It was an overcast and misty start to the day for the final outing of the Triad series. However, we did enjoy a few sunny periods as the mist cleared. Thirteen boats ventured out onto a calm North Sea with a light wind from the WNW. With high water still an hour away there was a light flood tide flowing.
After the start of race one most of the fleet ventured inshore but a few went offshore in search on more wind. As the boats meet at the windward mark there was little to choose from each option. After lap one Phil (RS700) held a small lead over the RS400’s of Dave & John and Richard & Robyn. Behind Steve (D-0ne) led a closely packed group of two D-One’s and two RS400’s and a Europe.
After lap two the leading three boats were nearly five minutes ahead of the rest of the fleet and were rewarded with an additional lap however, with the wind easing it turned out to be a long lap for them although the wind began to pick up as they finished. On corrected time Steve (Europe) finished first with Dave & John second and Don & Ed (RS400) third.
The freshening wind had shifted to the NNE so the race team made a quick change to the course by moving the start line inshore. By the start of the race the wind had increased to a F3 with a last of the flood tide just evident. Phil sailed his RS700 into a big lead almost lapping the entire fleet. Steve sailed a great first lap in his Europe leading many faster boats for a while and winning on corrected time. Phil almost did enough to save his handicap finishing second and Richard sailed his Laser to third finishing only a few seconds behind the Europe.
By the start of race three the wind was gusting F4, much as the weather stations had predicted.
Phil once again led the fleet with Dave & John and Richard & Robyn enjoying a race long battle for second with the former finishing just twenty seconds ahead. The increased wind caused a few capsizes with Indra, sailing for the first time at GYGSC with Keith in his RS500 experiencing a Gorleston baptism on one of the gybes. Richard, who was just ahead of Steve on the final run, did a splendid death roll in the Laser. On corrected time Steve once again pipped Phil to claim three bullets with Dave & John third.
Many thanks to the race team for a great days sailing with a good mix of conditions. They even got time to take some pictures which are on the club Flickr site
With three wins to add to the other two he already had Steve easily won the series.
Sadly the season comes to a close next week with the End of Season Regatta. The forecast looks good so make the most of the last chance of the year!