David Houghton

It seemed that we had a change in season within a few hours as during the afternoon it was a warm sunny summers day, by the time we arrived at Gorleston for the evenings sailing it was overcast, raining and a noticeable drop in temperature making feel distinctly autumnal. This didn’t dissuade the hardy few who decided to venture out. Despite the conditions the actual sailing proved to be pretty good. There was just a hint of flood tide remaining, there was a moderate swell and a steady F2-3 NNW wind. In the first race Keith (Laser) and Richard (Laser) hit the line first and headed inshore with Tamsin (Laser) opting to go offshore followed by Phil &Lorna (400) and Chris (Laser). At the windward mark the first four were closely packed with Keith leading the pack. Phil & Lorna eventually took the lead and built a small lead crossing the line first but close behind were the Lasers led by Tamsin with Keith and Richard just a few seconds behind. In the second race Chris and Keith led the pack from the line. Keith gradually extended his lead crossing the line first followed by Phil & Lorna and Richard who crossed only one second apart.

Results are on the GYGSC site – http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2018/2018Thursday.htm

The forecast did not look promising with very light winds predicted in the morning but increasing around midday. With the members congregating on the prom there were a few short periods of some wind separated with periods of little wind. Some decided to return home but six boats decided to venture out hoping that the predicted wind would arrive early. A light SE’erly held for a little while but a few minutes before the start the wind dropped. This left two boats a few metres down tide of the start line and facing an agonisingly long wait to cross the line. Richard and Robyn (400) timed their start well to cross first with Jamie(700) second. After a few minutes these two found a calm patch leaving Dave and John (400) to take the lead. With the flooding tide taking the boats down to the windward mark, rounding close was crucial to reduce the long haul against the tide back to the leeward mark. The leading pack rounded relatively close with Dave and John hoisting their kite. Close behind were Richard and Robyn who continued two sailing which proved the better tactic as they drew level prompting Dave and John to drop their kite. These two were close until halfway back to the leeward mark when Dave and John slowly opened a gap and were pleased to see the blue finish flag flying as they crossed the leeward gate. Further back the last two boats, who had given the others a considerable head start as it took them several minutes to cross the line caught a nice breeze from the East allowing them to three sail all the way back to the line and crossing close to the others and overtaking Chris (Contender) and Jamie(700).
There was a short deliberation as to whether to stay out for another race but the general consensus was to head for shore where we enjoyed some chilli and garlic bread from last nights excellent social event. Needless to say the wind did arrive but too late!

Thanks to Phil, Tom and Matt – OOD team.

Report kindly provided by Dave Houghton

Final Results are on the GYGSC site – Spring Series 2018 Results

Congratulation to Dave and John RS400 Winners of the Spring Series

Richard and Robyn 2nd and Richard and Carol 3rd.