After a few weeks of either too much wind or no wind, it was good to get back on the water for Act 6 of the Autumn series. We were joined on the prom by some impressive classic vehicles ranging from scooters to some very large American cars. Later in the day we were also joined by the Horse and carts who visited us a few weeks ago. Although we are now in October, the day began with the temperature in the high teens and ending in the twenties. There was a F3 from the SW with the occasional gusts. HW was around 11.00 which meant slack water for most of the racing, which was fortunate for the eight boats who ventured out as Spring tides were in force.
Ed & Keith proceed to lap the fleet
Race 1 – F3 with some stronger gusts, particularly off shore. The last remains of the flood tide still present. The 400 of Team David led off the line. Most of the fleet kept offshore. Ed & Keith, sailing the Spitfire quickly found their stride and soon took the lead and proceed to sail away, eventually lapping the entire fleet. Back with the dinghies, Team David held a short lead over Nick for the first two laps. On the third beat a toe-strap failure resulted in a back flip into the water for Dave H and a capsize for the 400 (thankfully no photo!). Nick took the lead and Richard & Robyn, back in the 400 for the first time this season caught up and were now right behind Team David. Nick stayed ahead of the two 400’s for the next two laps with Team David just fending off Richard & Robyn. On corrected time Nick took the win ahead of Ed & Keith.
Richard sporting his Storm main and ‘storm spinnaker’ !
Race 2 – a tad less wind and slack water. Nick won the start and headed the fleet up the beat until the Spitfire flew past, indeed after two laps Ed & Keith looked on track to lap the fleet again but spinnaker problems associated with ‘knots undoing’! put a stop to this. Back with the dinghies, after lap one the 400’s were out in front with Team David one second ahead of Richard & Robyn as they rounded the leeward gate. Phil (Contender) led Nick fifteen seconds later with Richard in the Vareo just a minute behind. On lap two the Contender and Phantom overtook the 400’s with Phil leading and looking good for the race win. However……on the third beat Phil suffered gear failure resulting in a swim and an early return to shore leaving Nick to lead the dinghies over the line and taking a second race win with Team David second.
New version of Where’s Wally………. Find Phil
Race 3 – the wind now a F2 and first signs of the ebb tide. The fleet now reduced with both the Contender and Spitfire retiring! Nick headed the fleet off the line, most of which headed inshore but the wind was lighter and shiftier inshore so wasn’t always the best plan. Nick led for the first two laps, but on the final windward leg Team Dave took the lead and led to the finish line. On corrected time Nick made it three in a row. His recent trip to the Phantom Nationals proving beneficial as upwind performance seemed to have improved.
Thanks to the race team of Steve and Darell for an eventful days sailing, even if it was short lived for some. Has the Whitby curse finally been lifted ?
A clean sweep for Nick
Once ashore Chef Brown was back serving lunch again. With the sun shining and the temperature now in the twenties it was like summer with the prom busy with visitors to the Classic Car rally.
With one week to go Dave and guest crews Cliff & David leads the Autumn series, two points ahead of Steve & Keith in the 500 with Richard in the Vareo third.
Darell doubled up as photographer for the day, pictures now on the club Flick site – GYGSC’s albums | Flickr
Full results – http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2023/2023Autumn.htm
