Supernova Sailing Dinghy Race Report

Fishguard Bay YC

Fishguard Friendly Meeting - Fishguard Bay YC

23rd to 26th May, 2003

If you like sailing, good food and great company, then the Fishguard Weekend is for you. This weekend is organised as a fun event and once again it lived up to it's reputation. It's an opportunity to meet new people, have a relaxing few days and sail on the sea.

The weekend began when several of us arrived at Anne and Mark's house on the Friday afternoon to be greeted by our hostess for the weekend with a cup of tea and/or glass of wine and a slice of cake.

Before we consumed too much wine, we made our way to the Fishguard Bay Hotel where we had a lovely meal to start the weekend off. From there we continued to the Fishguard Bay Yacht Club to be greeted by the locals, renew friendships from the previous year and make some new ones. The hospitality we received throughout the weekend was excellent and nothing was too much trouble to ensure that we had a great time.

The racing began on Saturday with 11 boats in a force 2-3 with the overall winner being Andy Flitcroft (Bolton), followed by Neil Boneham (Bartley SC) and Mark Giles (West Oxon) third.

In the evening the Yacht Club put on a wonderful meal with many of their members joining us. After the meal we all adjourned to the bar for drinks, a chat with our new found friends amongst the locals and other Supernova sailors that we had not met before, or not seen for some time on the open circuit.

Sunday brought a handicap fun race with Andy, Neil and Mark starting in the last group so for once we were all in front of them. The sea was described by the race officer as 'a bit lumpy' and although this was not something that a lot of us are used to, once the race got underway we managed to cope and really enjoyed it. Adrian Hollier starting in the third group used his Lightening experience (and reactions) to adapt well to the conditions and came through to win.

After the presentations Mark and Anne invited everyone from the Supernova fleet and the locals to supper at their house later on in the evening. This was a very enjoyable event with an opportunity to swap tales of the weekend, bid our hosts from the yacht club farewell and promise to return next year.

In addition to the sailing our partners all had a good time shopping (devouring cream teas), walking and socialising and in particular singing in the club house. Of the latter I don't think that the Welsh feel that they are much of a threat until they have had more practice!

I'm sure all who attended would want me to thank Anne and Mark for their hospitality over the weekend. The arrangements made with the Fishguard Bay Yacht Club, ensured that we had a most enjoyable, relaxed weekend that will be remembered for a long time. They both must be exhausted.

If the above hasn't whetted your appetite to come along next year then I haven't done the event justice, so have a chat to any of the others who did attend or ask me about it at one of the Opens.

Dave Watton Bartley SC Supernova 531