Tenby Sailing Club Annual Regatta 2021
by Ted Lewis 14 Jul 2021 01:06 PDT
10-11 July 2021
Round Caldey race action during the Tenby SC Regatta © Gillian Mackay
The 2021 Tenby Sailing Club regatta took place over last weekend. After a Covid-induced year off the club was pleased to get back to something like normal. With a dozen or more visiting boats a mixed fleet of 28 (including 12 Ospreys) enjoyed three races around the cans in the North bay. There wasn't a lot of wind, but there was a lot of sunshine and quite a few red faces by the end of the afternoon.
Competition was hot at the front of the fleet with a different winner in each race. Judging the upwind legs was crucial with shifts and stronger patches across the course and trying so far as possible to escape the worst of the incoming tide.
At the end of Saturday Dave Griffiths and Maurice Clark in their Osprey were in pole position followed by the Osprey of Terry Curtis and Peter Greig, then the Osprey of Dan Jackson and Chris Mackay. Flying the flag for the singlehanders was Christian Smart in his Devoti D-Zero in fourth.
Sunday dawned grey and dank and with a pretty off putting forecast. Happily by race time the murk had cleared, the worst of the forecast was not realized and the fleet set off around Caldey Island in a mid range south easterly breeze.
Robin Wood in his International Canoe shot off the start and wasn't seen again by most competitors and he took a comfortable win. Behind him Terry and Peter in their Osprey showed the locals the way.
Wind shadows caught out a few. Tidal churning at the back of the Island tested the bravery of some and then the visibility reduced and the position of the long distance mark off Amroth became a speculation!
After a couple of hours on the water second went to Terry and Peter, third to the RS400 of Jon Hessig and Nicky and fourth to the Osprey of Ted Lewis and Lucas Boissevain.
After the ravages of the pandemic it was a pleasure for the club to welcome visitors again and for members to come together to run a sailing event. Long may it continue, and thanks to all who volunteered their time to make it happen.