Sailing

Last Saturday saw the start of club racing for 2016, with two races back to back. The weather was not very summer-like; grey and overcast with a light but cold south-easterly and a lumpy sea.

Four Ospreys contested the races run by Richard Johns, the first over a triangular course and the second a windward leeward.

At the start of the first, the Alistairs and Mike/Deanna were slightly early, not helped by a strong outgoing tide, and bore off down the line leaving a nice gap at the starboard end which was filled by Ted/Lucas at top speed. They reached the windward mark out at the eastern first, and up went spinnakers for the downwind return legs. Again the strong tide had an influence, turning the second reach into a run on the first lap. Jaime/Griff, meanwhile, found that knots had not been tightened properly and watched as their mainsheet escaped out of the back of the boat, ending their involvement in the first race.

The second windward leeward race was rather closer than the first. Again Ted/Lucas reached the windward mark first, but only just, and all boats hoisted spinnakers for the run back. Mike/Deanna took the lead on that run, which they retained on the next beat and the final run, finishing inches ahead of Ted/Lucas, with the Alistairs in close attendance in third and Jamie/Griff in fourth; their race not being helped by being over the line at the start and having to re-start.

All enjoyed being back on the water; early season gremlins, rodent damage, knot failure, mast rake measurement, rig tension all featured in an enjoyable afternoon on the water. Then back to the clubhouse for warm showers and beer. Let’s hope for greater numbers and warmer weather next week.

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

Training started last Wednesday, with everyone allocated to new groups. There are still a few spaces for beginners. For further information ring Blake on 07717842713. Meetings are planned for every Wednesday commencing 5 pm.   Usually finishing by 7.30, with BBQ food available afterwards at the club.

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 25th and 26: 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 Tueasday evening will begin in May. Also, food will be available at the club from May Day bank holiday weekend during the day and in the evening when Yanni from Caffe Vista will begin his 2016 season.

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.