A windy and ‘wavy’ day.
With multiple forecasts suggesting gusts over 20 mph and the sea looking a little lumpy there was a quick assessment of overall conditions. With the surf looking manageable the decision to go was made. Out the ten teams who were preparing to venture out, one decided to watch the others!
As the Race team and boats made their way onto the water it was clear it was going to be a full-on day.
As the racing started there was little tide, a strong SE wind and the sea state ‘lively’.
Richard & Rosie sailing the only 400 on the water nailed the start crossing the line on starboard closely followed by Vareo Richard.
After lap one Team Ed in the Spitfire led with Richard & Rosie close on their heels. Phantom Nick led the charge of the singlehanders with Solution Ian half a minute behind.
On lap two Team Ed stretched their lead, still followed by the 400 with the Phantom over a minute behind. A little further back were two Solutions, with Ian rounding the leeward gate immediately in front of Paul and Steve & Izzy one second behind in their N12.
On the third lap the leading three opened a gap on the rest of the fleet and were rewarded an extra lap. Team Ed crossed the line first over four and a half minutes ahead of Richard and Rosie with Nick less than two minutes behind. Ian had opened up a small lead on the others with Steve & Izzy just ahead of Paul.
The wind and waves provided some great off wind sailing with Richard & Rosie recording 15.3 knots on one leg, almost taking the overall top speed award current held by Team Ed at 15.6 knots, but enough for best PY corrected top speed, knocking Vareo Richard off top spot by over one knot.
During the racing we were joined by a kite surfing who spent a little time buzzing across the course. They looked fast and probably could have taken the top speed award !
With the tide turning and the sea getting noticeably bigger, it was decided to head for shore.
On corrected time it was another single hander lock out for the podium positions, with Solution Ian taken first by half a minute. Things were much closer between the next four boats with Nick just ahead off Paul, who was just three seconds ahead of Steve & Izzy, who were twelve seconds ahead of Richard & Rosie
Big thanks go to the race team of Lorna, Phil and Darell, who endured a day bouncing around in the ribs.
Once ashore Chef Chef served up some hot pies which were well received after a challenging day on the water.
Full results http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2026/2026Autumn.htm
More pictures on the club Flickr site – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums/with/72177720333188767
Todays top gun – Ian