Great sailing conditions today and the race team ensured we had time to enjoy it by setting a good sized windward leeward course. It was nice to see some visitors from WOBYC where the powerboats were doing their thing over the weekend.
Race 1
With little tide the fleet split with those going offshore appearing to gain a small advantage. Ed and guest crew Keith, sailing the Spitfire led the fleet hotly pursued by Steve (D-One) and Adam and Jordon in their RS400, and despite sailing an extra lap to the rest of the fleet it was the slower boats who took the podium places in three different classes, with James (Laser) winning, Dave (Vareo) second and Steve(Europe) third.
Race 2
Ed & Keith managed a stellar first lap completing it in half the time compared with some. The two 400’s followed split by Phil (Contender), who appeared to have gotten over the trauma of ‘almost’ losing his phone earlier in the day. Steve, having sailed a great first beat putting him ahead of the Lasers and Vareos, took the race win with Ed & Keith second and James third.
Race 3
With the flood tide now evident majority of the fleet stayed inshore up the now long beat. Ed & Keith did another horizon job, Phil revelled in the conditions, leading the rest of the fleet and finishing far enough ahead to claim a race win by 9 seconds over Steve with Ed & Keith third.
Thanks to the race team for a great if not tiring days sailing.
Despite the warmer conditions inland it was quite chilly at Gorleston due to the F3 wind from the NE, but at least the sun was out.
Once again all the fleet were singlehanders and it was nice to see Rob make an appearance with his new toy, a RS Vareo which meant all three club Vareo sailors were present making them the biggest fleet on the water! although overall numbers were depleted as many regulars were missing.
Race one start – pin end
The race team, ‘Team Phil’, set a nice size windward leeward course, LW was forecast for 20.15 so there was still a small ebb tide flowing.
Race One
Richard almost got a port end flyer but decided on caution as two starboard boats approached.
The fleet split on first beat but heading offshore first seemed to pay with Dave rounding the windward mark just ahead of Carl.
Race 1-downwind
Downwind proved great fun with some nice rollers to surf on.
Dave headed the fleet across the line first followed by Carl then Darell (Contender) and Richard and Rob were having a close battle with Richard finishing just ahead
Race 2 imminent
Race Two
Most headed immediately offshore after the start. There was a noticeable lift offshore (or was it just more tide!) as one person over stood the windward mark. After three laps Dave finished just ahead of Carl and Rob finished just ahead of Richard, courtesy of an untimely capsize with spinny just before the line by Richard.
Time to head home
A third race was discussed but general opinion was to head ashore. Thanks to the race team, especially Phil A who having forgot his sail offered to assist.
Many thanks to the onshore team of Nick, Sarah and Lorna for having ‘supper’ ready, sure was generous with the mash!
Just like last week we were greeted with blue skies and a pleasant F2 onshore wind on arrival. Fortunately, unlike last week sea mist did not roll in an hour before sailing was due to start!
A mixture of single handers rigged comprising of six different classes, and a rare occasion with no Lasers being present. Phil H was sailing his newly acquired Phantom and despite attempts to persuade Michael to take a club Laser he was keen to try out the family Topper. On the water the ESE F2 felt a lot cooler than it did in Norwich!
Thursday racing gets underway
Race 1
Adrian (D-One) and Richard F (Vareo ) made the best start and headed offshore. Everyone else followed other than Richard B (Solution) who opted to stay inshore. As the fleet converged at the windward mark the two asymmetrics were still leading with the rest not far behind.
Race 1-downwind
On lap two Richard F took the lead with Phil H also slipping past Adrian. Phil A maintained his short lead over Darell in the battle of the Contenders. Richard F maintained his lead on the final lap crossing the line first with Phil H just head of Adrian and Richard B holding off the two Contenders.
Race 2 start
Race 2
Michael (Topper) made the best start and led for a short while before being overtaken by the faster boats. This race proved much closer on the water with the leading six boats tightly bunched as they headed downwind, with Adrian holding a short lead. As they rounded the leeward gate 14 seconds separated the pack with Adrian just ahead.
Race 2 downwind
After lap two Adrian had and opened up a gap on the others with Phil H heading the chasing pack and Richard F just ahead of Phil A, with the latter executing a rather ungainly tack after rounding the leeward gate resulting in an unexpected swim. Apparently Phil had the kicker on tight and got caught under the boom!
All close as they start they start the final lap
On the final lap Adrian managed to increase his lead to cross the line over a minute clear of Phil H. The Vareo and Solution had a close tussle with the Vareo emerging just ahead at the line.
Fortunately the wind held all evening providing very pleasant racing conditions. On corrected time it was a similar situation in both races with Richard F winning both, Richard B second and Michael being rewarded for his perseverance third in the Topper. Remarkably, Richard F finished both races in exactly the same time of twenty five minutes and nine seconds.
There was a light haze over the sea at the start to the day with little wind
Nine boats were rigged and ready and patiently awaited the race team to give the ok to launch once the wind filled a bit, although two crews opted not to rig their boats.
Ghost ship !
Quite a mix of classes ranging from Ed’s new toy, an A Class cat and Steve’s pocket rocket Europe. Fortunately the wind slowly picked up during the day to a F3 which produced three different race winners
Race 1 start
Race 1
F1-2 from the SE and a flood tide offshore, although little inshore.
Phil, back from competing in a RS700 event on the south coast led the fleet with Ed close behind.
Rounding the windward mark
It was pretty close mid fleet with Nick (Phantom) leading the two RS400’S for the entire race holding off Simon & Bruce by a few seconds across the line. However Steve, sailing his Europe managed to stay enough to win on corrected time with Dave (Vareo) second and Nick third.
Race 2 start
Race2
F2 from the SE, the last remains of the flood offshore and slack inshore, turning near the end of the race.
Phil led again but Simon and Bruce (RS400) were in close pursuit. After three laps these two had opened up quite a lead with Nick leading the rest. However, honours went to the ‘slower’ boats with Dave first, Steve second and Richard (Solution) in third.
Richard appears to have taken some downwind advice from a certain Contender sailor
Race3
The best wind of the day as the wind increased to a F3. The Ebb tide now present. This obviously suited Phil as he did a horizon job on the rest of the fleet taking both line honours and a win on corrected time. Crossing the line second and despite finishing over five minutes ahead of the next boat Simon & Bruce had to settle for fourth with Steve claiming second on corrected time and Dave third.
Good luck to Steve next week when he attends the Europe Inland Championship at Grafham Water.
Thanks to the race team for their patience, great course and a fine days racing.
It was great to get back on the water again at ‘sunny’ Gorleston, although the sunny forecast was perhaps a little optimistic. Thankfully the water wasn’t as cold as everyone was expecting !
Eight boats took to the water, three RS400’s and a mixture of five different single hander classes.
Conditions were good with a steady F3 from the SE which eased to a F2-3 for the final race and there was no doubting we were back on the lumpy stuff. The race team set a good sized Windward – Leeward course and with the ebbing tide still flowing it meant a good long beat.
Racing about to start
Race one
David (Solution) has an early exit when his kicker broke shortly after the start. Richard & Rosie (400) soon found their form and led by over three minutes after the first lap. Phil & Lorna (400) led the chasing pack with Dave (Vareo) just ahead of Keith (Laser). After lap two Richard & Rosie had managed to open the gap to nearly six minutes and easily held their handicap. Keith sailed a good windward leg overtaking Dave to take second on corrected time.
RS400’s starting lap two
Race two
The three 400’s soon led the fleet with R&R opening up a small lead on the others. Adam & Jordan and Phil & Lorna had a close race until the third lap with the former pulling away to cross the line second. Meanwhile, back in the single hander fleet, Dave had an early retirement when one of his shrouds became unclipped. Keith led the remaining boats with Darell (Contender) and Phil (Harrier) enjoying a close battle with the two approaching the line together seemingly in conversation and crossing the line together. R&R winning on handicap with Keith just beating Adam & Jordan.
Darell and Phil approach the finishing line
Race three
By the start of the final race the wind had eased a little and the tide was almost slack. Adam & Jordan nailed the start and led for a short while. However, R&R managed to take the lead before the windward mark and proceeded to open up a small lead at the finish. After lap one Dave led the single handers however, Darell had a great windward leg on lap two overtaking Dave.
R&R took line honours again and their third race win with Adam & Jordan just beating Dave on corrected. time.
Race three start
Many thanks to the race team for a great if not tiring days sailing. Once back ashore it was time for the customary Chef Brown’s pie. The weather was still good enough to enjoy it outside on the prom…. well just warm enough !
After a chilly winter, spring has arrived and hopefully the sub zero temperatures are now behind us. Which is just as well as the new season at GYGSC kicks off in less than a month !
We have a busy season ahead including two National Championships and six Regattas. We also hope to run a couple of training days on Saturdays early in the season, news of these will be sent out nearer the planned dates.
However, before we get on the water there will be some jobs to do around the club with work parties scheduled for Saturday 8th & 15th April, one of which is the annual laying of the ramp on the 8th April. These are scheduled to start at 10.00.
Summary of events below :-
16th April Start of Season Regatta
18th June Summer Regatta
22nd June Thursday Evening Regatta
23rd – 25th June RS Vareo National Championships
24th -25th June Beach Regatta
15th – 16TH July Phantom Open / Solution National Championships
Sadly another season at Gorleston comes to an end but the weather played ball and the 10 crews who ventured out had a lovely day on the water.
After a short delay to the start the Race team gave the heads up to launch by which time the sky had cleared and stayed so until we got back ashore.
Great weather for final day on the sea
The SW wind provided a good test of skill and patience with shifts, gusts and lulls a plenty, which introduced many opportunities to gain and lose places. It was a good day for the singlehanders who made up the majority of the fleet and took the top two podium places.
The Start Masters Don & Richard get prime position
Don & Richard (RS400) were the start line masters of the day being in prime position in both starts. In race one they were clean away and led after lap one. Behind were Dave & John (RS400) and Richard & Robyn (RS400) who enjoyed three laps of close sailing. Not too far behind was Nick ( Phantom) who remained within a minute behind the 400’S for most of the race and Mark, sailing the club Laser who put in a quick final lap and winning the race on corrected time with Nick making it a 1,2 for the singlehanders
Phil & Lorna not too far behind
Team Ed joined race two and soon opened up a huge lead in their Spitfire, eventually lapping the entire fleet. Don & Richard again had pole position on the starting blocks and led the chasing pack up the first beat with Richard & Robyn and Phil & Lorna and Mark all close behind. After lap one the Spitfire lead by over two minutes with Dave & John, having recovered from a badly timed start now leading the rest with Richard & Robyn, and Don & Richard just behind and rounding together. Only a few seconds behind them were Nick and Mark, with the latter having a great start and first beat. After the second lap Nick had managed to move ahead of Don & Richard and Mark was still only a few seconds behind..
Phil opts for a brave Port tack start
On the third downwind leg Dave & John managed to catch a gust which eluded the others opening up a gap with Nick managing to pull ahead of both the other RS400’s.
Two quick laps in the final half of the race helped Nick to win by 20 seconds ahead of Mark on corrected time with Dave & John beating Team Ed. With both Nick and Mark finishing with a first and a second apiece, Nick was overall winner of the EOS trophy as winner of the final race.
Nick, winner of the EOS trophy
Many thanks to the Race team of Tom and Pawel for a near perfect days sailing. Once back ashore Chef Brown served the final meal on the prom for this year. He and his helpers have done a great job throughout the season keeping us well fed after a day’s sailing. He will however have a night off on the forthcoming club dinner and prize giving when Chef’s Keith and Ed take charge.
The forecast earlier in the week wasn’t looking promising with 20 mph winds, gusting 30 mph. However, as the week passed the forecast eased and today we enjoyed a very pleasant sunny day on the water with a F2-3 off shore wind. This provided some good tactical sailing as the wind shifted around NW and WNW.
Race 1 starts
The Race team set windward leeward course with a spacer to offset the tide which was flooding. The Commodore was in good form following the Phantom Nationals winning all three races. Appears he’s picked up a few go faster techniques
Race 2 starts
Race race – Nick and Richard & Robyn (400) opened up a good lead on the rest of the fleet with Phil (Contender) leading the chase. On the final lap Adrian (D-One) suffered a spinny downhaul failure, unfortunately limiting him to mainsail only for the rest of the day. On corrected time Steve (Europe) split the two leading boats to claim second.
Race 3 starts
Race two – the fleet were closer packed throughout the race but with Richard & Robyn just beating Nick across the finish line. Phil (Contender) and Don & Ed (400) had a race long battle with just a few seconds between them on each lap with Phil leading across the line. On corrected time the results were as race one.
Don & Ed pick up a puff
Race three – Nick made an early claim for the lead which he held throughout the race. Richard & Robyn were chased by Don & Ed all race but stayed just ahead. On corrected time there was no change in the leading three with Nick picking up three bullets.
Richard’s turn !
With one week in the series to go it’s close with Steve leading.
Thought(s) of the day
Two sails are better than one – just ask Adrian
Watching sailing when you really want to sail is frustrating – just ask Phil
Whilst the mist had cleared the wind was absent at Gorleston when we arrived at the club. With the forecast of a F2 Southerly wind later on, the Race Team made the decision to postpone racing for a while until the wind arrived.
Some decided to pack their boats, but those who waited were rewarded for their patience as a F2 from the East filled in and the race team advised we were going racing.
Four teams rigged their boats which comprised of two Vareo’s, a D-One and a Europe. With HW around 10.30 the ebb tide had just started to pick up. The race team set a slightly smaller course which proved just right for the conditions.
Great conditions at Gorleston…….eventually!
By the time race one got underway the wind was from the SE, after lap one Adrian had a small lead on Steve who had a small lead on Dave who was just ahead of Richard. Adrian gradually pulled clear ahead finishing a minute and half ahead of Dave who just pipped Steve across the line. On corrected time Steve winning by over a minute.
The wind had picked up a tad for race two which was shortened to two laps in order to fit in a third race. Dave and Adrian headed offshore to the windward mark whilst Steve and Richard opted to stay inshore out of the tide. However the offshore route proved the quickest with Dave leading after lap one with Adrian second, these positions remained unchanged on lap two. On corrected time Dave emerged the winner
By the time race three started the wind was a F3 and the best sailing conditions of the day with all crews now hiking to keep the boats flat. The stronger ebb tide brought with it the added bonus for the spinnaker boats of being able to broad reach directly to the leeward gate which gave them quite an advantage. Dave led across the line just ahead of Adrian with Steve and Richard not too far behind. Dave holding his time on handicap.
Racing over, time to pack up
Thought of the day
Good things come to those who wait ! – just ask the four crews who sailed
Postponing the racing for a short while resulted in three excellent races, many thanks to the Race team of Mark and Darell and to Anna and Keith who patiently waited on shore until we came back and assisted when we came ashore.
Due to the determination of a few we managed to get our ‘Thursday Finale’ sail. With last week’s weather best suited to the surfers, this week’s proved much better despite the odd downpour prior to sailing. Four eager crews rigged their boats with Ed launching his recently acquired Sunfish for the first time on the sea. Some may not have heard of the Sunfish but surprisingly it’s outsold the Laser dinghy by far with nearly half a million sold since its introduction in the early 50’s, although most are in the USA.
Ed’s Sunfish – easy to spot !
Following the last downpour the wind had just about died however, by the time we launched the wind was a pleasant F2 from the SSW and the flood tide made short work of the beat.
Racing gets underway – it looks much darker than it actually was….really!
After lap one the two lasers were heading the fleet with Dave inches ahead of Harry as they rounded the gate with Adrian, who opted not to fly his spinny on the run just behind.
After lap two Dave was just ahead of Adrian who was now using his spinny but the wind strength made for a tricky decision as to soak or close reach and pick up some boat speed.
After lap three Adrian crossed the gate still flying his spinny mistakenly thinking it was the finish, by the time he had dropped it Dave had rounded the gate and opened up a small gap which he held to the finish although Adrian closed the gap considerable. Not too far behind was Harry who claimed second spot on corrected time.
Lasers side by side with Adrian trying to avoid the tide.
With the light fading we sailed back to the shore, the transition from light to darkness has become noticeably shorter. By the time we had packed the boats up it was dark, made worse by some impressive cloud cover.
Big thanks goes to Lorna and Phil who offered to run the racing despite having an eight hour drive the next day! Also to Keith and Michael who assisted in launching and getting back up the beach after racing and to Hugh and his quad bike, who towed the RIB back up the beach, probably the fastest we have ever done it!
Hugh and quad bike making easy work pulling the rib
This year’s lovely weather has provided some great evening sailing, twenty eight races in total and twenty six competitors, most of which were single handed dinghies.
Thought(s) of the day
Don’t forgot your rudder – just ask Adrian
Wetsuit boots are better than trainers when helping people launch – just ask Keith
Apres sail suppers have been enjoyed on most evenings after sailing and this year and we’ve had quite a variety. The evenings starting off with Chef Brown’s infamous ‘Butcher’ pies but later we opted for a few different options including Lasagne, Pizzas, BBQ, Chinese takeaways and tonight we opted for the traditional Fish and Chip supper, thanks to Phil for organising this.
Cloud cover made for a very dark end to the evening
On returning to shore we heard the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty. She served dutifully and graciously during her long 70-year reign and her dedication and legacy will continue to live on. Our heartfelt condolences are with The Royal Family.
