Costa Del Gorleston basked in sunshine as sailors arrived at the club for the final outing of the Summer series. The forecast for 20+ degree temperatures attracted a good turnout along with several beach goers. One problem…… no wind. The forecast was for a sea breeze to fill by 11.00 so everyone was hopeful for a good day on the water. On cue the wind filled and we launched onto a flat sea. With HW scheduled for 10.30 there was still the last remains of the flood tide.
Racing underway
Race 1 – There was a pleasant F2 from the SE by the time racing got underway. After the start the fleet split in two with the majority going offshore hoping to catch the last of the flood tide. At the windward mark the RS400 of Richard and guest crew Troy had a good lead on the next boat, Dave & John in their RS400, closely followed by Nick, this week sailing his D-One. The following boats were closely packed with 19 seconds separating a group of seven boats after lap one. Lap two most ventured offshore as there was still a hint of flood tide. No change in the first three places but Steve had got the Unit moving and into fourth, with Tamsin, sailing the family Aero just behind. On the final lap Phil and Lorna, recovering from a bad start had moved into fifth place by the finish line. A few minutes back were the two Solutions who were still ahead of the Contenders and Vareos.
Heading upwind
Race 2- The wind had increased by now and the sea had got noticeably ‘choppier’. Richard & Troy continued their good form leading at the windward mark, closely followed by Dave & John and Unit Steve and D-One Nick. Solution Paul led the following pack by a good margin. The short chop made the port tack along the coast uncomfortable. After lap two the two leading RS400’s and the Unit had opened up a gap on D-One Nick and Phil & Lorna in the other RS400. Contender Phil was leading the following pack, just ahead of Solution Paul. At the finish Richard & Troy had opened the gap on Dave & John. Unit Steve just managed to remain ahead of D-One Nick, closely followed by Phil & Lorna.
Richard & Troy lead the fleet
Race 3- The wind by now had increased to a F4. A few opted to return to shore for an early coffee (or beer). Richard & Troy enjoyed another good start, leading after lap one but with Contender Phil and D-One Nick hot on their heels. After lap two the Contender had taken the lead, storming up the beat, which was now made longer as the flood tide had kicked in, and managing to hold it on the downwind leg. The Unit was a little way back followed by the two Solutions. At the finish the Contender crossed the first, seven seconds ahead of Richard & Troy, with the D-One and Unit less than a minute behind.
Heading downwind
On corrected time it was a good day for the Solutions, with Paul and Richard taking first and second in race one, with Tamsin third in the Aero. Paul made in it in a row taking the win in race two, ahead of Steve in the Unit and Richard & Troy. It was a close finish in the final race with Steve edging out Contender Phil by seven seconds. Paul enjoyed another podium place taking third.
Many thanks to the race team for a lovely days sailing. The Gorleston teamwork worked amazing well tackling the ’three wheels on my wagon’ challenge on returning to shore, with both RIB’s quickly and expertly moved to the dinghy park. And thanks to Chef Brown for the seemingly endless supply of tasty Hot Dogs.
Approaching the downwind gate
Next week is the second of the Passage races and then we move to the Autumn series, let’s hope the long term forecast is correct and the fine weather continues for a few more weeks.
Full results on the club website http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2025/2025Summer.htm
More pictures on the club Flickr site