One hundred sailors in sixty boats; twenty three visiting competitors; two hundred members and friends at a birthday hog-roast; dancing; bright sunshine and a gentle breeze; plus a flying visit by the RAF. What more is needed for an unforgettable celebration of 75 years since Port Dinorwic Sailing Club's first race on 5 July 1947.
There was something for everyone: fun sailing and socialising on Friday evening; a four race regatta on Saturday (including open meetings for Laser Vagos and Miracles); and the annual Hywel Poole race on Sunday.
Forty percent of those on the water were women and girls, a quarter were youths. National and World champions rubbed shoulders with youngsters crewing together or parents crewing for their children. Two families had three generations on the water. There was even a sprinkling of pensioners in the fleet.
Line honours went to previous winners Dave and Elaine Jones in an RS400. However, with the tide favouring the slower boats there was a long wait to find out whether anyone would snatch the win on handicap. By the time the numbers had been crunched and double checked Jac Bailey (RS Tera) emerged as winner from Tom Sinfield and Simon Greenhalgh (Laser 2000) with Jonny and Sara McGovern (RS200) in third.
In the slow (shorter course) fleet Kate Williams with children Efa and Arwel (Mirror) won with Ellen Thomas (Tera) in second and Iago Edwards-Bell (Tera) in third.
The final act of the weekend was to award the overall 75th anniversary trophy: a magnificent cut glass bowl. It went to the class winner from Saturday who was best placed in the Hywel Poole race on Sunday. Visitors Dave Turtle and Zara Frankton (Miracle) took home the trophy with their fourth-place finish.
The founder members would be proud of how their club has grown and that the Commodore, the committee, the team of volunteers, sailors, and friends and family onshore created an event with a love of sailing at its heart and which showed the club at its best.
Well done and happy birthday Port Dinorwic Sailing Club. Here's to many more years to come.
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