Come and Try Weekend

Ten enthusiastic trainees turned up on Friday evening for their introduction to sailing. Instructors Blake Shaw and Mark Dashfield gave brief talks on the rudiment of sailing before demonstrating how to rig a dingy. Saturday saw the still enthusiastic trainees turn up keen to take to the water. Alas, the conditions were such that no sailing could take place. Blake and Mark gave further talks and showed a video of sailing techniques before inviting the trainees to a 'land based' hands-on experience of our RS Vision. After the morning session, all were treated to a Terry Evans lunch.

Sunday morning arrived with a slight abatement in conditions. The decision was made to split the trainees into groups and go for a sail in three cruisers. Ed Dashfield provided the transport to the yacht, an experience in itself. With reefed mains the trainees experienced first hand the thrills of sailing in strong winds. However, with the seas being rather 'lumpy' some of the trainees suffered from the dreaded 'mal de mer'. A hot cop of tea soon put thing right. After about two hours on the water, all were treated to another Terry Evans lunch experience.

The weather, as usual, played its part in denying any dinghy sailing, but all agreed the weekend had been worth the effort. Thanks to all who contributed to the weekend.

As a follow up, our commodore, Mark Dashfield, will be offering training for adults on Saturday afternoons by prior arrangement. Any trainees interested should contact Mark on 844918. The first session will take place, weather permitting tomorrow at noon.

Wednesday, May 13

A grey evening with a light south south-easterly breeze greeted the competitors for the second Wednesday night race of the club summer series.

Six Ospreys took to the water with first appearances in the fleet for Nick Berridge and Richard John and a second appearance for Luke Smith and Matthew Davies. Also on the water, but not competing, was the brand new 49er of Tommy D'Ortez and Connor Keohane creating a good deal of interest amongst the sailors. This is the fastest sailing dinghy available carrying an enormous mainsail and a spinnaker requiring both helm and crew to trapeze. This boat was actually used at the Olympics in China last year.

Edward Dashfield race officer set a modest triangular course with a deadbeat upwind to start.

Most of the fleet started on starboard heading out to sea except Paul Evenden and Anthea Paterson, at the rear on the start line, started on port heading towards Caldey.

A long leg towards Caldey was a tactic that paid off and they reached the windward mark in close contention with Mike Stace and Deanna Morton.

On the second, beat Paul and Anthea's superior boat speed and similar tactics saw them take first place which they maintained to the end of the race. Behind them there was some jousting for position, but positions didn't really change after the first beat because her of the limited tactical alternatives available. At the finish, it was Paul and Anthea followed by Mike and Deanna and then Rolly and Marc.

After the race, Paul Evenden denied any knowledge of a measure tapes or tactical settings. It was agreed to start a collection for Richard John to acquire some shoes for his leisure use! Luke and Matt, having had a couple of warm up races, promised to break out of their number one sails including a spinnaker for the remainder of the season.

Jam Evening

Monday jam session was superb with several local musicians and musicians from afar as Cardiff taking part. The music was of a high standard with many of the participants demonstrating their skill on more than one instrument. An appreciative audience was treated to a splendid evening of music. Many thanks to Will Scott and Terry Evans for coordinating the event. The next session will take place on Monday, June 15. Don't miss it, it's the place to be!

Cruiser Racing

There have been three cruiser races in varying conditions. The results to date are as follows:

Race 1: John Griffiths in yacht Tejeda; Roy Lawrence in yacht Astra; Rolly Squibbs in yacht Beagle.

Race 2: Dan Jackson in yacht Artful Dodger; Rolly Squibbs in yacht Beagle; Mike Stace in yacht Sibling.

Race 3: Roy Lawrence in yacht Astra; Rolly Squibbs in yacht Beagle: John Griffiths in yacht Tejeda.

Junior Training

Over 20 youngsters turned up for the usual junior training session on Wednesday commencing at 5.30 pm using the club Optimists, Teras, Toppers and Fevas. Thanks to all the helpers who prepared the boats and manned the five safety boats. This was followed by the universally acclaimed Terry Evans BBQ. Further sessions are planned every Wednesday, weather permitting.

VHF Usage

The RNLI just had a new member join a local RNLI Sea Safety team who has just retired from the Milford Haven Coastguard Operations room. He has a great deal of expertise in VHF radios and also runs courses to gain the necessary operator's certificate.

His name is Keith John and he has offered to do talks to local clubs on VHF which will include a run down of how DSC works - useful as an introduction to anyone considering upgrading to DSC (especially relevant as quality sets have now dropped well below the £100 mark) or as a refresher for anyone who did their DSC course a while ago. I'm delighted to announce that Keith has confirmed he can do Friday, May 29, at 7.30 pm. Members and friends are welcome

Annual Subscriptions

Annual subscriptions are very, very, very overdue. Would members please note. We have some major capital spends scheduled, hence the plea.

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 is still on offer. Contact any member who will be delighted to furnish you with further details.

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