Saundersfoot Sailing Club

SSC PRESS REPORT 12th MARCH 2010

Big Screen Rugby:

My report on the Wales France game last week was clearly affected by my disappointment with the result! as it referred to Wales Ireland which of course is the big one coming up tomorrow (Saturday). The game will be suitably garnished with the products of the bar and Wendy’s home-made broth. Hope to see you in the club for the 2.30pm start. The Scotland England match follows at 5pm.

Future fixtures:

Next week Wales play Italy at home at 2.30pm on the Saturday (20th). All are welcome to enjoy this last match in the pleasant atmosphere of the club. Refreshment will be available. The other matches that day are Ireland Scotland at 5pm and France England at 8.45pm.

Rules of Racing:

Tenby SC is holding a light hearted evening updating on the current rules of racing for dinghy sailors at 7.30 for 8pm tomorrow (Saturday). It will take the form of a quiz so should be enjoyable and instructive. They have kindly opened the event to SSC members so why not go along after the rugby.

Race Officer Assistants Ahoy!:

Another reminder to all of you who indicated that you could help with dinghy sailing on your application form, to attend the Race Officer training session on Saturday 27th March starting at 2.30pm
The preparation of this year’s rota of duties to run the club races has been very difficult – we must have new faces to assist with race management, please come on 27th if you can. Please contact Chris on 01437 541318 or Trevor on 01834 811235.

Working Party:

All welcome to help with preparations for the new season at 10am on Sunday 28th March. Any skill is acceptable or even just enthusiasm!

Membership Renewal:

Please keep your membership renewals rolling in. For any queries on membership please contact Trevor on 01834 811235 or email trevorsmith9@tiscali.co.uk,

Nautical Nips:

One of the favourite destinations for our cruiser sailors – Lundy Island – has just been designated as the UK’s first Maritime Conservation Zone. This follows on from the island’s designation as a Marine Nature Reserve and recognises the very special natural status of this area. Situated only some 32 miles away across the Bristol Channel this is a 6-7 hour voyage from Saundersfoot with anchorage available at all states of the tide and safe in winds from WSW to NW. Apart from the marine and island ecology there is also a pub, a castle and accommodation for those wishing to stay.
A remarkable combination of conditions two weeks ago (low tide, exceptionally clear visibility and sunny patches) resulted in the island appearing incredibly prominent on our southern horizon. From the Ridgeway above Manorbier the island looked as close as Caldey and even the Bull Point Lighthouse on the north Devon coast near Woolacombe north of Bideford could be clearly seen by the naked eye.

Skippers Mate

SSC PRESS REPORT 5th MARCH 2010

Bowling:

Time for arm exercises ready for the bowling tomorrow (Saturday) - meeting at Canaston Bowl at 5.45pm. Back to the club afterwards for eating and drinking exercises involving Wendy and Jackie’s excellent home made supper and drinks together with prize giving.

Big Screen Rugby:

An elite gathering watched the Wales Ireland game in the club last week. Those of you who had tickets to the match itself missed a really excellent meal provided by Wendy – many thanks again.
Ireland play Wales in Dublin at 2.30pm next Saturday 13 March and Wendy’s super soup will be available to help to fortify supporters and all are welcome to enjoy this important game in the pleasant atmosphere of the club.

Future fixtures:

Wales play Italy at home at 2.30pm on Saturday 20th March. This will again be shown in the club with home made nosh available.

Race Officer Training:

Another reminder to all of you who indicated that you could help with dinghy sailing on your application form to attend the Race Officer training session planned for Saturday 27th March. This will probably be an afternoon session starting 2.30pm but will confirm later.
We really need members to attend so that we have a larger group of people to help run the club racing and other sailing events - which are so important to club funds and which keep membership fees so modest. The preparation of this years rota of duties to run the club races has been very difficult – we must have new faces to assist with race management, please come on 27th if you can.

Prepare for the New Season:

Everyone is also invited to join the working party to help get everything ready for the new season at 10am on Sunday 28th March. The extended wintry weather makes it incredible that we plan to be sailing again on 4th April which is only four weeks away.

Membership Renewal:

Please keep your membership renewals rolling in. For any queries on membership please contact Trevor on 01834 811235 or email trevorsmith9@tiscali.co.uk,

Nautical Nips:

The annual RYA Volvo Dinghy Show is being staged at Alexandra Palace this weekend (Saturday 6th 10-6pm & Sunday 7th 10-5pm). There is always lots to see and enjoy at this event with boats, equipment, services and other tit bits. There are also many interesting and instructive demonstrations and coaching sessions, this year including - basic rig tuning, tips on sailing upwind and even one on posture and hiking out!

Skippers Mate

SSC PRESS REPORT 26th FEBRUARY 2010

Big Screen Rugby:

The Wales France match will be shown in the club at 8pm tonight (Friday). Wendy will be providing her excellent cuisine before the match so no need to get a meal at home, just come along and enjoy the whole evening. Everybody welcome.
This will be followed tomorrow (Saturday) by the Italy Scotland match at 2.30pm and England Ireland at 4pm. The bar will again be open for refreshment.

Future fixtures:

Ireland play Wales in Dublin at 2.30pm on Saturday 13 March and Wales play Italy at home at 2.30pm on Saturday 20th March.
Wendy’s super soup will help to lubricate the vocal support and all are welcome to enjoy these games in the club.

Bowling:

Bowling at Canaston Bowl is booked for 6-7pm on Saturday 6th March with a meal back at the club afterwards. Please arrive at Canaston by 5.45pm. We need to know numbers so please book with Wendy on 01834 813324.

Flower Show:

A trip to the renowned Flower Show in Bute Park Cardiff is being arranged for those interested on Saturday 14th April. Coach departs Saundersfoot at 8am and there will be opportunity to get into the centre of Cardiff as well as the flower Show during the day. Cost to include bus and flower show is £21.
In order to reserve places on the coach please telephone Wendy on 01834 813324. She needs to know by next Thursday - 4th March please.

Sail Training:

For information about sail training please contact Tina on her new mobile number 07813 472399

Membership Renewal
Please keep your membership renewals rolling in. For any queries on membership please contact Trevor on 01834 811235 or email trevorsmith9@tiscali.co.uk,

Skippers Mate

SSC PRESS REPORT 19th FEBRUARY 2010

Big Screen Rugby:

Scotland deserved their prospective win at 70 minutes but what a finale from Wales right at the end of the match last Saturday. The whole club erupted as the last try was scored. The euphoria even woke up one member who had slept blissfully through all the earlier play – perhaps she will be more interested in rugby when she is two! Wendy’s super soup was a sell-out and everyone (no Scotsmen were present) went home having spent a great afternoon.
More opportunities to enjoy the benefits of the club will be next week when Wales play France at 8pm on Friday (26th) followed on the Saturday with Italy Scotland at 2.30pm and England Ireland at 4pm.

The New Season Beckons:

The traditional start of the new season is the Fitting Out Supper and this will be held on Saturday 3rd April and we hope that the club will be full to bursting that night. Details of the season’s programme are on the website - www.saundersfootsailingclub.org.uk.

Race Officer Transfusion:

New blood is needed - but pleasure not pain is on offer! We need more members to help run races so please consider joining the course for Race Officers on Saturday 27th March. No previous experience necessary. Please contact Chris on 01437 541318 or Malcolm on 01994 448383 or by email – details on the website.

Sail Training:

Correction to last week’s information on dinghy training - Beginners training starts with an on-shore session on 5th June followed by 5 sessions “on the water” – weather permitting. Contact Tina for more information on 01834 812383 or 07979 893344.

Darts Withdrawn:

The darts friendly against Tenby SC planned for 26th February has had to be cancelled – maybe they heard about our playing skills!! For next winter it would be good to establish a darts team to play on a regular basis (and develop our skills).

Bowling:

It is hoped to reinstate the postponed bowling event followed by food back at the club on Saturday 6th March so please make a note in your diary and let Wendy (01834 813324) know if you would like to come.

Friday Nights:

The club remains open every Friday night from 8pm and members who do not normally join this gathering are warmly invited for a drink or two and to exchange some yarns with the old salts who regularly enjoy this evening at the club.

Membership Renewal:

Please keep your membership renewals rolling in. Trevor has held back renewal documents so that other information about club activities can be distributed at the same time, so don’t worry if you have not had confirmation back as quickly as you were expecting. For any queries on membership please contact Trevor on 01834 811235 or email trevorsmith9@tiscali.co.uk,

Nautical Nips:

The poser last week asked about different square rigged sails. On a “square-rigger”, the many sails had names which indicated their vertical position on the mast. The lowest square sail was the course, the next sail up the mast was called the topsail, the next the topgallant sail. Some vessels shipped a fourth sail called the royal, above the other three. Sometimes a vessel might put out studding sails which would be fixed outboard of these sails along the yards. You can see from this why we prefer Bermudian rigs nowadays. Instructing novices to rig Topper sails is quite enough!

Skippers Mate

SSC PRESS REPORT 12th FEBRUARY 2010

Sail Training:

Anyone interested in learning to sail at Saundersfoot this season is invited to contact Tina on 01834 812383 or 07979 893344.
Our Training Centre is certified & approved by sailing’s official body - the RYA, and we offer courses for different levels from total beginners to dinghy racing. All sessions are held on Saturdays at times dictated by the tides.
Beginners training operates through June and early July starting with an on-shore session on 12th June followed by 5 sessions “on the water” (weather permitting).
To build on this initial training, an intensive sailing week is available early in the summer holidays (late July) to help individuals progress into our Sunday club racing. Special novice trophies & awards are an added incentive to enhance enjoyment further.
For “improvers” who have some previous training or experience an earlier course of 6 week sessions starts on 10 April and participants in this training are encouraged to gain experience with our regular Sunday sailing.
Parents are also warmly encouraged to get involved or indeed learn to sail if so desired and it is good to see a number of enthusiastic sailing families now in the club who started in this way.

2010 Sailing Programme:

The new season programme is looking as enticing as ever with a total of 45 planned Sunday races comprising the Warm-Up, Mid Season, Late Season and Frostbite Series. We are also planning “Social Sailing Sessions” on Bank Holiday Mondays which will be fun events for all which do not count for points in the Sunday Series. There will also be a special “Water Outing” for all craft and all skill levels on Sunday 13 June with a passage to a secret (as yet) destination plus games and beach BBQ/picnic.
The detailed sailing programme is being distributed with membership renewal information. Any queries to Chris please on 01437 541318.

Sailing Support:

As mentioned previously we depend upon club members to help run the racing programme and a rota is being prepared for safety cover and race management. We urgently need more help for the latter function and we invite anyone who might be willing to help to get in touch with Chris on 01437 541318. Race Officer duty is not an onerous chore but quite rewarding, good fun and sometimes entertaining. In support of this need we will be running a course for Race Officers on Saturday 27th March.

Celtic Challenge with Cawl:

Wales are playing Scotland in the club tomorrow (Saturday) KO at 2pm - on the big screen of course! Wendy’s superb home-made soup will add to the usual benefits of good viewing, good brew and good cheer. Whatever the rugby, the afternoon will be better in the club!

Darting and Rugby:

Our return darts match with Tenby coincides with the Wales France match on Friday 26th February. Kick-off is 8pm with first arrows flighted at about the same time. So there is certainly much to visit the club for that night and possibly some real ale to lubricate proceedings as well! Wendy will be offering up some of her excellent home cooked food so the scene is set for a full and enjoyable evening.

Curried Bowling:

It is hoped to reinstate the postponed bowling event fortified by curries back at the club on Saturday 6th March so please make a note in your diary and let Wendy (01834 813324) know if you would like to come.

Membership Renewal:

Please keep your membership renewals rolling in especially if you want to get into the club! The front door lock number has been changed for security and members will automatically receive the new code when they renew.
Contact Trevor on 01834 811235 or email trevorsmith9@tiscali.co.uk, if not.

Nautical Nips:

Last week there were some snippets about the origins of Bermudian sails. The square sail rigs which preceded them had become very complex with multi masts and many sails all of which had specific names. Thank goodness we do not have the problems of setting such sails every week at the club, but do you know the essential difference between course, topsail, topgallant and royal sails and where do studding sails fit into the picture ?

Skippers Mate

SSC PRESS REPORT 5th FEBRUARY 2010

2010 Weather:

Have we seen the last of the extreme conditions at the start of the year? The picture shows ice moving up on the tide on the River Taf near Laugharne in early January. Difficult to believe we should be sailing again in a few weeks time!

Big screen Rugby:

Ireland vs. Italy at 2.30 and England vs. Wales at 5pm tomorrow (Saturday). Enjoy the rugby in good company in the club with good food (Wendy’s home-made chilli), good drinks and good cheer.

Social Evening with Tenby SC:

On Friday 26th February we are hosting Tenby SC for a return darts match and social evening in the club from 7.30pm. Food will be available. All members are invited to come for an enjoyable evening.

Sailing Programme:

The sailing programme for the coming season will be available shortly. Our activities as always depend upon the support of everyone to undertake the necessary duties to run races and organise events and this indeed provides fun and pleasure for those contributing - so do please offer your help even if you don’t wish to sail. Contact Chris Bannister on 01437 541318 or at contact@bizzyplay.com or any committee member for more information. Committee contact details are on the website www.saundersfootsailingclub.org.uk.

Nautical Nips:

Even landlubbers will be familiar with the triangular sails which dominate the sailing boats of today. The development of this sail arrangement is thought to have begun with fore-and-aft rigged boats built by a Dutch-born Bermudian in the 17th Century.
The design was very useful on the gusty Bermudian waters for the boats that were the mainstay of transport around the archipelago into the 20th Century. The mean wind direction is from the West, and as the islands lie in a line near to the wind, the ability to sail upwind, to the West was vital. Whilst the basic rig design has remained essentially the same, the development of new materials especially in the last few decades, has resulted in great advances of sail efficiency.
The old square rigged systems can still be experienced on the number of Tall Ships which are available for sail training and which have been enjoyed by a number of Saundersfoot Sailing Club members.

Skippers Mate

SSC PRESS REPORT 29th JANUARY 2010

Club Access:

The access code for the front door of the club has been changed for security reasons. The new code will be advised to members with their renewal documents for the new season.

Big screen Rugby:

The first matches are Ireland vs. Italy at 2.30 and England vs. Wales at 5pm on Saturday 6th February. Members are invited to enjoy the atmosphere of these games in the clubhouse with the additional incentive of the bar and Wendy’s home made chilli.

Future Social Events:

Friday 26th February darts match and social evening in the club from 7.30pm. Food will be available. This is bound to be a very entertaining event judging from the first away leg.
Also in February it is hoped to hold a wine and cheese evening on a Saturday – date to be advised.

Membership Renewal:

Please keep your membership renewals rolling in. All membership categories are very good value this year after no increases for several years and the £5 Social Membership looks a particular bargain with all the benefits it provides for less than a single round of drinks.
Contact Trevor on 01834 811235 or email trevorsmith9@tiscali.co.uk, if not.

Nautical Nips:

In recent years the National Solo has become an increasingly popular boat at Saundersfoot. Last year a total of eight Solos competed in the Sunday racing. Designed by Jack Holt in 1956, the National Solo dinghy is a classic, one-design, single-handed boat with a Portsmouth Yardstick (its handicap rating) of 1155.
While quite lively it is not as physically demanding as a Laser or many of the other single crew designs. It is available in wood, composite or fibreglass and developments in rig technology mean that it can be sailed competitively by helms from nine and a half to sixteen stones.

Skippers Mate

SSC PRESS REPORT 22nd JANUARY 2010

First Aid Course:

There could be the odd place left at the last minute for this course to be held tomorrow (Saturday) 9am start. Please contact Trevor on 01834 811235 or turn up with a slice of humble pie or a good late admission excuse.

Bowling vs. International Rugby:

Owing to the distractions of the weather during the booking period, the Bowling evening scheduled for tomorrow – Saturday, has had to be cancelled. This used to be a very popular outing – if you are interested in re-instating a bowling evening please let Wendy Bower (01834 813324) or John Hollies (01994 427767) know.
However to compensate, the International Rugby will be shown on the big screen in the club on Saturday 6th February. Ireland vs. Italy at 2.30 and the big one - England vs. Wales at 5pm. The promised chilli will be served that evening to enhance the atmosphere so all rugby enthusiasts please contact Wendy Bower on 01834 813324 or wendybower@ntlworld.com so that we have an idea of numbers.

Nautical Nips:

Last week’s poser was why the Atlantic Ocean is so called. Some say it was named after the legendary city of Atlantis, whilst others claim that it is after the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.

Skippers Mate

SSC PRESS REPORT 15th JANUARY 2010

Frostbite Series:

How aptly named this seems in the current weather although in fact the whole Series was actually sailed in pretty mild and reasonable conditions. Certainly there was a very good turnout with eleven keen competitors including four relative novices whom it was particularly good to see participating outside the “normal” season.
A total of six races were sailed and more cancellations resulted from too little wind than because of seriously adverse weather. There was strong competition for the top places with only a few points between the top half of the field. The Club Champion for the main-season, Peter Bower in the Phantom, continued his success by taking three first places and one second, thus winning the Frostbite Series. Keith Jones in his Laser was runner-up just two points behind, with Paul Johnson in his Solo a close third. Tim Harrison in a Topper achieved fourth place with some very consistent finishes. Congratulations to all the other competitors and particular thanks to Graham Wellman for his regular undertaking of safety cover and race officer duties.

First Aid Course:

There are a few places still available - anyone wishing to attend the first aid course on Saturday 23rd January please contact Trevor on 01834 811235 or email trevorsmith9@tiscali.co.uk.

Bowling vs. International Rugby:

Owing to the distractions of the weather the Bowling evening scheduled for Saturday 23rd January has had to be cancelled.
However to compensate, the International Rugby will be shown on the big screen in the club on Saturday 6th February. Ireland vs. Italy at 2.30 and the big one - England vs. Wales at 5pm. The promised chilli will be served that evening to enhance the atmosphere so all rugby enthusiasts please contact Wendy Bower on 01834 813324 or wendybower@ntlworld.com so that we have an idea of numbers.

Membership Renewal:

Whilst the freezing weather may not have been widely welcomed, the freeze of subscription rates for membership to the club will have universal appeal. No excuse therefore not to return your application form if you have received one or contact Trevor on 01834 811235 or email trevorsmith9@tiscali.co.uk, if not. Early renewal and payment is always helpful to the club.

Nautical Nips:

The “Great Ocean” was renamed as the Pacific Ocean by Spanish sailors because of the fine weather they experienced on the coast of Peru. However other parts of this vast ocean contradict the name.
Whilst on the origins of names do you know why the Atlantic is so called?

Skippers Mate

SSC PRESS REPORT 8th JANUARY 2010

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL READERS

New Years Eve Banquet:

To promote a dinner of three courses and then deliver a gourmet banquet of five, is a pretty infallible recipe for success! This was indeed the experience of the New Year’s Eve event which was enjoyed by a full clubhouse of indulging members. This magnificent repast was prepared by Wendy Bower and extended family to whom we are all extremely thankful. I cannot recall a desire to be committed to a residential home before, but I can only presume that the inhabitant’s of our new Social Secretary’s previous residential home must have enjoyed culinary delights beyond compare and which I would be very happy to participate in. (I trust readers will however refrain from wishing my speedy removal to such an institution - thank you!)

The club looked a “million dollars” with its Christmas decorations and creative table settings. It was a cosy retreat from the bleak easterlies and freezing temperatures outside. Some excellent wines were served to compliment the top quality food and a great atmosphere prevailed to see off the old year and welcome the new. The grandstand view of the usual spectacular fireworks rounded off a great evening.

New Years Day:

New Year’s morning dawned crisp and cloudless with a deceptive warm sun which however can have had little effect upon water temperatures except perhaps to make the water feel relatively even colder. Despite, or because of, the beautiful morning, the usual amazing numbers of insane lemmings competed for spaces to stand shivering on the edge of a windswept beach and then be driven into the icy sea by the maddening cries from stewards and spectators. This ancient ritual never ceases to amaze. I wonder if the recipient charities benefitting from this wild activity can have any real idea of the mad motivation they seem to have generated. Despite their need for early committal, many congratulations to all the participants for providing such a spectacle and raising an excellent sum for good causes.

First Aid Course:

It seems a relevant sequitur from the previous item to remind everyone that a basic first aid course has been arranged for those wanting this useful skill or to update their existing qualification on Saturday 23rd January starting at 9.30am in the Clubhouse.

Bowling and Chilli Evening:

This is booked for Saturday 23rd January - meet at Canaston Bridge at 6.45pm for bowling at 7pm and then back to the club for food and drink. Bookings please to Wendy Bower on 01834 813324 or wendybower@ntlworld.com.

Future Social Events:

During February we have a visit from Tenby Sailing Club members for a return darts match and pleasant social evening on Friday 26th and the intention to hold a wine and cheese evening on a Saturday night yet to be arranged. Further details later.

Membership Renewal:

It is that time of year again and you may well have received an invitation to renew by post already. Early application and payment is always appreciated.

Nautical Nips:

Last year at this time there were reports of the sea freezing along the south coast of England. A half-mile stretch along the shoreline reaching about 20 yards out to sea at the exclusive Sandbanks peninsula which stretches out into the harbour at Poole, Dorset, was frozen. With temperatures here around -9*C on 4th January, maybe we will see some ice on the Saundersfoot sands.
The temperature at which sea water freezes depends upon the varying salt content. Typical sea water can freeze at only about -2*C (if there were no movement) and it is interesting that the ice so formed has a low salt content sometimes even to allow it to be drinkable.

Skippers Mate

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