Sailing

It was a lovely sunny afternoon on Saturday for the latest two races in the club’s summer season. Six boats competed; Mike and Deanna, Jaime and Alistair and Dyfan and Martin (making their season’s debut) all in Ospreys; Dan and Conor in an RS400; Steve and Jas, making a first appearance of the season in their RS200, and Richard in a club Laser.

The wind was, again, a cold gusty and shifty northerly, so the beat was laid from St. Catherine’s across towards Waterwynch, with the gybe mark out to sea towards Worms Head. In the first race, the fleet were a little slow off the start line, but at the end of the first beat it was Mike and Deanna from Dan and Conor and Jaime and Alistair. Spinnakers up and off they went downwind, the RS400 with better speed than the Ospreys, taking the lead for lap two. Not surprisingly ahead of Jaime and Alistair who were caught out by a gust on the second reach and turned their ship over!

As the race progressed, the RS400 demonstrated faster downwind speed, but the Osprey was quicker upwind, the boats being very similarly rated in the handicap system. The RS400 took the win on the water, but after the sums were done, the winners on corrected time were Steve and Jas in the RS200; they too seem to be as quick as the Ospreys downwind, but slower upwind, and they kept in close contention throughout. Second was the RS400, with Mike and Deanna third.

A second race over the same course followed immediately. At a dubious start, the RS400 came in late at the pin end of the line amidst much shouting. Again Steve and Jas plugged away in the RS200 with some spectacular speed down wind, and they again took the win, this time from Mike and Deanna, who staged an impressive comeback from a disastrous first beat, then the RS400. Jaime and Alistair were still in ‘giving’ mood, bearing off as a gust hit near the gybe mark, missing the mark and having to go back to round it. They stayed upright, but lost the leading position they had at the time!

Dyfan and Martin shook out the early season cobwebs, resisted the urge to fly their spinnaker and consequently kept the boat upright for all of both races in conditions challenging for their weight. Their day will come. Richard in the Laser retired from the racing with back problems; we wish him a speedy recovery.

Free taster sessions

For all those who would like to have a go at sailing, but don’t know where to start, the club will be running taster sessions in its annual come and try event on Sunday, May 15, run in conjunction with the RYA ‘Push the Boat Out’ event. There will be the opportunity for anyone wanting to have a go, to be taken out in dinghies, ribs or cruisers. This will be free for non-members as well as members. Plenty of time to think about it and for the weather to warm up.

Further information from Blake on 07717842713.

There will also be the opportunity for any adults wanting to learn to sail to have a go on Wednesday evenings by arrangement. Come down to the club on a Wednesday evening if interested.

Junior training

Twenty-four youngsters on the water last week and for once a gentle suitable breeze, even for the beginners. A worthwhile training session, with the usual BBQ afterwards. 

For further information if you would like to join the training, please ring Blake on 07717842713. We try to cater for all stages of dinghy sailing, from beginners to racers.

Club Kitchen

Last season’s successful partnership with Yanni of Caffe Vista is to be repeated this year, starting today (Friday). The club will be open for food initially at weekends, but as the summer proceeds, every day.

Tractor

The club has, this week, taken delivery of a new tractor, to ensure continued access to the water at all states of the tide. It follows hard on the heels of a new safety rib and is the end for the time being of the club’s spending. At least so hopes the club accountant!

2016 Membership

A reminder to all members. Subs for 2016 were due on January 1. If you haven`t renewed yet, please go to the club website, print and complete the membership form and forward with payment to the membership secretary. Or, for those with online banking, please pay direct to the club account. Some of the membership benefits - discount on food and drink at the club; use of club premises outside ‘public’ hours; use of club boats, toilets and changing rooms. Please renew promptly.

Forthcoming

events

June 25 and 26t: Club regatta and Round Caldey race.

Club opening

hours

The club is open Friday and Saturday evenings from 7.30 and on Wednesday evenings for junior training. Club racing on Tuesday evening will begin in May.

Website

The club’s website can be found at www.tenbysailingclub.org.uk; the club and details of events going on can be found on Facebook and Twitter. New members welcome; sailors, aspirant sailors and non sailors. We are a 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.