The 2016 sailing season is finally upon us and blue skies greeted the Penzance dinghy sailors as they arrived at the club on Monday 4th April to participate in the first race of the season. There is limited room in the pens for dinghies at present (the second lift out of the cruisers scheduled for Saturday 16th April) and therefore it was wonderful to see eleven dinghies being rigged ready to sail.
Race Officer Adrian Symons organised a four lap starboard hand course with a mass start for all fleets.
It was the first outing for Ben Deighton in his newly acquired RS400 – with the aid of Laser Fleet Captain Nick Downing as his crew.
The broad reach towards the Mount was tricky, with the wind shifting continuously – Giles Gilbert in his Enterprise reaching the turning mark ahead of the fleet.
The second tighter reach was more enjoyable – however at this stage the wind began to die away.
At the end of the second lap the Race Officer made the decision to finish the race at the turning mark as the wind was dying to nothing and the light was fading.
It did not dampen the spirits of the sailors that amassed in the clubhouse following the race for a warming lentil soup courtesy of the Galley Staff and the presentation of chocolate eggs to the competitors
The Series Racing for the dinghies begins Monday 18th April and a reminder to all members that it is Club Registration Evening tonight (14th April) 8 – 9.30pm. It is an opportunity to settle outstanding fees and collect 2016/17 car parking permits and handbooks.
Also as a reminder to existing members as to why we love our club and a brief insight for potential new members as to the attraction of joining the warm and friendly sailing family atmosphere at Penzance – please visit our Facebook page to see a brief video highlighting the 2015 season.
This year the club has a packed diary this season including the favourites:
– Enterprise/Mirror/Laser Open – 15th May
– Regatta – with BBQ and live Band – 2nd July
– PASAB – 29th July/1st August
– In addition, a brand new event – The Pirate Pursuit – 6th November
The club is also delighted to be hosting the Merlin Rocket National Championships 13th – 19th August
Results:
1; Giles Gilbert/Di Stephens – Enterprise
2; Tom Kliskey/Kevin Hall – Enterprise
3; Eric Taylor/Lloyd Williams – Mirror
4; Martyn Curnow/Jeremy Williams – Enterprise
5; Sebi Schmidt – Mirror
6; Ben Deighton/Nick Downing – RS400
7; Dean Mooney/Aoife Mooney
8 – Joint; Joe Smith.
8 – Joint; Louise Summers
10 – Mario Peters
DNF – Sally Booth – Laser
