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Carols and Mince Pies: A great time was enjoyed by all those attending this festive gathering last Saturday. Many thanks to all the helpers, choristers and organisers. There was mulled wine and mince pies in abundance and Tenby’s answer to King’s College was excellent even if the sopranos missed the bus. Christmas Eve: New Year’s Eve: New Year’s Day: Committee Matters: Contacts: Saundersfoot Harbour Commission: As has been reported elsewhere the new Harbour Commissioners have now been appointed and are active. We are delighted that David McDermott is one of the new Commissioners and the Club looks forward to continuing close relations with the new Body. A new Advisory Committee which will advise the Commissioners is to be formed to represent the interests of all stakeholders and John Griffiths has been nominated to represent our interests on this Committee. Nick Berridge has been appointed by the RYA to represent their interests. An early action of the new SHC was to identify that their financial situation “was not sustainable” and stringent measures affecting mooring fees have been announced. Many berth holders have been dismayed by the sharply increased new charges set for 2012 and the proposal to further increase these over the next two years. The proposed mechanism whereby such measures would normally be evolved is the Advisory Committee but this has regrettably not yet been formed. However SSC Officers have been active in taking up these issues with SHC in the meantime and we will report further as matters progress. Coppet Week 2012:
Dinner Dance December 9th 2011: The Annual Dinner was held at the Merlewood Hotel on December 9th and an excellent evening all round – well cooked, nicely served, the Double Dragon in fine condition and last but not least well organised down to the finest detail – e.g. place names which reminded everybody what they had ordered - always a recipe for confusion if neglected. Full marks to Jacqui and Anne-Marie for some smart organisation. Some previous events had followed dinner with something called a disco, a display of strange sounds delivered molto molto fortissimo and which reduced the likes of Ancient Mariner to lip reading. For years he threatened to wear ear defenders. This year such fears were groundless as Rob Talboys put on a very passable simulation of a day at the races, with Ivan Littlewood acting the part of Honest John – so honest that he appeared to be out of pocket at the end of the evening. A thoroughly good opener to the Festive Season. A Final Reminder of the Festive Season Programme Carols and mince pies December 17th from 7pm: This promises to be a fun musical evening as we sing-along-a-Huw and his chorister friends to all the best carols. And if you can’t bring a singing voice, bring an extra mince pie! Christmas Eve 24th December: The bar will be open from 8.30pm for your pre-Christmas wind-down. Bring your friends and family and enjoy a relaxing evening with us in a present-wrapping free zone. New Year’s Eve: What better place in Saundersfoot to view the fabulous fireworks that usher in the New Year than our own club house? The bar will be open from 8pm with complimentary bucks fizz at midnight. New Year’s Day: Come along for a pre-swim coffee in the club with warming soup and/or mulled wine on sale at lunchtime. We’re open from 10.30am. Sail Training 2012: To govern is to foresee, and nobody can accuse our Sail Training force of being backward looking. In 2011, Sail Training had a very successful season and many of our improvers and beginners started taking part in club racing. We will be starting Improvers sessions again in April 2012 - details to be confirmed. We will be starting a Beginners Group in June,2012. Sail Training is open to anyone from the age of 8. We like to encourage families to get involved whether on the water or onshore and we are an RYA training centre with RYA qualified instructors. If you would like to have further details please contact Tina: 07813472399. If anyone would like to get involved in helping during training sessions on the water or onshore please get in touch. All help is warmly welcomed. Ancient Mariner Photo Caption Amid the gloom, a pre-view of better things to come - Coppet
Week 2012. Spot the Awkward Squad - there is always one who knows
best.
T'was a Famous Victory: Over the years, Saundersfoot Sailing Club has suffered many defeats on the water at the hands of Tenby Sailing Club. Something had to be done to redress the balance. Cometh the hour, cometh the men (and lady captain) of the SSC darts team to score a narrow victory over Tenby in the closing stages of the home fixture on Friday 2nd December. In years to come this will be celebrated as the Alamein in the fortunes of our bid for sporting honours. Congratulations to Wendy Bower and the rest of the team.
Social Events for December, Christmas and
the New Year: This promises to be a fun musical evening as we sing-along-a-Huw
and his chorister friends to all the best carols. In the true
Christmas spirit, you always bring lots of mince pies and festive
nibbles with you so please do the same this year. The bar will be open from 8.30pm for your pre-Christmas wind-down.
Bring your friends and family and enjoy a relaxing evening with
us in a present-wrapping free zone. What better place in Saundersfoot to view the fabulous fireworks
that usher in the New Year than our own club house? The bar will
be open from 8pm with complimentary bucks fizz at midnight. And
if you want to bring champagne and nibbles as well we won’t
stop you! Come along for a pre-swim coffee in the club with warming soup and/or mulled wine on sale at lunchtime. We’re open from 10.30am. And our best wishes for a speedy recovery to our tireless Press Officer Skipper's Mate. Ancient Mariner Photo Caption : Club champion Paul Griffiths also does Acceptance
Speeches and Moving Oratory rather well.
Our stalwart Press Officer Skippers Mate is braving the rigours of hospital for a few days so the ever-pliant Ancient Mariner has been volunteered to take up his pen and do the business. No phones have been hacked in the preparation of this article. Annual Prizegiving: To encourage attendance with the promise of food, the Annual Prizegiving is usually combined with the Laying Up Supper. In Sailing Club parlance, the Laying Up Supper follows on from the Fitting Out Supper by the shortest possible interval of time and defines the span of the sailing season. This year's event on Saturday 27th November attracted a good attendance of trenchers who devoured a delicious offering of lamb shanks with alacrity, but the other purpose of the meeting – to give out prizes - was somewhat curtailed by the absence of many prize takers – all marked down AWOL and we know where they live. A laudable feature of Saundersfoot Sailing Club for many years has been its investment of time, money and enthusiasm in training the next generation of sailors and 2011 has been no exception. Note the tendency for whole families to get involved. RYA Certificates Awarded 2011: Beginners: Ian Rees Level 1/2, Jared Rees Stage 1/2, Joel Rees Stage 1/2, Gwen Llewellyn-Jones Stage 1/2, Tobyn Foster Stage 1/2, Phillip Barlow Level 1/2, Maria Myers Level 1/2, Jack Moss Level 1/2, Lowri Butterworth Stage 1/2, Huw Butterworth Stage 1/2, Sean Williams Stage 1/2, Taryn Williams Stage 1/2, Lowri Luxton Stage 1/2, Cadi Luxton Stage 1/2, David Rowe Level 1/2, James Crowney, Level 1/2, Daniel Davies Level 1/2, Joshua Elliot Stage 1/2, Aled Llewellyn-Jones Stage 1/2 Improvers: Chris Wood Stage 3, Ian Myers Start Racing, Aline Myers Start Racing, William Myers Stage 3/Start Racing, Harry Myers Stage 3/Start Racing, Rosie Myers Start Racing Dinghy/ Cruiser Prizewinners Annual General Meeting: In previous years, it was often a struggle to drum up a quorum for the AGM but no such problem this year – almost standing room only. There is an infusion of new blood into the Club. All activities- racing, training, kayaking, cruising, social events, the darts team – all have an air of purpose, and in these days of economic gloom and doom, it is nice to be debating the affairs of a club with a healthy bank balance, a healthy annual surplus and optimism about the future. Full marks to all who made this possible and a well deserved round of applause for Saundersfoot's multi-purpose, multi-tasking bosun Graham Wellman who continues to be everywhere fixing everything. Officers for 2012: President: Rolfe John Commodore: David James Vice Commodore: vacant Secretary Martin: Andrews Treasurer: Huw Stiley Sailing Captain: Graham Wellman Bosun: Graham Wellman Sail Training Principal: Malcolm Williams Membership Secretary: Jackie Riby Social Secretary: Anne-Marie Littlewood House Manager: Rob Tallboys Press Officer: John Hollies Committee members: Ivan Littlewood and Hugh Morris Trustee: Roger Howells The existing Trustees are: Rolfe John and John Griffiths
and a special thanks to all who honoured the passing of the old order by electing Rolfe John as President and Mr and Mrs Ancient Mariner as Life Members.
Frostbite: The whole of this late series has been very well attended and for last Sunday’s final two races of the season we again had ten boats on the start line. The weather conditions provided a challenging sail for all with several capsizes and broken bits. Graham as OOD set a Monkstone. Pendine, Harbour course in a SE force 2-3 with a large (for Saundersfoot) swell. Thanks to Huw and Martin who were riding patrol. The first race saw the two Phantoms take the lead with the rest of the fleet close behind. Final results 1st Peter Bower (Phantom), 2nd Nick Berridge (Phantom), 3rd Paul Griffiths (Solo). Young Harry Myers had his first sail in his Topper, a very wet experience in the swell! The second race only saw three boats braving it out on the start - confusion over whether or not there was a second race, the cold and broken bits saw the rest of the fleet retire to the dinghy park to revert to dry land sailors for the rest of the year. The results were 1st Paul Griffiths (Solo), 2nd Dave Plester (Laser), 3rd Nick Berridge (Phantom) This was an excellent event to end the year on with a close and
very stimulating sail enjoyed by the competitors and a good spectacle
for the hardy onlookers along the quay. Laying up Supper: AGM: Social Programme: Skippers Mate
Frostbite: No frostbite racing in the programme last Sunday, the last two races of the season start at 12 noon this Sunday. Darts: Last Friday was a cup game against Tenby Bowling Club who exhibited their prowess by dropping only one match. Tony Phillips was our winning hero, but all the team kept in pretty close touch and we were not bowled over despite their title! This Friday we are at home to Castle A who are near the top of the league so we shall have to be on our mettle. Laying up Supper: Festive Feast: Round Caldey Race: Nautical Nip:
Frostbite: Two good races were expertly run last Sunday by Graham and Tom with Huw patrolling the fleet. A total of 9 boats gathered on the water in a gentle force 3. A fantastic sunny day was a reminder of how good summers can be but with the sea temperature reminding everyone why it is called the frostbite series! The first race was a Monkstone, Pendine, Harbour course. Results were 1st Nick Berridge (Phantom), 2nd Paul Griffiths (Solo), 3rd Chris Bannister (Blaze) The second race followed the same course with the wind dropping towards the end of the race. Results were 1st Nick Berridge (Phantom), 2nd Peter Bower (Phantom), 3rd Chris Bannister (Blaze) The sun had gone down by the time the racing was finished, with the temperature dropping along with the wind, a good sail was had by all. Next race is on the 20th November, last chance before the end of the season. Darts: Last week we went down to Tudor Lodge at Jameston but again enjoyed a pleasant evening despite the defeat. Peter Bower was conscripted at the last moment to make up numbers and despite constant denials of any ability at the sport as he was dragged to the board, managed to win his match. Veterans David James and Martin Andrews also won their doubles so were not too shame-faced. This Friday we play in a cup match at Tenby Bowling club and may well encounter Tenby Sailing Club so we are sharpening the points! Laying up Supper: Christmas Dinner:
Skippers Mate
Frostbite: No racing last Sunday- the next two Frostbite races are this Sunday with a 2pm start. Last week’s report was incorrect in stating that these concluded the series – the final races are in a fortnight on Sunday 20th – weather willing.  Lining up for the start on a beautiful summers day - now there's a pleasant reminiscence! Darts: A really colourful match was enjoyed at home last Friday. We played Evergreen and we were Whitewashed - so no revelations there!! Everyone went home happily satiated with a home-made chilli if not fortified with a home win. Next week we’re hoping for better when we play Tudor Court at Jameston. Laying up Supper: Christmas Decorations:
AGM Reminder:
Frostbite: Surprise, surprise, no sailing last Sunday in the gale force winds! The last two Frostbite races are in a week’s time on Sunday 6th November with a 2pm start. Cruisers: The cruisers are now being lifted to their winter moorings in
front of the club and voyages will be replaced by reflections
in the clubhouse. There is scope to hold evenings on topics of
interest during the winter – any suggestions welcome. Heroes Wendy Bower and David James won their doubles and Will Myers his singles match to retrieve reasonable honour from a meeting with some very good darts players last week. Martin Andrews also achieved what we believe is our highest ever score of 147 retrieving his arrows too quickly for a national photo call! A further relief was that we avoided impaling any of the serving staff whose route from kitchen to restaurant crossed the line of throw!! This Friday we are at home against The Evergreen, Tenby who are near the top of the league …. perhaps we should feed them before the match as a ruse to deflect their aim! Christmas Dinner: AGM: Nautical Nip:
CYRCS: When we re-arranged the CYRCS to last Saturday we had not appreciated the possible clash with the Welsh appearance in the semi finals of the Rugby World Cup - a gross oversight!! Happily this was rapidly accommodated by delaying the start by 45 minutes to allow everyone to watch the match! After the disappointment of the result, the hollow feeling was soon dispelled by the distraction and stimulus of the racing under mainly sunny skies. There was a decent force 3 blowing in from the east against the tide, which meant quite a swell for the youngsters to contend with. A total of 14 boats comprising 7 Oppies, 5 Toppers and 2 Lasers came to the line for individual starts for each Class. Race Officer Alan Lambert in conjunction with Jaffa from the WYA set individual courses for the separate Classes. The convention of alerting boats who sailed over the line during the last minute before the start by a flag and whistle, meant there were no false starts. This is a convention that frustrated race officers might wish for with some of the over-eager adult fleets sometimes! Four good races were achieved with a few places changing hands in the mid fleet, but some very solid sailing performances by a number of the most accomplished young sailors at the front of the fleet. In the Oppies, Derwyn scored 3 firsts and Ben 3 seconds, but both were given a fright in the second race when they were pipped to the finish by the Bug sailed by SSC’s Harry Hinksman. Girl Power prevailed in the Toppers with Francesca skilfully gaining 4 firsts and with Kelly leading our own Will Myers in the Laser class. Both the wind and the sea conditions eased as the racing progressed but most of the youngsters maintained good concentration and motivation throughout and finished the CYRCS season with a good event. The seal of satisfaction was ensured with sausage and chips and a good natter in the clubhouse afterwards. Jaffa announced the results and summed up the season and Nick Berridge presented the prizes to round off a very satisfactory meeting. 
CYRCS sailors and mentors showing their obvious delight at the end of their last meeting of the season at SSC. Frostbite: Another good turnout with 11 boats on the water for the 9am start. This was a race to test the handicap system as we had nine different classes competing in the fleet of eleven boats! Tom took full control in the race box aided by Graham on the water. Thanks to both. A Pendine, Monkstone, Harbour course was set in a gentle force 2 and easy sailing conditions. The faster boats completed two laps and the slower classes just one. There were a few course variations at the finishing line – with some competitors confusing port and starboard in rounding the last mark, but all in all it was a fairly uneventful race. It was quite close at the front with Nick Berridge (Phantom) just taking the win from Mark & Debbie (Fireball) with Ian Myers (Bahia) not far behind in third. In the middle of the pack Tom & Ben (RS Feva) on corrected time finished just 5 seconds ahead of Mick (Laser II) – that’s after almost 3,000 seconds of racing! Overall, a most satisfying race for the second Frostbite of the Autumn. Sailors please note that the next two Frostbite races are THIS Sunday with a 2.30pm start (not in a fortnight’s time) Darts: Consistency was sadly maintained again last Friday against The Plough team when we failed to take a game, but spirits were undaunted and we live to dart another day retaining the hope of another win in the future. This Friday we are up against The Cross Inn at Penally. This is a great venue with excellent ales so there could be other consolations if results do not go our way!! Members Evening: Christmas Dinner: Laying Up Supper: AGM:
Frostbite: No sailing last Sunday (by design) and the next racing is this Sunday with an early 9am start. At the time of writing it looks like a gentle force 2 but not as warm as it has been. Darts: CYRCS: Members Evening: Christmas Dinner: Square-Rigged Bosun: Cuisine on Sea Fever:
Sunburn in the Frostbite Series? The dinghy park was full of sailors last Sunday to enjoy the Indian summer weather which was as good as any during the real summer period. This was of course for the first races of the questionably named “Frostbite Series” – the British weather maintaining its total unpredictability! A dozen boats came to the start and Race Officer Paul Johnson assisted by Huw in patrol, set a traditional Monkstone, Pendine, Harbour course for the first race in a light southerly force 2, but racing was slow due to decreasing wind. All 12 boats finished with Chris Bannister blazing a trail ahead of the rest to achieve a good win in his suitably named Blaze, with Mark & Debbie Tissiman (Fireball) second and Paul Griffiths (Solo) third. Paul then reverted to his previously created Monkstone, Amroth, Pendine, Harbour figure of eight course for the second intended race – what he was on in the starter’s box to enter this virtual reality world we have not discovered!! However the race was shortened due to lack of wind (or perhaps before the fleet tied itself up in knots!!). The Fireball crossed the new line at the Pendine mark with the Blaze not far behind in distance, but clearly unlikely to reach the line within the hour! So the race was abandoned with the Tissimans taking the win and the rest of the fleet getting a DNF (did not finsh). Regardless of the slow going everyone agreed that it was a great day to be on the water and catch the last of the weather. Next Frostbite: Late Season Series: Darts: Sea Fever turns Marie Celeste: CYRCS: Thank You Celebrations:
Club Sailing: Last Sunday morning dawned without any hint of a breeze but Mother Nature then drew breath and the wind strengthened all day until at the 4pm start of the race it was “quite nasty”. Whilst there were quite a few people at the Club only the most stalwart few took to the water. Race Officers were Martin and Paul with just three boats competing in this last race of the Late Series. Despite the conditions there were no dramas to report and the final results after handicap calculations were: First Phil & Mick (Laser 2000), second James (Topper) and third John (Topper). So now we have to do the number crunching to work out the overall results for the season some of which will be reported in a later newsletter but you will have to come to the Laying Up supper – 7.30pm Saturday 26th November - to learn the full outcome for the season.  Phil and Mike sailing under better conditions than last Sunday! Darts: Frostbite Series: CYRCS: Cruiser Winter Sailing: Skippers Mate
Club Sailing: Sadly the weather caused the postponement of the CYRCS last Saturday to another date (tbc) and the cancellation of the Sunday racing. The next club race is the last of the main season races and is
to be held at 4pm this Sunday weather willing. Darts: Winter Sailing: Nautical Nip:
Last Sunday’s Airborne Circuit: Winter felt as if it had arrived last week with dark oppressive days of mist, rain and strong gales as a result of the feisty females Irene, Katia and Maria storming across the Atlantic to our shores. Last week’s 4pm Saturday race (displaced from Sunday to allow all our sailors to participate in the Ironman event !) was thus faced with forecast winds of 5+ and gusts of near gale 7. Undaunted, our marine Ironmen faced the reality of gusty 5-6 south westerlies, and an enthusiastic line up of gung-ho members undertook a single race for the Jollity Cup (perhaps it should be re-named the Insanity Cup!). Ben Dancer (Laser) demonstrated his skill by completing three laps of the Pendine, Monkstone, Harbour course to deservedly take the win. Mick and Phil in the Laser 2000 took second place and also got round without capsizing, although they did have the top of the mast skimming the water quite a lot!! Daniel Davies (Topper) and Ian & Will Myers (Laser Bahia) battled valiantly with the extreme conditions but retired gracefully after a good battering without finishing. Graham as Race Officer remained grinning at the conditions alone in the race box whilst hoisting flags, clicking stop watches, blowing the hooter, recording times and operating the radio! Thanks also to Huw and Will who were on patrol. Club Racing: Darts: Regatta Fund Raising: Thank-you Evening Social: CYRCS:
Skippers Mate
SSC 2011 Regatta photos on Tony Charles flickr account. Please click here Regatta Relay Race: There was a modest turnout (we could have handled more) for the relay race on the Fun Saturday of the Regatta with experience ranging from considerable down to nil which made the prospects interesting! The race involved running down the beach, paddling or sailing through the surf and round a mark and back and then running back up the beach to “tag” the next member. Two teams of four undertook a kayak leg, an Oppie leg, a Topper leg and finished with another kayak leg. The Dashing Davies team involved just Sarah who did two kayak legs (never having been in a canoe ever before!) and Rob (a burly 6’ 2”) with Niamh folded into first an Oppie and then a Topper!! This was definitely a fun event with uproarious enjoyment but there was also serious competition between teams. The winners were the “A Team” (whose name suggested anticipation of the result and also reflected their level of competitiveness) comprising Ken, James Crowley, David Rowe & David Evans. They were presented with their prizes by Mandy Allsopp during the Sunday evening celebrations. Everyone entered into the spirit of this event and thanks to all for encouragement, holding boats in readiness, righting upturned craft and supporting competitors throughout. 
Kayak leg of the regatta relay race.
Monday Round Caldey Cruiser Race: Last Sunday’s Club Race: Next Club Racing Skippers Mate
Regatta Report: Wow What a Weekend !! All our events went off really well and a large number of members, visitors and locals participated and seemed to enjoy themselves which was the whole point of the exercise. This surely must have been a good contribution to the Community and we would welcome any views or comments so that we can do even better next year. Saturday Fun Day: There was also a copious amount of water shifted in the Really Wet Race accompanied by quite a lot of screaming and intense competition. The obstacle race was very ingenious and also popular. Less so was the tug of war to start with, but as a few people picked up the rope many others were lured in and a number of friendly tugs were undertaken but not a serious competition. We used an 80 metre rope and there was not a lot of space on it towards the end but there was so much rushing about we failed to count the total number of tuggers. Having researched the Guinness Book of Records we would not have come close however as a Dutch event attracted some 1100 people on the same rope!! The sand castles were fabulous and congratulations to all the skilled sand architects and builders. Mandy Allsopp, Chair of the Community Council, had a real task judging the winners. Overall the Fun Day seemed a big success and many thanks go to our members who thought it all out and put it into practise so efficiently.
Spinnaker Training: Club Racing: Skippers Mate
Club Racing: A great turnout this Sunday with 12 boats on the start line, including three of this year’s sail trainees who took out the club Toppers and had a great sail. Martin Andrews was our officer of the day kindly helped by Karen from Tenby (she is one of those valiant Mum’s who drive all over the country with a dinghy in tow to support her son Jonathan who is in the Welsh squad with Ben Dancer – whose mum does just the same!). All went well apart from the hooter button breaking leaving guesswork on the start line - the moral being, you should always look at the flags! Nigel Dancer and John Roberts were in charge of patrol with David and Anna Rollason assisting. A brisk force 2-3 blowing from the NW provided good racing with the first race (Amroth, Monkstone, Harbour) seeing the 2 Lasers only 15 seconds apart. Final results after handicap adjustments: 1st Peter Bower (Phantom), 2nd Paul Griffiths (Solo), 3rd Ben Dancer (Laser) closely followed by Jonathan from Tenby. The second race was Monkstone, Pendine, Amroth, Harbour (see what Paul Johnston has started, we will be sailing all sorts of complicated patterns soon!) The results: 1st Peter Bower (Phantom), 2nd Ben Dancer (Laser), 3rd Paul Griffiths (Solo)
Club Racing: A revolution erupted in the racing last Sunday with Paul Johnson, spurred on by Mick Lightwood deciding on a figure of eight course using all the club marks. The course ran from the Harbour to Amroth, back to Monkstone, across to Pendine and then back to Harbour in a gusty force 3-4 but with pleasant sunny conditions. (This employment of all the marks reminds me of the language guidance given in “Lern Yerself Geordie” which advises “why use one vowel when you can use more”. Anyone familiar with the sing-song nature of this dialect will appreciate the relevance of the advice!!) Anyway, back to the racing…. ten boats participated in the radical course of the day and no one finished up with their bowsprit through their transom as a result of the twists and turns. Final results were: first Ben Dancer (Laser), second Peter Bower (Phantom), third Alan Lambert (Solo). It was good to see James – a sail trainee from this year, competing well in a club Topper. Thanks to Nigel, Huw, Martin and Phil supporting in the patrol boats.  The bay full of boats. Saundersfoot Regatta:
Club Racing: A good fleet of nine boats lined up for the first two races of the late series. There was an unpredictable, gusty wind ranging from force 1-4 from the west with the odd squally shower to cool the hardy sailors. A Monkstone, Pendine, Harbour course was set by Peter Bower ably assisted by Wendy, with John Roberts and Ben Hinksman, Charlie and Anita crewing the patrol boats. Slow but steady sailing in race 1 saw Ben Dancer 1st (Laser), Paul Griffiths 2nd (Solo), Chris Bannister 3rd (Laser 2000), 4th Alan Lambert (Solo). The wind increased for the second race providing a few spills and a closer result with Paul Griffiths 1st (Solo), Ben Dancer 2nd (Laser) - only 12 seconds ahead of Alan Lambert 3rd (Solo) who was only 6 seconds in front of Chris in the Laser 2000 in 4th place. Finlay Harrison had his first outing in his go faster freshly painted Oppie managing a very respectable 8th and 7th with no scratches! This coming Sunday sees a late start of 6pm for the Evans McDowell
Cup. Saundersfoot Regatta: Saturday 27th:
Monday 29th:
Club Racing: A late race to finish the mid season series was delayed by mist in the bay. Eventually a decision was made to sail and three boats took to the water in a gusty force 2-3 with an accompanying light rain (is it August this week?) An Amroth, Monkstone, Harbour course was set and the fleet sailed into the mist. A strong wind on the Amroth, Monkstone beat gave Steve and Ben Hinksman a tough time in their new boat, but all was well and no capsizes. Final results were 1st Peter Bower (Phantom), 2nd Paul Griffiths (Solo), 3rd Steve and Ben (RS Vision). Thanks to Tom, Ivan and Anne-Marie for running a good race with Chris and Huw in patrol. We nearly had a late entry on the start line as David and Graham were putting Pendle through her paces, trying to impress a potential buyer - will this mean space in the harbour and beers on David? The final results for the Mid Season Series are as follows: 1st Paul Griffiths with 10 points, 2nd Chris Bannister with 22 points, 3rd Peter Bower with 29 points, 4th Steve Hinksman with 43 points, 5th John Roberts with 48. A total of 19 competitors over the series with 9 races. Full results will be in the clubhouse. The first two races of the Late Season start at 11am this Sunday. Sail Training: Junior and Lady Helm Races: Welcome Evening: Nautical Nip:
Club Racing: News from last Sunday’s starting line - two races were well run around a Pendine, Monkstone, Harbour course A shifty force 2-3 made life interesting and tactics on the water even more important. OODs Martin Andrews and Nigel Dancer tried to catch everyone out on the first race by setting a port course (rounding the marks the wrong way)! However, due to the excitement of a good race nobody noticed, nobody was disqualified and the sailing instructions were corrected for the second race so all was well! Steve Hinksman was out in his new boat (RS Vision) with Harry as crew. Unfortunately Ben Hinksman in his Topper finished a corrected 83 seconds ahead in the first race! Out of a field of 10 boats the results were: first race 1st Paul Griffiths (Solo), 2nd Ben Dancer (Laser), 3rd Dave Jones (Solo) Second race: 1st Ben Dancer (Laser), 2nd Paul Griffiths (Solo), 3rd Chris Bannister (Blaze) The final race in the Royal Marines Cup Series, which is also the last race of the Mid Season Series has a 6pm start next Sunday. Sail Training: Junior & Lady Helm Races: Welcome Evening: Skippers Mate
Club Racing No club racing at SSC as it was Tenby Regatta. Sadly the weather
on the Saturday was not helpful with a strong and very gusty north
westerly which put conditions right “on the limit”
for dinghy racing. Mark & Debbie Tissiman represented Saundersfoot
and braved it out round Monkstone in their Fireball and joined
ten Tenby boats for the first race. There were also half a dozen
kite surfers “flying” round the bay as well, so there
was quite a lot of action. Regrettably the conditions resulted
in a number of breakages as well and only three dinghies finished
the second race after which it was called a day.On the Sunday
conditions on the far side of Caldey were “like a washing
machine” so sadly the Round Caldey race was cancelled. Cruiser Idyll: In totally contrasting conditions, Ray and Dot Smith had chosen the previous week to cruise the Cleddau in Spartacus and explore some of the smaller reaches to Carew and Cresswell Quay in the tender in real summer weather – superb! Returning round the South Pembrokeshire coast they were joined by John and Tonia Griffiths in their new cruiser Sherpa Mor for a fantastic hot day which required sunshades and cool drinks in Paul Jones Bay off Caldey. What a contrast to this last week!
The improvers training week starts next Monday through to Friday. This will be followed on Saturday 30th with the Junior and Lady Helm races starting at 5pm. It is hoped that graduates from training will all prove their skills by entering the Junior Helm race. Prize giving for the training week will follow in the clubhouse. Welcome Evening: A buffet will be held that Saturday evening (30th) after the Lady & Junior Helm races for all club members but with a special welcome to all new members this year to give a chance for us all to get to know each other better. Please let Rob Tallboys (01834 814424 or rob.talboys@btinternet.com) know if you would like to attend to give him an indication of numbers. Saundersfoot Regatta: Novel plans are afoot for the Bank Holiday weekend in August involving kayaks, Toppers & Oppies and all other dinghies in a fun relay race. Some of it will be on land – now there is a novel approach! There will be much activity on the beach involving young and old and it is expected there will be many black patches about, but hopefully no one will receive the dreaded “black spot”!! We are trying to ensure that Saturday 27th August will definitely be a Fun Day for all. More serious racing will follow on the Sunday with a Round Caldey Race for cruisers on Bank Holiday Monday. Everything weather dependent of course. More details later to keep you guessing and raise interest! Sea Safety Check: Andrew Lowe, Tenby Lifeboat Sea Safety Officer, is offering Safety Equipment Advice under the RNLI “SEA in SEA” scheme. It involves an informal advisory one-to-one onboard visit to discuss safety equipment and its use - everything from anchor set up and Man Over Board recovery to Calling for Help equipment and servicing lifejackets - absolutely not a check to criticize however. It is tailored to type and size of boat together with what use the vessel is put to – it is applicable to any leisure vessel up to 43ft (after that they need coding) - small inflatables, sailing dinghies, speedboats, RIBs, motorboats, sailing cruisers, kayaks and PWCs. This is a free and confidential service which offers great benefit to all boat owners.Contact Tenby Lifeboat Sea Safety Officer (LSSO) on 07770 996574 or 01834 842672 or: andrew@signaturedesign.demon.co.uk Coastguard Update: Following the first round of consultations, the previous proposals to modernise the coastguard Service have been considerably amended to retain Milford Haven on a 24 hour basis but to close Swansea completely. A second consultation period closes on 6 October. Nautical Nip: Most readers of this column are likely to have seen this week’s mystery object but I wonder how many of you know what it is? It is highly relevant to Saundersfoot Regatta and may offer a large surprise to many at that time. Any guesses in the meantime?
Skippers Mate
Club Racing: Club racing was well attended with 11 boats taking their place on the start line for M7 and M8 last Sunday. There were some new faces which is great, as well as a Supernova from the previous weekend that did not want to go home! The racing was expertly run on the water by John Roberts and Aileen Myers (many thanks) The chosen course was Pendine, Monkstone, Harbour with a SW force 2. All 11 boats finished and the results were 1st Peter Bower (Phantom), 2nd Paul Griffiths (Solo) just 14 seconds behind, 3rd Chris Bannister (Blaze), with the Supernova 4th. Harry Myers in his new 'Bug' came a commendable 8th. A course change was made for the second race to Monkstone, Amroth, Harbour, but the fleet struggled with a dying wind. Seven boats managed the finish line in the end. 1st Paul, 2nd Peter, 3rd Supernova, 4th Chris. Next club race is on Sunday 24th July, M9 and M10 (Royal Marines
Cup 1+ 2) starting at 11.30am. Tenby Regatta: Sail Training: Welsh Schools Championship at Mumbles YC: Sail Training, Junior & Lady Helm Races: Invitation to New and Old!: Privateers Threatening Saundersfoot: Have You Seen This Object?:
Supernovas Star: The Supernovas duly arrived for their annual National Championships at Saundersfoot Sailing Club last Friday. Some 34 boats enrolled from all corners of England - from Yorkshire down to Kent and across to Devon and many Counties in between. Despite the pretty exciting nature of the boat design, the class includes a surprising proportion of mature, experienced sailors (I am choosing my words carefully here)!! Suffice to say, that they have prize categories for the over 50’s and the over 60’s, as well as for the “youngsters”, and once involved, Supernova sailors seem dedicated to the Class and do not change their boats at all readily ! Following the wind on the first day: A late entrant arrived as the third race was about to start and
was indebted to the whole fleet which managed to be “over
the line” at the start which necessitated a general recall
(one of the most hated events faced by race officers!) and gave
him time to make the re-start. Superb holiday and sailing weather: Prize Giving: Time Warp: Allo Allo: Nautical Nip:
Club Racing: The two races last Sunday, which had been carried forward from two weeks previously when the weather prevented any sailing, proved frustrating. Nine boats took to the water with Graham Wellman and Ben Hinksman combining the roles of race officer, patrol and recovery crew. The first race had a promising start with a beat to Monkstone, but unfortunately the wind dropped and progress was rather slow. The course was shortened at the Pendine mark to the relief of all those sailing (or were they merely floating on the tide?) Returning to the beach they found a nice breeze blowing, so the second race was organised - a 'sausage' course to Monkstone and back. However once beyond the big orange speed-limit buoys, the wind dropped again and the second “float” began. Final results were for the first race: 1st Peter Bower (Phantom), 2nd Paul Griffiths (Solo), 3rd Steve Hinksman (Topper). Second race: 1st Paul (Solo) 2nd Peter (Phantom) 3rd Chris Bannister (Blaze) The Club Racing programme now has a lull to draw breath (and summon up more wind) with the next two races to be held on Sunday 24th July with an 11.30am start. Kayak Kruising Kapers: Supernova National Championships:
Club Racing: Sailing went well last Sunday, eleven boats took to the water with a westerly force 2-3 blowing. A Monkstone, Pendine, Harbour course was set by Tonia and John Griffiths assisted by Nigel Dancer and Martin Andrews on patrol. A fleet of 4 Toppers, 3 Solos, 2 Lasers, a Blaze and a Phantom were at the start line (some were there longer than others!) The competitors enjoyed a stress free sail with no drama or close calls – just plain enjoyment! Final positions were: 1st Paul Griffiths (Solo), 2nd Ben Dancer (Laser), 3rd Peter Bower (Phantom), 4th Alan Lambert (Solo). Next Week’s Racing: Scouts “Get Prepared” in Saundersfoot:
The Supernova’s Are Coming: Coppet Week 2012: Skippers Mate
Club Racing: Gardeners wished for it, farmers hoped for it, water boards needed it but our Sunday sailors could have done without the wild downpours of last week. With near gale force 7 winds there was inevitably no racing. It was more like flipping March than flaming June! This Sunday 19th there is a single race scheduled for a 9.30am start.
Interclub Race with Tenby SC: National Championships: Saundersfoot Regatta: A Welcome Return:
More News from Coppet Week: The week continued as well as it had started with further good racing last Tuesday and Wednesday. Once again DJ Edwards flew his Moth round the circuit and took poll position giving him a total of four clear wins – a very creditable achievement. Richard Dee (Merlin Rocket) and Gareth Caldwell (International Canoe) continued their close dual for second and third place, being pursued on the Tuesday by a trail of “Blazes” sailed by Joshua Hyland, Eden Hyland and Sam Pickering who finished with only 30 seconds between all of them. The incendiary nature of the results continued with the “Fireballs” of Keith MacDonald and Gordon Evans taking 7th and 8th positions within 20 seconds of each other on both days - quite remarkable consistency! Wind, What Wind: Finale: Results: Social Scene: Alan Lambert as Race Officer presented the prizes and John Griffiths summed up the racing and gave a sincere thank you to the hard working Club Members who had helped in all the many functions both on and off the water to provide what had been a really excellent week. Echoing these sentiments, Coppet Champion Richard Dee felt it had been one of the best Coppet Week’s ever and thanked the Club for providing the event. He hoped that there would be many more to come with as much attraction to bring sailing families to Saundersfoot to enjoy great sailing, great company and a tremendous holiday week. RNLI Pennant at Half Mast: Club Racing: Next Club Race is this Sunday - the 12th with two races starting at 3pm.
Coppet Week: The beach in front of the Strand was duly impregnated with dinghy hulls of all shapes, sizes and colours from Saturday morning last weekend - Coppet Week and its colourful competitors had finally arrived for another year!! Local businesses rubbed their hands in anticipation, whilst SSC organisers agonised over weather forecasts and last minute preparations. There were a total of 69 competitors this year which is a grand fleet for our local facilities. With 30 different classes of boats and a competitive, but friendly family atmosphere, this is a unique event in the sailing world. It not only attracts average Club racers, but also World, European and UK Champions – this year I believe there were at least six super league participants. This provides a tremendous and unrivalled opportunity for ordinary Club members to race against the best. Race 1- Sunday:
During the evening, thirsts were slaked and appetites satiated by real ale, bangers and mash and pavlova, whilst to calm the race analysis chatter, Samantha and Friends provided pleasing musical accompaniment. Ultimate Bank Holiday Monday Racing: A similar, but larger, course was set and a clean start saw the entire armada zoom across the bay in front of the beach. Again the Moth flew round the course ahead of all rivals, again gaining first place after handicap. But there was very strong contention between many other boats in the fleet with many places decided by a mere second or two. Around 20 positions were decided by less than 5 seconds which is incredible. All in all it was one of the most competitive races we have seen and whether competitors realised how close their positions were or not, there was considerable satisfaction that a “really good race” had been enjoyed by all. Some well known names on the national and international scene as well as being regular “Coppets”, headed the results list, namely:- Richard Dee (Merlin Rocket) 2nd, Robin Wood (International Canoe) 3rd, Gareth Caldwell (International Canoe) 4th, Keith McDonald (Fireball) 5th, Alisdair James (International Canoe) 6th, Ted Lewis (Osprey) 7th. It was also great to see John Taylor (who could give many competitors several decades start in age handicap!) who sails the second slowest handicap boat in the fleet, gaining 15th place single handed in his Mirror. More details on the week in next week’s report. Club Racing:
Skippers Mate
Club Racing: The start of the Mid season was delayed last Sunday when there was a real “hooley” blowing. The natural energy system in our latitudes seems to have intensified recently with a somewhat unusual combination of strong winds and bright sun. For most purposes this hasn’t been too bad but it was over the top for sailing last Sunday unfortunately. Warm Up Series Results: Sail Training: There is a really great social programme with excellent value
food every night at 7.30pm to compliment the sailing:- All members are welcome and we look forward to great company,
great activities and a great week. Skippers Mate
Club Racing: Two races were scheduled for last Sunday but the 4pm start was delayed by late arrival on the water of competitors and an absence of the assistant race officer. David Eyre was press- ganged and kindly stood in to help Trevor Smith who was OOD. Nine boats started the first race on a Monkstone, Pendine, Harbour course in gusty challenging conditions resulting from a brisk force 3-4 westerly. The conditions provided considerable capsize practise with Chris Bannister achieving five – albeit all “dry” capsizes (which for non sailors means that despite going over, the helm does not get fully immersed before righting his craft without having to get right into the water.) Three good laps were completed with an excellent beat from the Pendine mark back to the harbour. Final positions were 1st Paul Griffiths (Solo), 2nd Alan Lambert (Solo), 3rd Peter Bower (Phantom), 4th Chris Bannister (Solo). Samantha Attwell (Topper), David Rollaston (Topper) and Chris (who had proved his capsizing skills), all retired before the second race which followed the same course. A slight shuffling of the pack at the finish with 1st Paul Griffiths, 2nd Peter Bower, 3rd Alan Lambert and gamely 4th Steve Hinksman (Topper). Everybody knew they had been racing that day and all went home refreshed and invigorated! These were the last two races in the Early Season Series and the new Mid Season races commence with an early start of 9.30am this Sunday. Sail Training: Coppet Week:
Club Racing: Conditions for the Lloyd Edwards Trophy race last Sunday were in the words of one of the safety boat drivers some of the most challenging in which we have run a club race.Ostensibly the wind was only a force 4-5 but from the south and east and with strong gusts, which made for a choppy and unpredictable sea state.Seven boats valiantly sailed to the start under the experienced eye of Alan Lambert assisted by Ian Myers in the box.A Monkstone, Pendine, Harbour course was selected and battle commenced.Tim Harrison lost his mainsail and had to retire, Rob & Anna and Ben Hinksman in his Topper fought their way against conditions but failed to finish.Full marks to young Harry Myers in his newly acquired Laser Bug (which someone described unmaliciously as a “wheelbarrow” with two handles one end and a wheel at the other!), who gave it his best shot but did not make the full distance. At the finish, Ben Dancer (Laser) took first with William Myers (Laser) second and Steve Hinksman (Topper) third.Thanks to Graham, Ben, Anita and Charlie for providing the safety cover. All agreed that it had been a very invigorating and fulfilling race. I Love Sailing: Thinking of invigorating and fulfilling sailing, those of you who are into hi tech communication will be fascinated with the series of videos on the RYA website produced by members for a competition for the best portrayal of the joys of our sport.The first video certainly captures the adrenaline rush and wow factor of sea, sail and wind in a variety of different craft. Sail Training: The natural sequitur to the RYA I Love Sailing Videos, is the promotion of our Sail Training activities ! We still have spaces for anyone with interest in learning or improving.Please contact Tina on 07813 472399 or by email on tmosborne@tiscali.co.uk. Sail Training is held each Saturday and last week’s session went well with extra excitement from the rolling sea state, causing some involuntary capsize practice – all good learning experience. It is claimed that so far Harry Hinksman has never yet capsized except on purpose in any of his outings in Oppies or Toppers.Now there’s a challenge for Neptune !! It is nice to see the majority of these trainees out sailing with us in Club Racing on Sundays when the weather is suitable. Powerboat Training: Continuing the theme to get more people with experience and skills to help with operating races, if any member would like to undertake a powerboat course to gain competence in safety cover etc. please contact Tina. Club Social Activities: The Committee remains keen to expand social activities for members and it is hoped to assemble a group to help fulfil this aim.All members are invited to lend their support in whatever way you can and all ideas and suggestions are welcomed. The Club will be open earlier – from 8pm, every Friday for the summer.It is also open every Sunday when there is racing and those involved are encouraged to stay for a drink and a chat after the race and all other members are invited to visit the club during these times. The first race of Coppet Week on Sunday 29th May (3pm start) is as always dedicated to the RNLI who have kindly offered this year to serve teas at the Club during the afternoon in aid of the service so there is now a double benefit in attending.This will be open to all as an official RNLI event so everyone is welcome. Coastguard Modernisation: The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have recently completed a consultation on plans to update the Coastguard service by bringing communication equipment fully up to date and rationalizing the Coastguard stations and staffing around the country.This latter aspect has caused much controversy as it involves closing a number of stations including Milford Haven and reducing others to daytime working only – Swansea falls into this category.There are differing views on the proposals as have been much publicized.It should be noted that the plans do not include the RNLI and other rescue services, except that the number of regular coastguards supporting the volunteers in the Coastguard Rescue Service would actually increase from 80 to 105.Whatever one’s views on the proposals it is to be hoped that the safety of mariners remains paramount.
Skippers Mate
Royal Wedding: The Royal Wedding Day dawned bright and clear in Saundersfoot with the Sailing Club, operating outside its normal remit, joining the other land-based pageantry to celebrate the Royal Wedding. A small group of members and their guests enjoyed watching the Royal Wedding on the big screen and were refreshed by a buffet lunch prepared by Rob, Jackie and Anne-Marie afterwards. This dedicated group had also been busy with the catering for the Saturday evening and a big thank you is due to these willing members as they had no indication of numbers to cater for and did a really super job on behalf of everyone else. On Saturday night, members and their guests devoured a right, royal wedding feast of roast pork home-made stuffing and apple sauce with a choice of salads, followed by strawberry mousse, fresh strawberries and biscuits and cheese. A feast to remember the occasion by whilst being entertained by Sandalwood. The Club was filled to capacity with an atmosphere of celebration and many glasses were raised to the happy couple. There was even singing and dancing amongst the audience. A lone visiting yachtsman from Weston Super Mare returned to his Club with reports of extraordinary celebrations as the norm for Saundersfoot ! Sailing: A race for two Royal Wedding trophies took place on Saturday. Nine dinghies started in a light breeze which dropped to almost nothing. Completion of a long beat from Amroth to Monkstone seemed unlikely although the faster boats managed it. However, stronger winds came in from the sea and the slower boats gained the advantage with Optimists coming first, second and third and a Topper forth. Trophies were awarded to the overall winner and the fastest higher handicapped boat. Every participant received a Royal Wedding souvenir medal. The results were as follows (slower boats and leading overall) first Finlay Harrison (Optimist), second Harry Myers (Optimist), Third Harry Hinksman (Optimist). Faster boats, first Ben Dancer (Laser), Second Tim Harrison (Laser Radial), third Ian Myers (Laser Bahia). Racing on Sunday in winds gusting force four to five, a fleet of five dinghies completed two laps of a triangular course resulting in a win by Ben Dancer in a Laser, second was Alan Lambert in a Solo with Chris Bannister third in a Blaze. In the second race only two boats completed the course due to capsizes. First was Ben Dancer followed by Alan Lambert. On Sunday 8th May there will be one race stating at 9.30. 
Season Programmes and Duties: Revised programmes and details of allocated duties are now available on the website and will be sent direct to all members on email. Please check your duties and remember that the onus is on you to swap if not convenient. Many thanks to Graham for stepping into the breach and updating the racing programme and the duty lists. Skippers Mate
Club Racing Gets Started at Last: Third time lucky on Sunday, we had wind and sun together! A gusty and shifting force 3 blowing from the east gave interesting and at times close sailing for the 2 races. The course was run on the water enabling a start at Monkstone mark with a beat to Amroth mark, Pendine and Monkstone. First race a poor start by some competitors left them chasing the fleet (a total of 7 boats - can it be classed as a fleet?) close sailing between the Phantom and Laser, with the 2 Solos having their own battle behind. 1st Ben Dancer (Laser), 2nd Paul Griffiths (Solo), 3rd Peter Bower (Phantom), 4th Alan Lambert (Solo). Just under 120 seconds between 1st and 4th once times were corrected. Second race, a better start by all with close sailing on the first lap. 1st Paul Griffiths (Solo) 2nd Ben Dancer (Laser) 3rd Peter Bower (Phantom) 4th Alan Lambert (Solo) Ian Myers had his first race in his new Laser Bahia with a 6th and 5th position, this could be one to watch when he starts to use the trapeze and the spinnaker! Next Races: Darts from the Crucible: Wedding Plans: Like Ships that Pass In The Night:
Photo caption : Graham's new rescue boat - dream on!
Club Racing Sunday April 17th 2011: Club racing very nearly did not happen for the second week running and for the same reason - lack of wind. However. long-serving Race Officer Trevor Smith knows the tricks of the trade and that there is always the faintest of breezes to be found on a line from the Harbour to Monkstone Point. The race was duly started, managed one slow sausage and the wind failed completely. Nevertheless, it takes great skill and much tenacity to make any progress at all in light/zero winds, so full marks to 1st Paul Griffiths (Solo), 2nd Chris Bannister (Blaze), 3rd Tim Harrison (Laser). In 4th place, Harry Hinksman was sailing a Topper for only the second time after sailing an Optimist for some years - a very encouraging result. There were 9 boats on the start line - a promising start to the season. Thanks are due to Trevor and all those helping in the starters box' and to Martin and Ben for patrol duty. Sail Training: On Saturday 16th April, the improvers were out in 6 Toppers and
a Laser. Beginners courses will start on the 4th June. Anyone interested in joining please contact Tina on: 07770544641/07813472399. Places are limited so please contact us as soon as possible. Darts: The nearly team nearly did it again - a reported 5-4 defeat by the visiting team from Tenby Sailing Club after a hotly contested match. It is only a matter of time before Saundersfoot's team acquire that winning habit and never looks back. The Lost Tribe(s): Some years ago, Ancient Mariner wrote a piece about the Lost Tribe - a band of member's wives, organised and directed by Norma Smith and who could be guaranteed to descend on any social event within the club and sort it. That happy band are no longer with us or, having been there and done it all are in honourable retirement. There was another band, this time made up predominantly of male members who did not sail regularly but who could be counted on to assist at club maintenance, racing and regattas. Age has withered them as well, and the sailing fraternity will need to adapt accordingly. Social Events: April 26th 2011 In the morning, volunteers are required to help in decorating the Clubhouse for planned Royal Wedding functions Would all members intending to be at the Roast Pork Supper on Saturday April 30th please give Rob Talboys an indication of likely numbers Ancient Mariner
Sail Training. If you begin with certainties, you will end with
doubts, If you begin with doubts you will end with certainties.
Roger Bacon 16th century wisdom.
Sail Training: On Saturday April 10th, the sail training improvers course got off to a good start with brisk winds and at least 8 boats out shepherded by no less than three power boats, all in full view of visitors enjoying the sunshine. Warm-Up Series: In contrsst, the Sunday racing was hit by a beautiful sunny day with no wind! A good turn out for the first of the warm-up series led to everyone heading home for alternative activities in the sun. The moral for the weekend is to book the weather before the racing. Next weeks racing is at 16:30 - all are welcome to join. Cruising: No sign yet of cruisers in the harbour, but a great deal of the on-shore painting and hammering which are an indispensable part, indeed the major part,of messing about in boats. Darts: Another nearly victory for our redoubtable darts teams away at Penally, but avoiding a whitewash counts as great progress. Friday April 15th is the big one - the Derby match at home against Tenby Sailing Club. Rumour Mill: Ancient Mariner's ear is always close to the ground and getting closer by the day. He hears of Draconian measures in the offing - those who have not paid their annual subscriptions will not be awarded points in club racing. Essential preparations for club racing and Coppet Week remain undone but there is a further whisper that the Augean Stable (aka starters box) is being cleansed by John Hollies - may his herds increase.
Another illustration of Murphy's Law of Sailing - more means less. The blue and white spinnaker should be billowing out driving this Fireball relentlessly forward, but it is being, as they say, counter-productive Ancient Mariner
A Call To the Colours: The first races of the forthcoming 2011 sailing season are scheduled
for A working party is planned for the afternoon of Saturday, the
9th April The forthcoming Royal Wedding: The Clubhouse will be open from 10.00 a.m. on Friday, the 19th April, when the Ceremony will be shown on the big screen. A buffet lunch will be provided. On Saturday, the 30th April there will be a Team Race for a Royal Wedding Trophy followed by a celebratory meal commencing at 8.00 p.m. On Sunday, the 1st May, races for the Royal Wedding Cup will be combined with those already scheduled for the U.D.T. Trophy. Darts: The local Darts League is approaching the end of the season.
In this,
A fine shot of a real ocean greyhound expertly handled in an earlier Coppet Week Ancient Mariner.
Fitting-out Supper Members are once again reminded of the Fitting-out Supper to
be held at Coppet Week 29th May - 3rd June Full details of this event can be found on the Sailing Club Web-site (www.saundersfootsailing club.org.uk) and entry forms may be down-loaded from the site. Working parties Volunteers are still required to complete preparations for the forthcoming sailing season, including preparation of the Club’s dinghy fleet and the Starters’ Box. Would those members who have volunteered to act as race officials please check the rota published on the Club web-site. Preparing a rota which suits all volunteers all of the time is an unattainable perfection and we have always relied upon the principle that every volunteer is obliged either to turn up or to arrange an appropriate exchange. When this system breaks down, it inevitably means that racers have to be dragged kicking and screaming from the water to make up the short-fall. Murphy's Law makes this unavoidable from time to time but rarely, please. Mystery Caption Readers of the last Sailing Club bulletin in the Tenby Observer will have been mystified by a photo caption graphically describing a stressed sailor struggling to avoid capsize and set against a photo image of a dinghy drifting along serenely - its crew at peace with the world. No mystery - simply a matter of posting the wrong image file and the correction never catching up before publication. It happens! Power Boat Training Three young members of Tenby Sailing Club (Ross Edwards, Alex
Holt and Ryan O’Neil) came to Saundersfoot last week-end
to take the R.Y.A.
PHOTO CAPTION - With exams over - ‘there is nothing, simply
Darts: As reported last week, the Sailing Club’s darts team were prescribed an extra practice session on Friday evening March 4th in an effort to stem the tide of defeats. Captain Wendy Bower gave no hint of what was said, but it must have been to the point because the practice session continued long into the night. Indeed, so focussed were they that a team of Mr Shifters measured up the playing area and removed an entire pool table without any comment or interruption of pace or intensity. We await the results of this dedication. Saturday March 12th 2011 Big Screen Rugby: Spare a thought for unpaid organisers of social events and the
public‘s quest for the next attraction. There was a time
when you could barely get through the door of the Sailing Club
when Wales was in play in the Six Nations. Last Saturday’s
match played to an audience of one. May 29th - June 3rd Coppet Week: A further reminder of the date of the all-important Coppet Week.
All leave is cancelled for members during this period. Will volunteers
The Boat Show: A posse of keen members made the long trip to the London Dinghy
Show. a. admiration of the craftsmanship of the Redwings - once a favoured b. an RYA presentation on the importance of warming up and cooling Photo Caption: On the subject of young supple sailors, this shot of a Topper
sailor makes the point perfectly. He/she appears to be reclining
in a quite relaxed manner but is in a position known to engineers
as a cantilever and not relaxed at all - in fact in a state of
high tension wondering if two seconds later he/she will be face
down in the water. Ancient Mariner
Darts: The Sailing Club’s darts team continues to demonstrate the virtues of Tenacity in the face of Adversity and made another bid for Glory on Friday evening March 4th when they took on Swan Lake at the Clubhouse. Sadly, another night of nearly but not quite against strong opposition. All our players are requested to reserve Friday night March 11th 6:30 pm for practice. Saturday March 12th 2011 Big Screen Rugby: The Clubhouse and Bar will be open from 4:00 pm for all those
wishing to see the Wales-Ireland Rugby match on the big screen. May 29th - June 3rd Coppet Week: As noted above, Coppet Week will be upon us in no time at all.
This Buoyancy Aids: Commodore Trevor Smith has happened upon ( a suitably neutral
phrase) a The Boating Club: The Club’s founding documents make reference to ’all
forms of boating’ Don't shoot the messenger Ancient Mariner
Sail Training: The Improver’s training start date is Saturday 9th April. Can any of you slow off the mark please send your forms and fees to Tina as soon as possible please. Courses for beginners will be starting on 4th June. Roll up, roll up and get to see the harbour from a different perspective. Contact Tina, who will be able to answer any questions you have. Tina can be reached on 0781 3472399 or alternatively tmosborne04@fsmail.net. Go on spoil yourselves. Dinghy Programme: A revised copy of the programme and the duty rota for the warm-up series (other series duty rotas will follow once we start sailing) are now available on the web site. Next week, there will be a short report on the forthcoming trip to the dinghy show in London. Darts: We returned battered and bruised from our encounter with the Castle pub team in Manorbier. No quarter was given and all bribes failed (they already have a Playboy calendar) Well done William you bucked the trend with a thoroughly deserved win in your singles match. We have a home match on Friday, so keep practising boys and girls. No cheating now. If you were thinking of turning up the music as the other team are about to throw forget it! Wendy’s splendid feast at the end of the evening is always worth turning out for, what ever the result. Power Boat Courses: Please contact Tina if you would like to help on patrol boat but would benefit from some RYA Training. To express interest please contact her on 0781 3472399. Pool Table: No responses yet to the question should we keep the Pool table. What pool table! Skippers Mate
This week’s photo is entitled “Sailing off Coppet Hall” Sail Training:
This week’s photo is entitled “Passing the Monkstone Mark” Sail Training:
Six Nations Rugby; Wales v England: The fixture is to be played at the Millenium Stadium, tonight. Don’t worry, if you can not get there, the club house will be open from 7 to provide you with all the atmosphere you need! Members are invited to watch the ups and the downs live on the Big Screen. The bar will be open for you to celebrate, hopefully! Quiz Team: The club dug deep to draw together its finest for the recent Quiz evening at the Saundersfoot Sports and Social Club. The team came a commendable third. Apparently the entertainment questions were their Achilles heel. Shame on you for not forcing yourselves to watch East Enders, Emmerdale Farm and all those other soaps, regularly! Sail Training: Would anyone interested in learning to sail, or wanting more information about the courses, please contact Tina Osborne. Her email address is tmosborne04@fsmail.net. The outline of this year’s programme is as follows. Courses for beginners will be held over six Saturdays in June (starting on 4th) and July. In addition, there is a full week of sail training, commencing on Monday 25th July. This year’s beginners will have first option for that week. For those hardy seafarers, the Improvers, training will start on Saturday 9th April. Liverpool Boat Show: This event, from 29th April to 8th May, promises to have something for everyone. If any members are planning to book, please contact the secretary first. Through club affiliation, concessions and some on site facilities become available. Any members who are planning to go please contact the secretary for more information. Skippers Mate
Darts: Pipped at the post again. In last Friday’s home match against Parsonage we ran out the losers at 5 games to 4. The team is not disheartened. It is our first season and recent results have been down to the last rub or thereabouts. Patience will pay off in due course. Players please note that out next match date has been changed to Thursday 3rd February, when we entertain the Ex Serviceman’s Club team. Six nations Rugby; Wales v England: The darts fixture was rearranged to ensure that the club house would be available for the match. It is to be played at the Millenium Stadium. The kick off is at 7.45.p.m on Friday 4th February. Members are all invited to watch it on the Big Screen. The bar will be open. First Aid: Our Commodore, Trevor Smith, has arranged a course at the club house for 9.30.a.m. on Saturday 5th March. If your first aid certificate is 3 or more years old or you have not done a course before and wish to, please contact him. Sail Training: Would anyone interested in learning to sail please contact Tina Osborne. Her email address is tmosborne04@fsmail.net. Courses for beginners will begin in May. In addition, there will be a week of sailing in the summer holidays, in respect of which this year’s beginners will have first option. Skippers Mate
Darts: Did you know that a dart travels through a curve? This is why the dart is always pointing upwards when it leaves the hand. A good technique will steer the dart along such a curve, the player having set a course on the line of the eye, the dart and the target. It sounds easy doesn’t it! Now you try and do it! Last week’s away match at Tenby sailing Club was a cheerful occasion. Tenby made players and supporters alike welcome. Our captain, Wendy Bower, led from the front, by example. She won both her singles and doubles matches, ably supported by Tony. The youngest member of the team rose to the occasion. William was delighted by his single’s victory. Sadly, it was not enough as the Tenby team were overall winners. This Friday (14th) the team return to Tenby for a match against the Bowling Club. New Year’s Day: Member Rob Talboys took this delightful photograph of members celebrating in the club house. What a shame those decorations had to come down! 
Sailing News: There is nothing to report on the club front this time of year. However, this is going to be an important year for sailor’s with hopes of representing their country at the Olympics in 2012. The dinghy classes that will be represented are Finn, Laser, Laser Radial, 49er and 470. The Finn and Laser have a single sail, while the 470 class has a two-sail rig. Both the 470s and 49ers have an additional sail used for the downwind leg, called a spinnaker. The Laser Radial is similar to the Laser, except that it uses a smaller sail and has a more flexible lower mast. In all racing, what ever the level, the race officer sets courses using buoys, their location depending on the wind direction and strength, that always seems to change after the course has been set! The traditional course is triangular, but there are many variations. Boats sail both upwind and downwind on any course, to test the sailor’s skills in varying conditions. Achieving the fastest route to the first buoy, which is always placed upwind, puts a sailor in a strong position. As you can not sail directly into the wind, the sailor has to take a zig zag course. Skippers Mate
Club Opening and Darts: The club house is open, between 8 and 11, each Friday night. Not this week. The club house will be open on Saturday 8th instead. This coming Friday 7th, the regulars have decided on a change of scenery. They are heading to Tenby sailing Club, in support of our darts team. Some of us have been watching the World Championships, for inspiration. I have discovered that the skill depends on the legs not the arms. Strong leg muscles allow players to lean forward, without the beer belly causing uncontrolled rotation! We are all looking forward to some Tenby club hospitality this Friday. New Year’s Day: A Happy New Year to everyone. After watching the swimmers, members headed for the club house. They were duly rewarded by Glyn, who quenched their thirsts with some fine ale and by Jackie with her nourishing and wholesome soup. Member Rob Talboys took a superb photograph over the harbour, the night before. It takes excellent timing to capture a starburst like that. 
First Aid: In some of the American states, first aid is part of the school curriculum. None of us know when we might be in a situation where a simple action might make the difference. All volunteers would benefit from training, especially for an on the water situation where quick thinking could make all the difference. Our Commodore, Trevor Smith, is gathering the names of those interested, with a view to organising a course shortly. If your first aid certificate is 3 or more years old, or you have not done a course before and wish to, please contact him. Nautical Terms: The act of getting under way by spreading sail is called setting sail. After a sail is spread, it is sheeted home at the required angle with the wind by its sheet. Sheet is a confusing term for bed makers, as the sheet is in fact a rope. Sails are loosed if the sheet is eased away or let fly until the sail flaps. Sails are spilled when not fully filled by the wind. A vessel is running if the wind is from behind her and close hauled when sailing as close to the wind that is blowing towards her as feasible. Skippers Mate  Top
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