South Beach to clear his wind and this proved the best course to take and was ahead at the windward Giltar buoy. Apatshe lost out by first rounding the buoy on the wrong side and had to reround. Slipstream maintained his lead during the second round, but Aries started catching up during the long off wind leg back to Tenby. However, Slipstream kept slightly further in towards the beach and pulled away in a  more favourable tide. Blake finally risked all by sailing on a dead run through the Skirs against the strong ebb tide to achieve a hard won first place. Aries was second, Apatshe third. Heather was still a possible winner on handicap, but just failed on corrected time. The last few races have proved to all that when sailing in the South bay the tide is a very important factor. Another race tonight (Friday), start 5 pm, and another next Tuesday at 7 pm. 

Junior sailing

Winds were fresher last Wednesday, but even this season's beginners are now confident enough to enjoy the conditions. Training as usual next Wednesday. A few places now available. Contact Blake on 07717842713. NB. There will be no training session on Wednesday, August 20, during the Fireball National Championship from Sunday, August 17, to Friday 22nd. Come down and watch the racing. Helpers wanted on sea and on land.

Bart's Bash

Tenby Sailing Club are pleased to announce that they are taking part in the 'Bart's Bash' sailing race on September 21. Bart's Bash is organised by The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation charity and is a global sailing race and fundraising event at sailing clubs everywhere on Sunday, September 21. Bart's Bash will be joining together thousands of sailors worldwide in a race to set a new Guinness World Record, raise money for charity, inspire the next generation and remember Andrew 'Bart' Simpson, gold and silver Olympic medallist and America's Cup sailor. Tenby Sailing Club intend to run the race as the first club race on Sunday morning, September 21, and club sailors who wish to participate can register online at http://www.bartsbash.co.uk">http://www.bartsbash.co.uk and join in the challenge of the world's largest sailing race. Alternatively, contact TSC local organiser, Bill Dowell 07787 574807.

Saturday sailing

Saturday sailing for adults is underway. Turn up at 2.00pm throughout August; beginners should pre-arrange with their instructor if coaching is required. For further details, contact Mark Dashfield on 07971474517. Note no sailing Saturday, August 16, because of Fireball Nationals.

Forthcoming Events

Fireball Nationals. The club is hosting the Fireball National Championship from August 16-22. This is a prestigious event and expected to be well-attended with many top class sailors. Volunteers are required for the event to run smoothly, both on and off the water; either email [email protected]">[email protected] or 'phone Mark on 07971474517. It is the major fundraiser for the club and income from the event funds all the other club activities. If you are able to help for all or part of the week, please get involved. Your club needs you! Tuesday, August 12: meeting at the club for all helpers in the Nationals, start 7 pm. Thursday, August 14: working party to move dinghies on North Walk at 6 pm. Please help. Greek flotilla holiday September 2014: Still a few places left - book early to avoid disappointment! Please contact Paul Evenden.

Saturday Suppers

Deanna's Diner is operating in the club on Friday and Saturday. Food varies weekly, and all homemade. Come and give it a try. If possible, give Deanna a ring to let her know you are coming on 07897220377; this will help planning and efficiency on the night.

Subscriptions

Subscriptions for 2014 became due on January 1, so please complete the form and renew now. The forms are available in the clubhouse or can be downloaded from the website. This year, we accept online payments, as well as in cash or by cheque. Please follow the instructions on the website. For all queries, please contact Julia Dashfield, membership secretary, on the helpline (01834) 844918.

Opening Hours

The club is now open every evening except Mondays from 7 pm.

Website

The club's website can be found at http://www.tenbysailingclub.org.uk">www.tenbysailingclub.org.uk and includes a Facebook link and details of the clubs activities and sponsors. New members welcome; sailors, aspirant sailors and non sailors. We are members club run by volunteers who try to involve all members in a variety of activities both sailing and social. To enquire about joining call at the clubhouse, contact any member who will be pleased to help, or contact us on line.