Club Sailing

On Saturday, in sunny conditions and with a mid range south-westerly blowing, it was decided to race down to Giltar, out to North Highcliff and back. Three Ospreys of Mike/Deanna, the Alastairs and Jaime/Griff, and Dyfan in a club Laser competed.

The Ospreys enjoyed a ding dong battle; first to show were Jaime/Griff with an impressive upwind leg to Giltar, arriving first by some distance. Spinnakers up then for a broad reach to NHC. Unfortunately, the leading Osprey had left his Garmin at home and didn’t know where NHC buoy was. They set off for Paul Jones Bay instead, allowing those behind to catch up and all three Ospreys arrived at NHC together.

From there it was a tightish reach back to the North Bay, with spinnakers pulling strongly. The Alastairs enjoyed this leg and pulled out a lead; all three dropped their spinnakers at St. Catherines as the reach got even tighter. In two-sail mode, Mike/Deanna sailed through Jaime/Griff to leeward (no one knows quite how) and they took second, leaving Jaime/Griff to rue their navigational error.

Dyfan plugged away in the slower single-hander and brought up the rear having enjoyed a trip to the South Bay.

Tuesday evening’s race took place in brightening weather after a grey, wet day. Seven boats took part; four Ospreys, an RS400, a Phantom and a Laser in the race run by Alistair Mackay.

On a triangular course with upwind start and two spinnaker reaches, all enjoyed the shifty and rather gusty conditions and some splendid reaches on the flat sea.

Jaime/Griff got away at the start, headed inshore out of the outgoing tide and reached the windward mark just ahead of Ted/Lucas, who chose the other side of the beat. Spinnakers up and off downwind, Ted/Lucas sneaked past to leeward, then after a quick gybe, caught a gust on the next reach and opened up quite a lead that they kept to the end.

Jaime/Griff battled to keep ahead of Jon in the Phantom and they finished in that order, although Jon probably took second (if not first); corrected time results not presently available. Dyfan/Steve in their Osprey enjoyed a second outing of the season; Martin enjoyed a good workout in the club Laser. Mike/Deanna in their Osprey retired.

Junior Sailing

A very successful  event was staged for Pembrokeshire young sailors at the club last weekend. Thirteen boats took part in the race training day on Saturday and 23 boats entered  the Club Youth Racing Circuit races on Sunday. There were two races before lunch and three after in a fairly steady westerly wind. A total of 11 of our youngsters took part.

Race officer Blake would like to thank  over 20 members and parents helping to run the five Ribs, committee boat, car park, taking entries and collating the prizes.

Although not in the main prizes this time, the local sailors were improving during every race and a few have arranged to go to Fishguard this coming weekend for a similar event there. 

Last Wednesday there was a good turnout for the junior training night. Conditions were suitable for all groups, with 15 boats going on the water. The wind did drop off, so some did some capsize practice and recovery.

In addition, a couple of adults were taken out for a sail in an Osprey to give them a taste of what sailing is about.  They are coming back for more next week, and anyone else who would like a go, please get in touch.

The usual BBQ finished off the evening. 

Cruiser racing

Members are reminded that the next race is scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) at 4.30 pm.

New Members

We have some of the best sailing waters found anywhere in the UK, but the number of active sailing members is static at best. We have space available for more dinghies in our dinghy park and are keen to recruit new adult sailing members.

For anyone interested, we can arrange free taster sessions on a Wednesday evening (or at other times if that is not convenient); once the basics have been mastered, we have a number of club boats suitable for adult use before new sailors need to think about getting their own boat.

Anyone interested, please contact Blake or Ted Lewis on [email protected] or 07790 839735.

Regatta

The annual club regatta, once again kindly sponsored by local solicitors Lewis Lewis & Co Ltd., of Tenby, St. Clears and Carmarthen, is looming. This year it will be held on June 25 and 26, and hopefully there will be about 40 boats competing.

We need lots of volunteers to help, in particular Rib drivers and crew, crew for the committee boat on the Saturday, people to deal with entries and results, to name a few. If you can offer some time that weekend, please email Ted Lewis on the address above.

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 26: Club Regatta and Round Caldey Race.

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.