Club Sailing

Saturday saw two races in the club`s summer series, although it was more like winter on the water. Heavily overcast and murky with showers and a strong gusty shifty south-westerly breeze.

Seven boats competed, two Ospreys, a Scorpion, an RS200 and three club Lasers, over a triangular course from the start towards Monkstone to the windward mark off St. Catherine’s, then out to the gybe at the Eastern.

All boats started promptly, too promptly for Ted/Lucas in their Osprey, making contact with the rib, so immediately doing a penalty turn. Jaime and Griff in the other Osprey revelled in the conditons and took the lead on the wate,r which they built throughout the race to cross the line first. Behind them, Peter and Son in the Scorpion kept up well and they took the win on corrected time from Jaime/Griff, then Ted/Lucas.

The RS200 helmed by Jas with Dad Steve crewing would doubtless have been on the podium except they hit a jellyfish when travelling fast under spinnaker and capsized yards from the finish, drifting past, but not through, the finishing line upside down.

In the Laser fleet, Richard found conditions excessive and he retired after one lap; Martin took the honours from Harri.

A second race followed immediately. This time Ted/Lucas started correctly, reaching the windward mark inches ahead of Jaime/Griff, then spinnakers up for the downwind ride. Spinnaker issues for Jaime/Griff saw the other Osprey alone in front, but with the Scorpion and RS200 again plugging away.

After three fast laps, the Osprey took the win on corrected time from the Scorpion, then the RS200. In the Lasers, Martin again shaded it from Harri.

A challenging evening on the water, followed by a long pull up the beach, made rehydration compulsory!

Tuesday’s race took place in sultry conditions, with a warm easterly wind of varying strength. A wind shift at the start enabled Dan/Carwyn in the RS400 to port tack the eight-boat fleet and establish an early lead, hotly pursued by the Osprey of Jaime/Erik and the Redwing of Bill/Nan, who correctly chose the right side of the first beat.

Spinnakers were then hoisted for the down wind reaches. Gradually the Osprey of Ted/Lucas and the Scorpion of Peter/Ioan made headway, and after four enjoyable laps, Peter/Ioan took the win, about a minute ahead on corrected time, from the RS400 who were three seconds ahead of Ted/Lucas.

Junior sailing  

Another good session in excellent conditions.  We are hoping that some of our junior sailors are going to join in the Saturday evening racing. A separate series will be calculated for them. 

Cruiser racing 

There were six entries for the Sunday morning race.  A force 2 to 3 westerly again meant full concentration was needed to make the most of the wind. There was a reach out to North High Cliff during which Tejeda pulled away, followed closely by Aries.  Apatshe had a poor start, but on rounding the NHC buoy tacked onto port towards the south beach. Slipstream stayed on port for a while, but lost ground on Apatshe, who eventually crossed ahead and rounded the Giltar buoy ahead.

It was a broad reach back to the Skers and Tejeda managed to keep the lead from Aries. Slipstream tried the inshore course to try to keep out of the ebbing tide. It was slow going trying to round the Skers, but John Griffiths in Tejeda made his time on Steve in Aries by just nine seconds, Blake in Slipstream overtook Tony and Billy in Apatshe by taking a risky inside course around the Skers. Denny in Heather was not too far behind in Heather, with Phil in Accolade sixth.

Next race Monday evening.

Cruise in company

Note that a cruise in company is planned for this Sunday, July 23, depending on the weather. Cruisers would have to be put out by 9.15 am so they could start around 9.30 am. Any Ribs could leave later. 

Opening hours

The club is open to the public every day from 11 am until late. Pop in to enjoy a drink in the newly renovated premises in the best location in town! Prosecco Fridays and Gin Thursdays; special offers available for each.

Volunteers needed

We are presently short of a club secretary. If you would like to help, please email Ted Lewis on [email protected]

Forthcoming events

Saturday, July 22: Tenby Passage Race.

Sunday, July 23: Cruise in Company.

August 26 - 30: RS200 Nationals.

Friday, November 17: Club Dinner and Prize giving

Saturday, November 18: AGM at the club at 7.30 pm.

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.