Sunday dawned bright and cold, but with no snow! Six boats made the start line for the second race in the summer series. Dan Jackson in his RS 800 and the five Ospreys of Rolly Squibbs and Marc Shepherd, Mike Stace and Deanna Morton, Paul Evenden and Anthea Paterson, Ted Lewis and Matt Goldwait and Alastair Mackay and Alastair Knibb. Mark Dashfield, in the rescue boat, set a port course, the upwind leg out at sea into the prevailing north-westerly wind. The erratic wind made for difficult sailing conditions and the lead changed many times.   The RS 800 and Rolly/Marc in their Osprey led off the line, hotly pursued by the rest of the fleet. Spinnakers were hoisted halfway down the first tight reach, but did not seem to improve speed much. On the first upwind leg, Ted/Matt made good ground and rounded the Windward mark in second position behind the RS 800.   On the following spinnaker reach positions were maintained and by the end of the second beat Ted/ Matt had a 60-yard lead over the other Ospreys, with the RS 800 ahead, but not far enough ahead to make up its handicap. The wind which had died then filled in from the rear and the fleet bunched. The hectic final spinnaker leg (or in the case of Paul/Anthea non spinnaker) saw all positions changed.  Paul Anthea led around the Leeward mark, followed by Mike/Deanna, Rolly/Marc and Ted/Matt all in close attendance.   The wind had shifted rendering the beat to a fetch and positions remained the same for the final two legs. Alastair/Alastair brought up the rear of the Osprey fleet, but sufficiently close to beat the RS 800 on handicap. Paul/Anthea were the victors, demonstrating the benefits of conservative and silent sailing. Safety boat/Tractor training

Fifteen TSC members attended volunteer training last Saturday, to be guided in the use of the club's upgraded safety boats and replacement shore tractor in preparation for the forthcoming busy sailing season. Participants were able to choose from a number of   subjects, including: basic and advanced powerboat handling; use of new engines and consoles; safety techniques, including dinghy righting, towing, etc; mark laying and course setting In addition, instruction was given in the use of the club's brand new mini tractor, including basic controls, driving techniques, towing and launching RIBs, daily wash downs and maintenance. The afternoon started with a welcome session from Mark Dashfield, TSC commodore, who stressed the value the club places on volunteers and how the club uses these training sessions to ensure that all volunteers are suitably trained. Mark Brace, TSC rear commodore, then proudly showed all attendees the controls of the new tractor and guided a number through a practical hands-on driving session. This was followed by Paul Evenden giving an on- shore briefing as to equipment and new engine arrangement on each of the clubs's fleet of safety boats. The participants then took to the water to enjoy two or more sessions in their chosen subjects. Paul Evenden, RYA powerboat instructor, ably assisted by Joe Hinchliffe, gave hands-on experience in basic and advanced boat handling, while Angelo Fecci, RYA club racing coach, assisted by Mike Stace as the unfortunate sailor who had capsized the club RS Vision (at least a dozen times in one afternoon!), gave demonstration in dinghy righting. Further out to sea, Mark Dashfield, RYA national race officer, gave  an insight into the art of mark laying and factors affecting course setting whilst the candidates laid a dummy club course and starting line. Thanks to all instructors for their valuable input, not forgetting on-shore help from Anthea Patterson for doing a fuel run and providing a welcome cup of tea as the crews returned to the clubhouse Many thanks to Ted Lewis and Mark Dashfield for the above contributions

Junior Training and points race

The first junior training session will take place next Wednesday at the usual time. The first Wednesday points race will also take place. Joy of joys! The first of the legendary Terry Evans BBQs will take place. What a prospect.

Junior Race Training

Commodore, Mark Dashfield, will be running a series of race training sessions on Saturday afternoons. The juniors taking part will be selected from the Wednesday training groups. The first of these will take place tomorrow (Saturday). All participants should gather at 1 pm.

Website

Just another reminder. Visit our website at http://www.tenbysailingclub.org.uk">www.tenbysailingclub.org.uk for up to date information! We have been sending out news etc by e-mail. A problem with the amount of e-mails which can be sent in one go has been encountered. Hence there may be a delay in receiving and sending of e-mails via the following route. The club asks for your patience in this matter. If you have not received anything from us recently by e-mail and wish to do so, please let us know by sending an e-mail to mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]. Great news! A new crew search facility has been added to the website. So, if you're looking for a crew, put your request in the appropriate area on the website. More great news - the new fixture list is now included on the site.

Darts

Guess what? We lost! The final match of the season did not end in a famous victory, but both opposition and club members enjoyed a very sociable evening. Many thanks to Blake Shaw for co-ordinating the evening in the absence of captain Terry Evans and vice-captain, Colin Parmenter. The order of the day is quite simple. Obligatory practice sessions will take place throughout the summer in order to try and end up above the bottom next season.

Annual Subscriptions

Annual subscriptions are now very overdue. Contact membership secretary Julia Dashfield, on 844918, for further details.

Important Dates

May 3/4: Open/Osprey meeting. This is a very friendly and welcoming club, which endeavours to involve all members in a variety of activities. If anyone would like to join us, now is an ideal time, especially with the discount still on offer. Contact any member who will be delighted to furnish you with further details.

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