The wind was offshore resulting in shifty and gusty conditions for the penultimate outing of the Summer series. With LW at 10.00 there was still a hint of ebb flood at the start of racing. Nick’s day ended early as no sooner had he launched and attempted to head to the start line his tiller parted company with the rudder stock.
Preparing to race
Race 1 – Team Ed in the Spitfire quickly took the lead followed by Dave & John in a 400. These two opened up a good lead and ended up sailing an extra lap. It was much closer in the following pack which was led by Contender Phil, with Vareo Richard a few seconds ahead on Aero Phil. Lap two saw the Vareo and the Aero overtake the Contender up the beat. On the final lap the Vareo caught a gust whilst hoisting the spinnaker resulting in lost time leaving the Aero crossing the line one second ahead of the Contender
We’ve off!
Race 2 – The Spitfire and 400 led the fleet with the Aero hot on their heels. These three pulled away from the rest and awarded with an extra lap. Contender Phil led the following pack with Laser Nathan not far behind. With the wind gradually turning to the south and the tide now turning it was becoming a one sided course. By the final lap Phil had opened up a small lead with Vareo Richard overtaking Nathan.
Heading to the leeward gate
The race team reset the marks before the start of Race 3 – The Spitfire quickly opened up a big lead eventually lapping the fleet. After lap one the 400 led the rest but closely followed by Laser Nathan and Aero Phil. On lap three the 400 had problems dropping their spinnaker, resulting in an early return to shore. At the finish Aero Phil had opened up a small lead on Laser Nathan.
The fleet were briefly joined by a passing yacht.
On corrected time each race had a different winner. Dave & John won race one with Aero Phil beating Laser Nathan by six seconds for second place.
Aero Phil won race two. Dave and John were second beating Nathan by eighteen seconds.
In the final race Nathan took the top spot with Aero Phil second and Team Ed in the Spitfire third.
Many thanks to the race team of Richard, Anna, Lorna and Phil for a testing days sailing. Next week is the final act of the Summer series. Less than two points separate the top three boats with Solution Richard just ahead of Solution Paul and the 400 of Dave & John. Vareo Richard is also in with a shout just five point away, so all to play for.
Full results on the club website http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2025/2025Summer.htm
More pictures on the club Flickr site