Author: David Houghton

As we arrived at Gorleston it was easy to think summer had arrived, unbroken blue skies and a pleasant breeze. However, being from the North the wind still had a chill in it and the beach was just about devoid of beach ‘dwellers’.
Twelve boats took to the water ranging from a Laser to the ‘Cats’. 

We were also joined by Sam, visiting the club and sailing his Waszp, unfortunately for him the wind did not quite pick up sufficiently for him to enjoy the Waszps incredible performance.

Race 1 started just after low water with negligible tide. Chris Sallis (D-One) nailed the start and led for a short while until David Brief (Shadow X) powered his through the fleet to lead by over a minute after lap one. Behind Chris there was a three way battle between the D-Ones of Steve Gray and Nick Favell and the 400 of Dave Houghton and Tamsin Highfield. The race team finished the race after two laps as a couple of boats have lingered a bit too long on the beach and missed the start. David managed to complete three laps almost lapping some of the fleet. Chris led the rest over the line followed by Dave & Tamsin.

The flood tide had now picked up so upwind most of the fleet ventured towards the shore during race 2. Dave & Tamsin appeared off the line with a short lead over Chris and Steve and after lap one were over a minute ahead of the rest of the fleet which they held to the finish with the Cats now suffering in the lighter winds. We were also joined by a water spectator in the form of a seal who took much interest in watching the racing !

With the wind easing the race team took the sensible decision to reduce the size of the course. The three D-one’s, led by Chris judged the tide best rounding the windward mark ahead of the fleet. After four laps Dave & Tamsin managed to sneak through and crossed the line just ahead of Chris, with Steve just six seconds behind.
Many thanks to the race team for arranging such a lovely day, Richard did say it’s always nice when he does OOD, so perhaps he ought to do it every week !

Full results here…

 

The second Thursday evening session got underway with a pleasant F3-4 breeze.

Race 1- With the tide still flooding Keith (Laser) and Ed (Contender) went inshore to get out of the tide but Richard (Solution) decided to go out to sea hoping for a better wind. Keith was first round the windward mark followed by Richard then Ed, all very close. After the second lap it was still close and the order remaining unchanged with only 5 seconds between them. After the third lap only one second between all 3 boats. On the fourth and final lap Richard had opened up a small lead followed by Ed then Keith..
As race two was about to start Richard’s goose neck broke so the race team towed him in. Ed and Keith decided to go for a ‘jolly’ as the conditions were so good and the forecasted rain had yet to arrive, although it did as the boats were back on the beach. Thanks to the race team of Phil and Little Ed.

Full Results Here………..
Close racing downwind

The Thursday Evening series got underway with a pleasant F2-F3 breeze and a somewhat chilly N – NNE wind.

In race one everyone decided to keep close to the shore beating up to the windward mark as there was still a trickle of flood water. After the first lap Phil and Lorna (400) led the small fleet followed by Richard in his newly acquired Solution. At the finish Phil and Lorna maintained their lead but close behind was Richard and Ed in his Laser with Richard claiming the win by 11 seconds from Ed on corrected time.

Race 2 saw Phil & Lorna and Richard again electing to stick to the shore however Ed, who had been last to cross the line decided to go offshore where there appeared more wind. For some time this option appeared to be paying but as the boats neared the mark Ed lost out leaving the other two to cross in front and round the windwark mark just in front. At this point we were joined by Pavel and Kristof in the Sprint 15 who having been held up and so missing the start decided to test their night time navigational skills sailing down to Hopton and back!  Anyway, back to the racing, after the first lap Phil & Lorna had opened up a small lead on Richard which they extended on the last lap. However, on corrected time Richard won from Phil & Lorna by just under half a minute. We then all headed ashore for pie and beans and discussions on the local elections mainly brought about by the fact Ed had to nip off and vote before having his pie!

Full Results Here………..

After a lack of wind last week this week there was some! Unfortunately the warm temperatures of last week had long gone and the temperature gauge in the car as we drove towards the club was reading a miserly 8 degrees C. On a brighter note the rain had stopped and the forecast was for some sunny periods.

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A small but select fleet of hardy souls made their way to the start for race one. The wind was a pleasantly F2-3 from the West and the sea was extremely flat considering the strong winds during Saturday. According to the tide tables it was low water but there was still a small ebb tide flowing. Richard Fryer, with guest crew Kristof Baj (RS400) were first of the line closely followed by Nick Favell in his shiny new D-One.
After the first lap Richard and Kristof had a small lead on the pack with Tom Carr & Will Gordon (505) and Nick rounding the gate together. Prior to the start the wind was fluctuating from W to NW, shortly before the start it shifted to NW-N making for a one sided beat and a drag race back to the leeward mark and so the race was finished after two laps with Richard & Kristof taking the first line honours and race win of the year.
With the wind settling on North the race team adjusted the course for race 2. Despite a small ebb tide the fleet split in two on the first beat with most going offshore which proved the best route. Richard & Kristof and Nick headed the fleet round the windward mark closely followed by Phil and Lorna (RS400). Everyone headed inshore downwind with Nick putting in an early gybe and hooking up into a good breeze to go from 25 metres behind to 50 metres ahead of Richard & Kristof. However over the next three laps this lead slowly evaporated and Richard & Kristof again taking line honours and race win with Phil & Lorna taking second by five seconds from Nick.
By the start of race three the wind was up to F4…plus gusts! and the sea had woken up a tad with some moderate waves. The fleet were closely bunched as they rounded the windward mark and downwind everyone was flying. First casualty was Nick when he gybed resulting in a capsize leaving Richard & Kristof with a good lead. After three laps Tom & Will decided to pack up and sailed back to the club. On the final run down to the line Richard & Kristof had over a minute lead on the next boat however…….come gybe time they too succumbed to the urge to swim and capsized 500 metres from the line. This left Phil and Lorna an opportunity to claim glory in the final race of the day however……only a few metres away from an already capsized 400, and perhaps over excited at the possibility of a win also joined Richard & Kristof in the water. First up was Richard & Kristof who crossed the line first with Nick finishing second.

Start of Season
Race 1: 1 RS400 721 (R Fryer & K Baj), 2 D-One 906 (N Favell), 3 505 8489 (T Carr & W Gordon)
Race 2: 1 RS400 721 (R Fryer & K Baj), 2 RS400 454 (P Harlow & L Pierce), 3 D-One 906 (N Favell)
Race 3: 1 RS400 721 (R Fryer & K Baj), 2 D-One 906 (N Favell)

Full Results Here………..

Despite a few regulars away attending open meetings it was a good turn out of twelve boats for the End of Season trophy. Competitors were rewarded by unseasonal warm weather, a nice breeze and flat seas. Beating into surprisingly strong tide meant that everyone ducked for the shore and short tacked up the beach. Chris Sallis dominated the day with convincing wins chased hard at times by Richard Brown with his son crewing.

Race one, we won’t mention any names but with a strong tide to contend with, some boats took over 2 minutes to cross the start line. Once across the line the fleet headed inshore to get out of the tide except for a certain Contender sailor not remembering that there’s a tide at Gorleston. Chris Sallis was first to the windward mark closely followed by Richard and young Ed in their RS400. Over the water and on corrected time the race was won by Chris and second over the water was Richard and Ed. However, Nick Favell in his Phantom was close behind and just pipped Richard and Ed for second on corrected time. The race was finished after just 2 laps so the race team could alter the course after the wind had shifted.

Race two – The wind had picked up a little and by now everyone had allowed for the tide on the start line! Again Chris leading the way around the course and finished 3 minutes ahead of the next boat, Phil Highfield in his RS700. Nick claimed another second and Keith and Anna claiming third over Richard and Ed by one second on corrected time.
Race three saw a few changes in helms/crews with the Race Office, David Brief taking charge of Nicks Phantom and with the wind continuing to increase Richard swapped his light wind crew, ‘Little Ed’ for ‘Big Phil’.

Once again everyone hugging the shore line to keep out of the tide with Chris continuing his good form leading the fleet to claim line honours with Richard and ‘Big Phil’ taking second.
After the racing it was back to the clubhouse for pies and prize giving in the sunshine with Chris graciously donating the gin to Lorna.
The Race team were grateful for the entertainment provided by some, namely the person who, despite his recent European Championship experience manged to capsize in the lightest winds of the day and a certain RS500 helm who having ‘tea bagged’ his crew then missed the gate. Full results on the club website.

With an offshore breeze it was always likely to be a day of shifty and gusty winds , and that proved to be the case. Nine boats launched in sunshine and a very flat sea, with a mix of seven different classes. Ed launched the latest addition to his fleet, a Spitfire Cat choosing to spend the day cruising. The race team set a large windward/leeward course with the windward mark positioned offshore of the café.
Race one, David Brief (Shadow) led the fleet closely followed by the 700 of Phil and the 800 of Jamie & Will. Behind was a collection of 400’s and a 500 but leading them was Chris Sallis in his D-One. The Shadow built up a good lead eventually lapping some boats however, on corrected time Chris just pipped David by a few seconds
Race two, the 700 led after the first lap with the Shadow and 800 close behind. Dave & John (400) held a short lead over the rest of the fleet. After the second lap the Shadow had taken the lead and Chris had overtaken Dave & John. On the third lap Richard and Robyn (400) had the perfect beat to round the windward mark just ahead of Chris and Dave & John. However, these positions were reversed the next lap and with the leading group not too far ahead these three claimed the podium places on corrected time.
Race three, the race team did a very efficient course change as the wind moved a tad to the North. Despite a larger course things were close rounding the windward mark on the first lap. The fleet split downwind with those choosing to go left appearing to benefit. At the line Chris was close to the faster boats to claim a good win, making it three out of three.
Race four, with a few teams choosing to go ashore it was a depleted fleet for the bonus race. The 700 and 800 had a close battle for the lead with only two seconds separating them after the first lap and again at the line. On corrected time the 700 pipped the 400 of Richard & Robyn by a few seconds with the 500 of Anna & Keith third. By the time the fleet headed ashore the sunshine had ended, replaced by some very grey clouds making it feel decidedly autumnal.
Many thanks to the race team of Richard, Doug and young Ed for a great days sailing.   Full results on the club website

From the prom conditions looked challenging with the sea looking rather ‘lumpy’. However with a warm F4 SW-erly, enthusiasm was high so we all got on with it and launched. Race one saw a few casualties, Phil A (Contender) retiring with a centreboard problem and Dave & John(400) heading home early after the gennaker sheet untied itself and an attempt to re-tie it didn’t work well! Jamie & Tamsin (800) led the pack to take second place on corrected time with the 500 sailed by Phil H & Keith showing good pace to take top spot. In race two Jamie & Tamsin stormed ahead building up a good lead to take top spot with Nick, this week sailing his Phantom showing good pace upwind to finish second. In the final race the 800 ‘s gennaker parted company with the bowsprit ending their day, Nick crossed the finish line first to take the win with the 500 second. Thanks to the race team for an excellent race line which with wind across tide is not always easy to do and a splendid days sailing…….well for those who managed to last longer than the first race ! Full results on the club website

After the disappointing Bank Holiday Weekend it was nice to get back to what has been for some time normal for Gorleston, i.e. unbroken sunshine and temperature around 20 degrees. With the wind coming from the SE the flooding tide made short work of the upwind legs and with conditions so good the race team were easily persuaded to add a fourth race.
Chris & Matt in their Taser showed great upwind speed often being first boat to round the windward mark on the first lap. This hopefully bodes well for their forthcoming trip to Hayling Island for the Taser Nationals.
In race one the D-Ones of Steve and Nick led the way off wind opening up a good lead on the rest of the fleet to comfortably win on corrected time. Mid fleet Phil & Lorna (400) and Anna & Keith (500) enjoyed a close battle throughout the race with just a four seconds between them after two laps. However, on the final lap the 500 crept ahead to finish nearly twenty seconds ahead.
In race two Dave & guest crew Kristoff (400) led the fleet closely pursued by the D-One’s of Nick and Don, with the 400 taking the win on corrected time.
In races three and four Dave & Kristoff led the fleet, hotly pursued by D-One Don. On corrected time honours were shared with the 400 winning the third race and the D-One the fourth. Race three saw another close tussle between Phil & Lorna and Anna & Keith, once again just a few seconds separating them after two laps. This time the 400 managed to creep ahead on the final lap but not quite far enough to hold their handicap.
Many thanks to the race team of Tom and Phil for their patience sitting on the start line for four races watching the rest of us having a lovely sail.  Full results on the club website

3 2 Buoy Challenge Race

With the forecast predicting 25 knots later in the day there was some deliberation on the prom as to whether to venture out or not. However, with the sea looking reasonably flat and the wind still manageable, seven boats decided to venture out for 3 Buoy Challenge races, although it was now going to be the 2 Buoy Challenge races. There were several new crew pairings for the day with David Brief swapping his Shadow to crew in a 400 with Richard Fryer, Robyn Ollington swapping one 400 for another sailing with Don D’onions and Ed Anderson sailing with Keith Sykes in a 500. Race one started in a relatively light wind with Dave & John (400) leading round the windward mark with Richard and David (400) just a few seconds behind and Don & Robyn third. The wind increased during the final lap which saw Phil and Lorna (400) going for an uncharacteristic swim on the last gybe.
The wind was a F4 for the second race. Richard and David outpaced everyone upwind to lead around the first mark and built up a good lead by the end of the race. Dave & John finished second and after a close tussle throughout the race Don & Robyn just pipped Tom &John (505) over the line. Ed and Keith were fairing well until Ed decided to jump ship resulting in an unscheduled capsize for the 500. Thanks to the race team for a well organised and enjoyable days sailing. Full results on the club web site

 

Once again conditions were near perfect at Gorleston for Act 7 of the Summer series. Temperature in the mid twenties, cloudless skies and a F2 SE’erly which increased toF3-4 during the day. Four RS400’s and a mixture of other classes made up the fleet which left the beach which was aleady filling up with sun worshippers!.
Chris (D-One) and Dave & John (RS400) had a close battle during race one with just a few seconds between them until the final lap when Chris’s better downwind speed saw him open up a clear lead at the finish line. However, Keith, swapping RS500 for his Laser had been sailing well to beat Chris on corrected time by just 3 seconds.
The wind increased to F3-4 for races two and three in which Chris gradually left the RS400’s behind to lead by over a minute in both races to claim first place. Dave & John managed to keep ahead of the other 400’s to claim second in both and David (Shadow X), who managed to lap several boats claiming third in both.
In the final race of the day David built up a huge lead and managed to hold his time to claim first place, beating Richard &guest crew Krxysztof by one second.
Many thanks to the race team who set a great course, arranged great weather and turned around the races in quick time. . Full results on the club website.