A day of varying skies and wind. For much of the day we enjoyed sunshine occasionally interrupted by clouds of varying shades of grey.
The earlier rain seemed to have deterred most beach lovers as we were virtually the only ones there as we rigged and launched the boats.
Windward mark
Race one, with HW at around 12.30 there was still a noticeable flood tide running. The race team set a good sized windward leeward .The wind offshore was relatively stable. However, halfway up the beat the wind became variable in both strength and direction. After lap one Team Ed led the way in the Spitfire pursued by Dave & John in their RS400 and Phil in his Zenith. Team Ed almost managed to lap the last boat in the fleet. Nick, sailing his shiny new Phantom recovered from an average first lap finishing just behind Dave & John, with the rest of the fleet close behind.
Downwind, a closely packed fleet
Race two, still some flood tide present….but not a lot. The wind was a little less stable particularly inshore. Team Ed led again this time managing to lap some boats. Behind, three boats were having a close battle with Dave & John just ahead of Nick who was just ahead of Ian, this week sailing his RS300 rather than the his Solution. On the third lap Nick worked the shifts well to lead the others holding on to the finish. Solution Richard and Zenith Phil had a good tussle in the final two laps with Richard just finishing ahead. By now Vareo Richard was probably questioning his decision to use his Storm sail rather than a full rig as much of the time he was under powered.
Downwind, spreading out
Race three and virtually no tide. Dave & John worked the first beat well leading by over two minutes after lap one. Nick led the rest with Ian close behind. These positions remained to the finished.
The corrected times proved how tricky it was with each race having a different winner. Solution Richard winning race one with Zenith Phil in second. Nick triumphed in race two with Richard in second. In the final race Dave & John took the win with Richard again in second place.
Many thanks to the race team for a mentally testing days sailing. Shout out to Clive and Darell for standing in at the last minute.
Ian proving too quick for the camera crew !
Some remained on the beach as they took friends and family out for a trip in one of the RIB’s. But once ashore the pizza ovens were fired up and almost thirty pizzas were cooked and enjoyed, even the weather held staying sunny for the entire time. Many thanks to Richard and Ed for all the work they did preparing the dough balls, sauce and toppings and to all who helped prepping the pizza bases and cooking the pizzas.
After several thunderstorms and downpours throughout the day the weather settled in the evening allowing us to enjoy two races in a pleasant F2-3 North Westerly wind for the final official Thursday evening.
Thanks to Steve and Izzy for volunteering to run the racing and missing out on what was probably ideal conditions for the N12. With all the boats being singlehanders launching required a little bit of ‘management’ with Chris kindly opting to be last off the shore after helping several others launch.
With the night’s drawing in we were all conscious of getting started promptly and the race team did a great job managing to fit two races in.
The ebbing tide meant timing your run to the line needed to be cautious with Abby a tad early in the club Laser and having to go back. Solution Dave led the fleet up the beat with Vareo Richard close behind. After lap one Dave led with Abby now up in second place followed by four boats rounding the gate within a few seconds of each other. At the finish line Dave crossed first just ahead of Abby and Richard third.
A special mention to Vareo Richard who kindly made a small detour, successfully recovering Daves cap which was knocked off after a iffy gbye at the leeward gate.
Race two, a tack offshore appeared to be the popular choice before heading inshore to the windward mark. After lap one Dave and Abby were neck and neck, followed by Richard, Laser Chris and Vareo Adrian. After three laps Dave crossed the line just ahead of Abby, with Richard a little further back crossing third just ahead of Chris. Michael, sailing a Radial and probably underpowered most of the evening had a good last lap making some ground on the others finishing thirty seconds later.
On corrected time Solution Dave secured two wins. Laser Abby took second in race one with Vareo Richard third. In race two, Radial Michael took second place beating Abby by just three seconds.
After thirty races and with eighteen entries, Dave took overall honours with Steve & Izzy second in their N12 and Solution Richard in third.
Prize for sailing the most number of different boats in the series goes to Abby who sailed a RS700, RS400, Streaker and Club Laser. That keeps the club results keeper on his toes remembering which PY to use !!
After racing there was talk to having a Thursday Finale next week if the weather looks good, so keep the evening free just in case !
Another beautiful evening but a little more wind would have been nice.
A fine turnout for the penultimate Thursday evening of the year. With the exception of the N12 all other dinghies were singlehanders. The Laser/ILCA’s had the biggest turnout with four boats including both the Club Lasers.
With the wind in a SE direction and flood tide we had a tide assisted beat. However, in the light winds it did mean the downwind legs were slow and it was easy to lose places in the light patchy breeze.
Race 1 start
Race one saw Abby, in one of the club Lasers lead the fleet round the course. After lap one Zenith Phil and Phantom Clive were heading the rest of the fleet with the Solutions of Dave and Richard and Carl, sailing his Minisail not too far behind. After three laps Abby crossed the line just over a minute in front of Dave with Phil and Richard just behind.
Race 1 -downwind leg
After a slight delay waiting for Steve & Izzy to sail back from Hopton!……race two got underway. Steve & Izzy must have been adjusting a few strings in the N12 as they led up the beat and slowly proceeded to pull away from the rest of the fleet. Had their trip to join the other N12’s in the N12 event at SBSC provided some more tuning tips?
Race 2 start
At the windward mark Dave managed to hook the buoy with his rudder and thus causing a bit of an obstacle to everyone else (apologies to all, especially Phil ! ) At the end of lap one Clive and Abby headed the chasing fleet with Solution Richard, Carl and Vareo Richard a little way back. The N12 crossed the line first, clear ahead of Abby with Solution Richard a further minute behind.
Race 2 downwind
On corrected time the evening honours were shared, with Abby winning race one, with Solution Dave and Minisail Carl equal in second place. Race two honours went to Steve & Izzy with Abby second and Carl notching up another podium place in third
With one week to go in the series any one of the top three, possibly four are in with a chance to take top spot.
Heading home, almost time for navigation lights
Thanks to Phil and Lorna for volunteering to run tonights racing. Most people stayed for dinner/supper, once again provided by Chef Brown and with the temperature still in the mid twenties we opted to dine alfresco on the prom outside the clubhouse.
Nine boats launched comprising of two Zeniths, two Phantoms, two ILCA7’S and one ILCA6, N12 and a Solution.
For a change the tide was assisting the beat which proved helpful as the wind eased a tad midway through the evening. At the start of the first race there was a pleasant F2 from the north. Dave, sailing an ILCA7 rounded the windward mark just ahead of the rest of the fleet. By the time everyone was heading downwind the tide had squeezed the fleet up, slowing the leading bunch. There were many close battles between the two Zeniths and two Phantoms with Phil eventually winning the battle of the Zeniths and Clive winning the Phantom tussle. After three laps Dave crossed the line ahead of Zenith Phil and Solution Richard.
Race 1 upwind
By the time race two got underway the wind had eased a little. In-between races, Steve and Izzy were busy pulling a few strings in the N12 which transformed their upwind speed and pointing ability and enabled them to lead at the windward mark. Although pressed hard by Zenith Phil the N12 was first to cross the line, just one second ahead with Dave another thirty seconds behind. Against the forecast the wind had increased a bit as we finished to a good F2.
Race 1 -downwind leg
With the overcast sky the light was beginning to fade so the thought of a third race was dismissed and we headed for shore.
On corrected time Dave had a comfortable win in the first race. Solution Richard was second with Steve & Izzy third in the N12.
In race two the N12 took first with Solution Richard beating Laser Dave by one second.
Heading for shore
Thanks to Abby for stepping in as OOD for the evening AND THE Chef Brown for feeding most of us once again.
It was a warm but overcast evening for the eight crews in seven different boat classes. Once again all single handers with only the Phantoms managing to produce more than one boat.
Although the forecast suggested the wind would slowly turn to the North it held steady from the East most of the evening, eventually ending with a ENE by the end of sailing.
With the Commodore being keen to get back on the water and encouraging everyone to get ready we managed to start racing over ten minutes early! would that be a Gorleston first?
Race 1 start
There was very little tide at the start of racing. Abby, opting to sail her Streaker and fresh from returning from Travemunde woche worked the beat well to round the windward mark first, closely followed by Solution Richard and Zenith Phil. These three led at the gate with the next four boats rounding within 10 seconds of each other. Abby held onto her lead at the finish with Zenith Phil slipping ahead of Richard on the second lap.
Race 1 -downwind leg
Race two and the flood tide now noticeable. After lap one Richard and Phil rounded the pin end of the gate together with Abby opting to round the committee boat end two seconds later. A few seconds behind, the two Phantoms were having a match race with Clive just ahead of Phil. On lap two Zenith Phil managed to open up a clear gap on the next two boats with Richard just ahead of Abby. The Phantom battle continued with Phil leading Clive by three seconds at the gate. At the finish Zenith Phil had increased his lead. Solution Richard crossed the line second with Abby third and Phantom Phil holding onto his lead over Clive.
Race 2 start
With some large grey clouds forming the light was fading but most were up for a third race, be it a one lapper sprint race. Quick off the blocks at the pin end of the line were Richard an Abby. Laser Ed almost got the perfect start but was about a second too early. Vareo Richard opted for the committee boat end and was looking good half way up the beat. Richard led Abby by 15 seconds over the line with Adrian enjoying a good off wind leg in the D-One finishing third.
Race 3 Start
On corrected time it was the Streaker and Solution taking the top two podium places in all three races. Abby had a good lead on Richard in race one, with Zenith Phil edging out Vareo Richard for third spot.
It was very close in race two with Abby just two seconds ahead of Richard. Zenith Phil recorded another third, this time ahead of Ed in the ILCA6.
Richard got his revenge in the final race finishing ten seconds ahead of Abby with Vareo Richard in third ahead of Adrian in the D-One.
Thanks to the race team for an enjoyable evening sailing and to Chef Brown for serving up another ‘Chef special’ at the end of the evening.
Whilst we escaped the rain during the racing on the way home there was a lot of it ! With those travelling back to Norwich experiencing a torrential downpour near Blofield.
The forecast probably put a few off and with several regulars away numbers were low. The sea conditions were ok and the offshore wind was fine around the clubhouse but no doubt a lot stronger offshore!
And then there were three
With a forecast of gusts over 20 knots there was some procrastinating whether or not to venture out. Eventually five boats were rigged and were ready to launch. However, by the time of the start two had decided not to sail.
Ed & Adrian blasting upwind
Probably not the best day to take a new crew out for a sail but Adrian had volunteered to sail with Ed in the Spitfire and Steve was sailing with Dave in the 400. Conditions varied throughout the two races as the clouds passed over ranging from a comfortable F3 to gusts approaching F5.
Dave & Steve hiking hard!
Ed & Adrian, wisely decided not to fly their kite, they were probably going fast enough without it. Dave & Steve were a little more gung ho and elected to hoist their kite and Steve did a great job coping with the hoists and drops given the conditions. The loss of their slot gasket resulted in a boat half full of water and the handling characteristics of a Wayfarer.
Todays ‘TOPDOG’ Phil, winning both races.
Everyone remained upright which was quite surprising. Phil, sailing his Aero won both races by a good margin. Thanks to Phil A for remaining on shore waiting for our return and acting as trolley dolly.
It was a another pleasant evening at Gorleston with a warm F2-3 from the SE. It was just pass HW so once again it was a beat into the tide. With a few of the regulars away numbers were low with six boats launching including visitors Tom & Kate sailing a Windsong, a beautiful traditional lugger with a modern twist.
Race one start
The race team set a generous line given the number of boats. The fleet were split as to which end to start, inshore at the pin end to get out of the tide or offshore at the committee boat to take advantage of the slight line bias. Laser Dave and Phantom Phil lead the fleet at the windward mark, both opting for the committee boat, followed by Europe Steve and Laser Chris. These positions remained unchanged to the line.
Race two start
Race two, most opted for the committee boat end at the start. Adrian, sailing his ‘upgraded’ D-One for the first time led the fleet after lap one followed by Dave. Steve played the shifts well on the next lap making ground on the leaders. Dave crossed the line first with Steve next, one second ahead of Adrian.
Race three, a quick one lapper and now just four boats. Adrian led the fleet round finishing nearly one minute ahead of Steve and Chris, with Tom & Kate a few seconds back.
Tom & Kate in the beautiful Windsong Lugger.
One corrected time Steve had a good evening with a second in race one and then two firsts.
Heading back to shore the surf had picked up a little requiring some teamwork to get all the boats back ashore. Thanks to Ed and Michael for volunteering to run the evenings racing and squeezing in three races.
With four weeks to go its close between the top three, so still all to play for.
Finally thanks to Phil for demonstrating his cooking skills and preparing supper for everyone.
Despite there having been people surfing on the beach in the afternoon, Thursday evening went ahead with an enthusistic 8 boats launching including one visiting Firefly sailed by Nick and Hayley.
Trevor the Tractor was back on point after some previous oil seal issues and the boats set off down the bay to the startline. There were some nice waves and no shortage of wind, the tide was fully out so no real tidal flow.
Izzy and Steve preparing for Start 1 in the National 12
Race 1 saw a predictable early lead on the water for Abby in the RS700, but back in pack it was close between the National 12 and visiting Firefly and likewise amongst the singlehanders. A capsize in the gybe on lap 2 saw the end of Izzy and Steve’s strong showing in the N12 though on corrected time they hung on to second two minutes behind Nick and Hayley. Richard Foster was setting up for a successful evening in third.
Izzy and Steve enjoying the North Sea at the gybe mark 2 laps later!
Race 2 saw much of the same in terms of results, but with Phil Allison claiming third place. By now the tide was running with the fleet splitting to either run insure and dodge the tide, or stay out and enjoy the nice waves and more predictable wind.
Race 3 and Richard, sailing his Laser Radial, showed that the inshore really was really paying now that the tide was in full flood, winning by almost half a minute on a one-lap race just 10 minutes long!
Hotdogs beckoned back at the club house, with the evening’s clear winners being Nick and Hayley – they were visiting in preparation for the upcoming Firefly Nationals at Tenby – we wish them the best of sailing.
Thanks to Richard and Ed for race duties and hotdogs 🙂
Sunny and steady Saturday, overcast and shifty Sunday!
Once again the weather was kind and just about perfect for this year’s Beach Regatta held at Great Yarmouth & Gorleston Sailing Club. A very warm Saturday with mainly unbroken sunshine. Sunday was warm but a little more overcast.
This year attracted a wonderful 49 entries with open events for the Phantom and Solution classes and a Beach Regatta fleet. With visitors from as far north as Manchester and as far south as the Solent, some had spent hours travelling to join us at Gorleston. It was also great to see many boats from the local clubs, with RBSC, Snowflakes, Horning, Hickling and WOBYC being represented.
The Beachmaster was kept busy ensuring space for everyone
There was a mixture of 12 different classes ranging from the ILCA 4 to the Spitfire Catamaran. The ILCA 4, 6 & 7’s made up the majority of the 26 Beach Regatta fleet with 14 entries.
The race team decided to have separate starts for each fleet with the Phantoms first off followed by the Solutions and the larger Beach Regatta fleet third. A large windward leeward course was set with a testing beat into the tide which ensured everyone would get a good night’s sleep !
Sunny and steady Saturday.
With the wind from the SE we enjoyed a steady F2 picking up to a F3 at the end of the day.
Getting to the start line
First off were the Phantoms with nine entries from five clubs. John Wayling, from Northampton proved quick upwind to stamp his authority on the event winning all three races on Saturday. In race one Alan Husk from Creeksea led the chasing pack ahead of Nick Thorp from Arleigh. Race two saw another Creeksea member, Martin Warren heading the pack with Nick Thorp again in third. In the final race of the day the club’s own Nick Favell led the pack just ahead of the ever consistent Nick Thorp. John was a clear overnight leader but just a three points separating the next four boats.
The faster asymmetric usually led the Beach Regatta fleet
Next off were the Solutions with fourteen entries from ten different clubs. Again one person dominated the racing with Class sailmaker Ian Morgan, from Warsash winning all three races, although he was pressed hard by Jon Steward from Lee on the Solent in all three races. Club member Paul Jarvey taking third in the first two races and Richard Gibbon from Lee on the Solent third in race three. Ian was a clear overnight leader with Jon second and Paul third.
The Aeros being pursued by the ILCA’s
And last but not least with twenty six entries the Beach Regatta fleet. Three races and three different winners. The Spitfire, Musto Skiff and RS400 headed the fleet but not always far enough ahead to save their time. The ILCA’s enjoyed some very close racing with Dan Bull from Rollesby taking race one just ahead of Snowflakes Chris Bolton and Phil Alison from the home club in third in his new Zenith. Race two saw a Snowflakes one, two with Chris securing a win and Toby Pearce second. Abby Yorkston & Kyle Beamish from the home club in their RS400 taking third position.
There was a little more wind for the final race of the day which suited the Spitfire who lapped the entire fleet to win by two minutes on corrected time. The ILCA’s again were near the front with Snowflake sailors again taking two podium places with James Dugdale second and Toby third.
This time there was no clear overnight leader with the leading group scoring at least a seventh place apart from James who had a consistent 4,4,2 to lead the scoreboard.
Heading out for Sundays racing
Shifty Sunday.
The F3 wind was now from the SW and therefore offshore, it was very shifty with some big gusts.
In the Phantom fleet John continued his good form winning the next two races and with the event now won decided to head for shore early. The battle for second was still wide open and become a two horse race with Martin Warren beating Nick Favell in race four and Nick beating Martin in race five. With John now ashore the final race was open to the rest with Nick winning and Martin second.
Overall John had the luxury of counting five wins. It was a tie for second place on 13 points with Nick Favell securing second by winning the final race with Martin third.
Solutions lining up for a start
In the Solutions Ian once again showing his class (perhaps his sail is faster !) winning the next two races and hence the event, and like John, headed back to shore. The trickier conditions suited WOBYC sailor, James Jarvey as he took second place in race four ahead of Jon Steward. Race five saw these two at the front again this time Jon finishing ahead of James. With Ian now back ashore race six was up for grabs. It was Ian Hearsum from the home club who led at the windward mark just ahead of Richard Gibbon. Ian held on to his lead to the line to secure the win with Richard second and Mike Gower from Hickling third.
Once again the overall winner was able to count five races wins, Ian Morgan taking victory with Jon Steward a clear second. There was a tie for third place with Richard Gibbon and Paul Jarvey on 19 points with Richard taking third after his second place in the final race.
The Beach Regatta fleet set off
And finally the Beach Regatta fleet. Race four saw an ILCA lockout on the podium with Chris Bolton taking first and Dan Bull beating the ILCA4 of Nate Sparrow from the home club by one second for second place.
The windier conditions were suiting Nate as he secured the next two race wins. In race five, James Dugdale finished twenty seconds behind Nate to secure second with Team Ed in the Spitfire back on the podium in third.
With James not sailing the final race it left the door open for the others. Dan Bull led the ILCA’s around the course taking second behind Nate on corrected time with Harry Weymss from the home club third.
Overall winner was Dan Bull in an ILCA7. After a great second day Nate Sparrow moved up to second in his ILCA4 and James Dugdale third in his ILCA7.
With an event such as this it takes a lot of organising by a lot of people to ensure everything runs smoothly, both on and off the water. Huge thanks to the RNSYC members who gave up their weekend to help with safety cover, motoring up from Lowestoft in their RIB’s. The clubhouse team were busy all day but put to the test on Saturday night catering to nearly fifty people. The Beach team were kept busy aiding and ensuring people left and returned to the beach safely. And the Race team who had the onerous task of recording 49 boats over six races.
Results for the Phantom, Solutions and the Beach Regaata fleet on the club results page
The haze which had hung along the coast had cleared by the time boats were getting rigged for the Evening Regatta. Following a couple of days of onshore winds there was a bit of surf but the six boats who opted to launch did so without any problem with the help of the beach crew.
There was a good F3 onshore breeze at the start of the evenings racing which, contrary to the forecast gradually eased a tad. The sea state was quite choppy and combined with the wind direction didn’t make for the best off wind surfing conditions. With HW at 18.30 much of the racing happened with little tide.
The haze had all but cleared as the boats were getting ready to launch
The race team set our customary Windward-Leeward course. Team Ed had an early retirement following an issue with their spinnaker sheets. Abby and Izzy led from start to finish. Visitor Dan, sailing an ILCA7 led the rest of the fleet after lap one. On lap two Aero Phil overtook Dan, gradually opening up a small lead over the next two laps. On corrected Dan had a comfortable win with Phil second and Abby & Izzy third, six seconds ahead of Vareo Richard.
Race two, Abby & Izzy led after lap one with Aero Phil hot on their heels. Phil managed to pass on lap two and managed to hold on to a small lead to the finish. Dan was never far behind these two, recording a second win, this time by only two seconds over Phil with Vareo Richard this time edging out Abby & Izzy for third position.
Congratulation to Dan who was overall winner with two firsts with Phil second.
Launching required getting wet!
The beach crew were kept busy….and entertained when the boats returned to shore as the surf had built up a tad. The evenings surfing prize went to Phil, who managed to body surf behind his Aero a good five metres to the shore managing an impressively controlled manoeuvre worthy of any professional.
Thanks to the race team who managed to overcome an early challenge to fit two races in and to Chef Brown for once again providing ‘supper’.
