Conditions were favourable for the penultimate taster session on Saturday morning.

There were lighter winds for the juniors with the wind strengthening on cue when crews changed over and the adults had their turn.

Getting the boats in and out of the water worked well with some well-organised club members and students both acting as beach party.

Some encouraging feedback was received from those taking part, which was taken as a positive acknowledgement that sailing club members are doing their best to enable those interested the opportunity to experience this wonderful sport.

Members of Sidmouth Sailing Club are always happy to pass on to those new to the art of sailing the skills needed to sail safely and get real enjoyment from an excellent sport and give up a lot of their own time for that purpose.

The nature of the pastime means that there has to be a certain financial commitment by the sailors but naturally no one wants to have to buy a boat or even safety equipment before learning the basics and deciding if the sport is for them.

Sailing is such a disciplined activity that in addition to learning pure sailing skills it is recognised that many personal skills are also taught and developed and for that reason sailing is a particularly good sport to teach to juniors .

With help from various organisations the sailing club has acquired over many years the necessary equipment to assist the teaching but due to breakages and general usage that equipment needs replacing from time to time and also new innovations means that equipment has to be updated.

Club members pay for their own involvement in the club themselves but we are always looking for ways of raising funds to provide for the training activities.

This year the local Rotary Clubs have generously invited the sailing club to raise funds through the South East Devon Community Raffle and the sailing club’s members are now setting about raising as much as possible so that the training of local youngsters can continue.

With all boats and personnel back on shore safe and sound, it was off to the clubhouse for a refreshing hot shower.

Refreshments were available in the clubhouse for those that attended the taster sessions along with those members running the sessions prior to the club’s afternoon’s racing.

A surprise visit by a seal was one of the most unusual onlookers to see another good turn out for the afternoon’s racing. A good Laser fleet and Scorpion Fleet took to the water for back-to-back races.

A shifting west/northwesterly wind made life a little difficult for all concerned throughout the afternoon.

The importance of a good start proved again it is one of the most important elements of being able to win dinghy races.

A third ‘fleet’ joined the sailors midway through the second race, that being a pod of dolphins seen swimming through the course, a real treat for those on the water.

RESULTS

First Race – Laser 1 – C Clapp, 2 – S White, 3 – A Watson; Scorpion 1 – J Salter, 2 – S Price, 3 – N Jennings.

Second Race – Laser 1 – C Clapp 2 – O Moore-Jones, 3 – J Rea; Scorpion 1 – J Salter, 2 – S Price, 3 – N Jennings.