Costa del Gorleston – this is becoming the norm of late and something we could easily get use to…. another glorious day at the club made more pleasant by the cool onshore breeze keeping the temperature around 25 degrees. I was informed it was 33 inland!
The lovely weather attracted a few more boats with 15 launching onto a calm north sea. It also attracted several visitors to the beach, thankfully there was plenty of room for everyone.
We were joined by a visiting yacht which moored close to the starting area, it would have made a very nice committee boat!
With low water just before the start of racing the tide flow was different for every race making course choice upwind and downwind difficult with everyone keeping an eye on the tide state as they rounded every mark as the flood tide was evident during the latter stage of race two.
The start line was hotly contested in all three races with some finding themselves over the line with an individual recall signal sounded, something rare for Gorleston!
The wind remained reasonably steady all day with a F2-3 from the NE, although it did get a little ‘soft’ at times during race two which prompted the race team to move the windward mark a tad for race three. Needless to say the wind picked up again for the final race!
The RS400 ‘s had a good day with Richard & Rosie and Dave & John sharing the top two places in the first two races, with Steve G (D-One) third in race one and Gary (Phantom) third in race two.
In the final race of the day Steve W managed to separate the two 400’s claiming a second.
The three phantoms enjoyed some close racing in all three races, with Nick F finishing ahead of Nick C in the first. Gary finishing just ahead of Nick C in the second and Nick F returning to form in the last race just managing to fend of Gary during a race long tussle.
With the relatively light winds Phil opted to swap his usual weapon of choice (Contender) for Nick’s ‘spare’ Vareo. Considering his limited experience with the spinnaker he soon looked at home in the boat and gave the other Vareo, sailed by Richard a shock when he rounded the windward mark just ahead of him in race two. However, Richard’s experience offwind soon saw him back in front.
It was the last day of the Summer series with the RS400’s claiming the top two spots, Dave & John emerging overall winners, Richard, crewed by Rosie and Angus second and Steve W, sailing his pocket rocket third.
Next week is the Late Summer Regatta, first race starting no sooner than 10.30! visitors most welcome.
Once again many thanks to the race team for a splendid day’s sailing, long may it continue
Chef Brown was back in the kitchen and normal service was resumed, serving up his splendid ‘butchers’ pies and cool drinks.
Results and pictures available via the club website.
Pictures – GYGSC’s albums | Flickr
Full results – http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2022/2022Summer.htm