The weather was looking good for the trek to Hopton and back with a F3-4 from the south. Nine boats were rigged and ready to go and the beach was slowly filling up with people which is sometimes a consequence of the good weather. By the time we launched the wind had picked up a tad and as boats were sailing around the start line there was at least one capsize as the sea was becoming quite lively. By the start some had decided to venture back ashore leaving a small, select few to take on the challenge.
Unsurprisingly Ed & Humphrey, sailing a Spitfire were soon leading and with the tide flooding the beat didn’t take too long and soon the boats were enjoying the long run back to the leeward gate. Phil A, sailing his Contender was clearly enjoying the conditions after Thursday evening’s light weather, and was second round the gate. Phil H, sailing his 700 sailed a cautious downwind leg and decided to head for shore followed by Richard F, sailing his Vareo, who probably enjoyed the fastest sail in the Vareo to date.
After two laps the Spitfire had a nine minute lead on the Contender which wasn’t quite enough to hold their time. Congratulations to Phil, winning the Hopton race in quite challenging conditions.
Thanks to the race team who had to endure the long wait in the choppy conditions and ensuring everyone was safe.
Once back ashore we all engaged in the now almost compulsory beer and pie on the prom with some following this up with some puddings from ‘next door’.
Results – http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/20http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2022/2022Hopton.htm22/2022Hopton.htm