The heat wave hit Gorleston this Sunday which saw many sporting shortie wetsuits for the first time this year! Although the cloudless skies and warm weather were nice the wind was unsettled. On arrival the weak land breeze was still evident so it was decided to delay proceedings until the sea breeze kicked in. Our patience was rewarded as after a twenty minute delay a SE breeze arrived so we started launching the boats.
Race one- after lap one Dave & John (400) led the fleet. However, there was a large dead patch surrounding the leeward gate which allowed the others to catch up. However, John & John were first to escape the lull and hooked onto a good lift taking them almost to the windward mark. By the time the others escaped, the wind had reverted back leaving them some distance behind. Phil (700) led the chasing pack to the mark followed by Richard & Angus (400). Just behind a 400 battle was going on with Phil & Lorna just ahead of Tamsin & Will after the first lap. On the second lap Tamsin & Will managed to pass and lead to the finish. As the wind had gradually shifted to the east the race team finished the fleet after three laps. It was a good start for the 400’s with Dave & John crossing the line first. Richard & Angus managed to pass Phil on the last lap to cross second, with Tamsin & Will, sailing the club 400 finishing third on corrected time.
After a short delay to move the windward mark to accommodate the now easterly wind race two got underway. Phil (700) led the fleet from start to finish building up a good lead after three laps. Phil & Lorna were engaged in another tussle, this time with Phil (Contender), after two laps just two seconds separated them. However, on the next lap Phil & Lorna managed to sail clear. On the fourth and final lap the leading 400’s closed the gap slightly on the 700 with Dave & John leading the chasing pack and taking the win on corrected time. Carl, sailing a Laser had a great first lap rounding the leeward gate very close to the others and saving his time to claim second, just a few seconds ahead of Richard & Angus.
Thankfully the sea breeze remained relatively constant so we went straight into race three. After lap one Phil (700) and Dave & John were neck and neck. On the next beat Phil went hard left and Dave & John went right which ended up the best route as they held a small lead after the second lap. The wind eased a little during the race which usually favours the 400’s and did so again as they claimed the top three spots again with Dave & John first, Richard & Angus second and Phil & Lorna third
Many thanks to the race team, Ed & Don, who managed the changing wind direction well and thus allowing three good races.
Once ashore we enjoyed our customary pie and beer, basking in the sunshine on the prom. Chef Brown’s deputies again managing to follow his instructions and succeeding in not burning the pies.
Results and pictures available via the club website.
Full results – http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2022/2022Summer.htm
Pictures – GYGSC’s albums | Flickr