It was a bright start to the day for Act 3 of the Summer series. The F2 wind was from the west, contrary to the forecasted SW-erly. However, during the racing the wind was to vary in both direction and strength resulting in a testing day for both sailors and the race team. The small fleet of four local boats were joined by three visitors sailing Solutions and a Vareo.
Race one – after lap one Nick F (Phantom) and Dave (Vareo) led the fleet with Paul (Solution) close behind. However, on lap two the forecasted SWerly kicked in which meant a rather one sided beat. On the final lap Dave led across the line with Nick F ahead of Paul, Dave winning on corrected time, Paul second and Steve ( Europe) third.
Race two – by the start of the race it had become overcast and the grey clouds would bring some showers during the racing. The race team adjusted the course for the now SW wind. However, the wind once again shifted, this time to the South after the first beat. The four leading boats, the two Vareo’s, the Phantom and Paul opened up a good lead on the others and were rewarded with an extra lap. The course clearly suited the Vareo’s with Dave taking first and Nick C second. Paul remained close enough behind Nick F to finish third on corrected time by just over twenty seconds.
Race 3 – required another course adjustment by the race team. The wind was varying between a F1 and F2 but remianed steady in direction providing three beats. The Phantom led to the windward mark but the Vareo’s took the lead downwind. Both held the lead at some point but Dave led across the line with Nick C just six seconds behind. Although Nick F was next to finish Steve took third on corrected time.
Thanks to the race team who had a frustrating day resulting in a lot of mark moving.
It was the second act of the Summer series and after a couple of weeks of lovely weather it had turned a little cooler. The F3-4 wind was offshore with some big gusts and big shifts, particularly when approaching the windward mark but the sea remained relatively flat all day.
Nine boats made it to the beach but one decided to watch how the others got on in race one before setting off……. and remained on shore for the rest of the day.
Eight boats made it to the water but Phil managed to get some stones in his Contender’s centreboard casing which resulted in a jammed centreboard.
Seven boats made it to the start line. Adam & Jordan soon sprinted into the lead in their RS400. Steve, in the ‘pocket rocket’ led the fleet of single handers with Dave and Nathan, both in Lasers, one second apart after lap one. Jamie suffered a capsize in his recently acquired Contender which resulted in an early return to shore.
Six boats finished with Nathan winning on corrected time in his Laser 4.7 and Dave second in the club Laser Radial, five seconds ahead of the ‘pocket rocket’.
Five boats started race two. Adam & Jordan again sailed away leaving Steve to lead the ‘all Laser’ chasing pack. The wind was varying from F2 to F5 so everyone had to be alert. Steve opened up a good lead on the Lasers by the finish to win on corrected time with Nathan second.
Four boats started the final race which was a shorter two lapper. Adam & Jordan had another solitary race ahead of the fleet, The ‘pocket rocket’ was enjoying the conditions and led the rest of the fleet home winning on corrected time with Nathan second and Adam & Jordan third.
A tiring day on the water !
There were a lot of tired sailors at the end of the day, some more tired than others !
Thanks to the race team for a great days sailing in some testing conditions.
As the boats rigged and made ready to launch there was a F2-3 NE wind which would have made for a pleasant evenings sailing. However, for each race the wind would decrease.
The boats launched two by two, two Lasers, two Solutions and two Vareos with only Phil, sailing his Phantom sailing solo!
Race one – still some wind
There was just enough wind in race one to allow helms to sit comfortably on the gunwales. Phil worked his way into the lead and had a one minute lead on Richard B and Don, sailing the two Solutions who rounded the leeward gate together with Richard F in his Vareo just behind. Phil maintained his lead to the finish, Richard B and Don continued neck and neck to the finish crossing the line together to take equal first on corrected time and Richard F third.
Close at the windward mark
The wind was around F1 at the start of race two. Richard B sailed his Solution into a big lead at the windward mark and with the wind very light the race was finished after one lap. Several minutes later Chris, sailing his Laser crossed the line, seconds ahead of Don. These three taking the top three places on corrected time.
Richard sails into a big lead
As discussions on whether to sail back ashore commenced the wind picked up a tad so it was decided to have one more race. Richard B and Don were leading the fleet at the windward mark. On the run back the wind began to shift to the East. On the second lap Richard B pulled clear ahead and Phil almost catching Don at the finish. By this time the wind was very light, mainly from the East but at times from the SE.
Easy does it – light wind for the last race
It was a clearly a good night for the Team Solution, winning all three races. Not so good for the Vareo’s with barely enough wind to keep their spinnakers flying. Michael was probably regretting the choice of Radial rig for the Laser, the 8.1 rig may have been better!
This year’s Beach Regatta was run in conjunction with the RS Vareo National Championship. This resulted in nearly 30 boats in total which was a great sight but meant a busy time for all those who had volunteered to help run the event. Eleven boats entered the Beach Regatta which included four visitors who cheekily took the top two places ! One visitor, Roger Blake, sailing an Osprey with his son Jamie was a club member ‘many’ years ago before moving away from the area
Overcast but good winds for day one
Saturday was overcast but a warm F3 from the south provided lovely sailing conditions.
Race 1- Phil, sailing his RS700 took the lead chased by Roger & Jamie. Richard & Rosie (RS400) led the chasing pack with Steve (D-One) a few seconds behind. The Osprey took the lead crossing the line ahead of the RS700 (Phil had a problem on lap two). On corrected time the Osprey won by three minutes, Richard & Rosie second and George, sailing a RS Aero third.
Race 2- Phil quickly open up a good lead crossing the line over three minutes ahead of the Osprey. The two RS400’s had a close tussle with Richard & Rosie just ahead of Adam & Jordon after lap one. Only ten seconds separated Phil (Contender) and George for the first two laps, although on the final lap Phil managed to open up a one minute gap. The Osprey won, this time by forty seconds with Phil second and George third.
The ‘faster’ boats head the fleet
Race 3 – With a few boats deciding to head ashore there was only five boats on the line for the final race of the day. The RS700 and Osprey opened up a good lead resulting in them sailing an extra lap. After lap one Richard & Rosie were just ahead of Adam & Jordan with George very close behind and managing to stay in contention to the line. It was another comfortable win for Roger & Jamie with George second and Richard & Rosie third.
Sunday dawned and with it cloudless skies and temperatures in the mid twenties. Thankfully the wind settled just before launching, a pleasant F3 from the south providing ‘champagne’ sailing conditions.
RS400 ‘s chasing the leading boats
Race 4- Three boats opened up a good lead after the first lap lead by the RS700, with the Osprey just ahead of Richard & Rosie. The next group of boats was led by Adam & Jordan, a few seconds ahead of Ed & Keith in the Spitfire, just a few seconds ahead of Steve in a D-One. On lap two Ed & Keith found their mojo and proceeded to open up a big lead, lapping most of the fleet. It was close on corrected time with George beating Roger & Jamie by eight seconds with Richard & Rosie beating the Laser Radial, sailed by Simon by seventeen seconds.
Sunday proves to be much nicer, Costa Del Gorleston !
Race 5 – Ed & Keith took an early lead in the Spitfire lapping some boats and doing an extra lap. The RS700 followed a few minutes later and also got to do an extra lap and ended up last to cross the line, which must have been a rare occasion for Phil. After two laps the Osprey was just a few seconds ahead of Richard & Rosie however, on the final lap opened up a small lead. On corrected Simon took the win by a minute and a half. It was very close for the next four places with the Osprey just ahead of the RS Aero, who was nine seconds ahead of Phil, who was eight seconds ahead of Richard & Rosie,
Overall winners Roger & Jamie in full flight
Race 6 – The Spitfire once again sped away from the fleet with Phil leading the chase. These two opening up a big lead by the finish. After lap one, the Osprey was just two seconds ahead of Richard & Rosie, with Adam & Jordan thirty seconds behind. After lap two the Osprey had opened up a one minute lead with the two RS400’s now just a few seconds apart, which remained the position for the next two laps. Behind, another good race for the ‘slower’ boats with Simon, having another comfortable win. However, the next three places were close on corrected time with the Osprey second, a few seconds ahead of the RS700, just ahead of George in the RS Aero.
Overall it was a win for Roger & Jamie in the Osprey with three firsts and three seconds, with George, sailing the RS Aero second, four points behind.
16 boats sailed in the 2023 RS Vareo Nationals hosted by the club. The 8 local boats from WOBYC, RBSC and GYGSC were joined by 8 visitors from seven different clubs with Nigel Tinkler, from British Police Sailing, winning the honours of making the longest trip to the ‘far east’, over 241 miles from the ‘far west’.
The three day event saw some big winds on Friday but perfect sailing conditions on a cloudy Saturday but beautiful sunny Sunday, i.e normal conditions for Gorleston !
Smile please
Friday – Most forecasts suggested it was to be a day of light to medium winds, which it was when we launched but as the day progressed the wind increased and when the tide changed the sea state got lumpy, very lumpy.
Ready, steady…….
Race 1 saw Michelle Collier-Brooks and Luke Fisher leading the fleet with the latter ahead after the first lap. On lap two Michelle took the lead and maintained it to the finish. On the final lap Howard Astley-Jones moved up to second with Luke third with Nigel Tinkler maintaining a constant forth place on each lap.
… go
Race 2, the wind and sea had increased and with it one or two capsizes. Michelle and Howard held the top two spots for the entire race with Michelle winning another race. Alan Bassett moved up from fifth place on lap one to third at the finish with Luke forth.
Heading towards the leeward gate
Race 3- the wind now a good F4 with some big gusts and the sea providing some challenging conditions. Several capsizes meant only six finishers, in fact just about everyone had at least one capsize, with many suffering more. However, the off wind legs provided some fantastic rides although many were thinking more about the pending gybe. Michelle looked to have made it three in a row but capsized on the final gybe to the finish allowing Luke to take line honours with Michelle quickly recovering to finish second. These two were some way ahead of the fleet. Dave Houghton was next to finish just ahead of Nigel.
Richard plans his start
Saturday – despite a forecast of a F3 from the south initially the wind was from the east, thankfully just before launch time it shifted to the south and remained steady all day providing a great day sailing for all.
And they’re off..
Race 4 – Luke took an early lead which he held for most of the race with Howard close behind. The finish was very close with four boats approaching the line together with Michelle just ahead of Luke, who was just ahead of Dave, who was just ahead of Howard. Behind was another local, Nick Crickmore who moved up the fleet on each lap finishing fifth.
Everyone ready for the final days sailing
Race 5 – a good race for the locals. Michelle and Nick read the conditions well and got a fantastic first beat rounding the windward mark with a big lead on the fleet. However, Michelle suffered a rare capsize leaving Nick with a good lead and Luke leading the chase pack. After three laps Nick held onto his lead, Dave moved up to second and Howard finished just ahead on Luke.
And the final days sailing starts
Race 6 – Michelle sailed a faultless race leading from start to finish. Behind Luke, Howard and Dave had a race long tussle with positions changing every lap, each leading at some stage. It was close at the finish with Howard leading at the line to finish second and Luke third, Dave fourth and Nick on a late charge moving up from eighth to fifth.
Overnight leader Michelle had one hand on the Championship, holding a five point lead over Luke and Howard.
Heading upwind
Sunday – It was a beautiful sunny day for final days sailing, the wind a F3 from the SSE providing another great day of racing.
Race 7 – The leading three had a stranglehold on the front of the fleet with positions constant throughout the race, Howard, Luke then Michelle. Behind Nick nipped in front of Dave on the final run to the finish fourth, with Alan holding a consistent sixth place on each lap.
Lovely conditions to finish the event
Race 8 – Luke led the fleet for the entire race. Dave managed to hold off Michelle for two laps but she moved ahead on the final lap to finish second. Howard recovered from an eventful first lap to finish fourth and another local, James Jarvey finishing fifth, pretty good for his first outing in a Vareo.
The colourful sight of spinnakers, blue seems popular
Race 9 – Luke, obviously enjoying the conditions held a small lead after lap one closely followed by Dave, Howard and Michelle with Alan just behind. On lap two, Howard moved ahead of Dave and Nick jumped from seventh to fourth. These positions remained same to the finish with Nigel Tinkler fifth.
Despite a late charge on the final day by Luke, Michelle held onto the lead to win the 2023 RS Vareo National Championship by two points, with Howard third.
What a team !
Three days of great sailing finishing with clear blue skies and temperature in mid twenties on Sunday- Costa del Gorleston at its finest.
With this event being run in conjunction with our annual Beach Regatta, a lot of organising was required and a lot of effort from those who helped out. All involved did a sterling job, ‘team OOD’ set great courses (some great big courses !), the safety boat team were quick to response to any incidents, and were kept busy, especially on Friday. A big thank you must go to Ted and his team from RNSYC and the Hickling Scouts for helping with the Safety boat cover, motoring to and fro from Lowestoft each day. The Beach Masters and Gorleston Lifeguards did a splendid job ensuring the marked area for our launching and return to shore was kept clear, this proved especially difficult on Sunday as the great weather meant a packed beach. Finally, and by no means least, the clubhouse team, who worked tirelessly providing snacks and drinks during the day and put on a fantastic meal on Saturday night, there were several comments from the visitors on what a friendly and welcoming club it was, which of course we already knew.
It was another hot start to the day which undoubtedly contributed to the leisurely pace by most getting rigged and ready. This however proved to be a good move as there was little wind initially but by the time we were ready to race there was a steady F2 from the East.
Race 1 start
Race one started with the last remains of the flood tide, Phil (RS700) quickly positioned himself at the front of the fleet closely followed by Richard & Rosie (RS400), aka Team Custard. These two were clear ahead at the finish line with George (RS Aero) next to cross and who won on corrected time with Howard (RS Vareo) second.
General Recall
Race two – and a rare occurrence at Gorleston, a general recall. This proved helpful for Phil & Lorna who had gone ashore to fix something and managed to return just in time for the restart.
Team Custard won the start and held the lead to the finish with the RS700 close behind. Next were Don & Robyn and Jordan & James, sailing RS400’s who enjoyed a close battle for the first three laps with the former opening up a small gap on the final lap and George crossing the line shortly afterwards to win again on corrected time with Team Custard second.
Take two
The wind had picked up a tad for the final race. The ebb tide was now flowing, ensuring most kept inshore as long as possible on the way to the windward mark. The RS700 and Team Custard built up nearly a three minute lead over the course of four laps. Once again George had sailed the Aero well finishing third over the water and winning by over a minute on corrected time with Dave (Vareo) second.
Heading toward the leeward gate
By the time we headed home the sky had clouded over and it was noticeably colder. A little later mist had started to roll in.
Many thanks to the Race team, Tom & Will for a splendid day’s sailing and to Adrian, who doubled up as safety boat and photographer for the day, thankfully not needing to assist anyone but did manage to take nearly 80 pictures which are now uploaded onto the club Flickr site.
Next weekend will be a busy one for the club with the Annual Beach Regatta plus hosting the RS Vareo Nationals.
With Costa del Gorleston enjoying another beautiful day the conditions for the Thursday evening sailing were almost perfect, just a little more wind would have been nice but the F2 from the NE-NNE made for a pleasant evenings sail.
The hot weather must have made everyone a little lethargic as the fleet were late leaving shore. However, the GYGSC ‘Race Team’ newbie’s did a splendid job with the panache of any experienced team.
Racing underway
Nine boats took to the water, once again all single handers. Phil and Nick were out first for a session of Phantom training, followed by two Contenders, three Vareos, all keen for some last minute practice before their ’big event’, a Solution and a new to Gorleston, Streaker.
With HW at approx 20.00 there was still a noticeable flood tide which only diminished near the end of the sailing. In the light conditions a clear channel inshore proved key to each race.
Is Lorna having difficulty reading the race timer ?
Race 1- Adam (Streaker) won the start and got pole position heading inshore and still led after the first lap. Nick (Phantom) and Dave (Vareo) were in hot pursuit but managed to spent much of the race getting in others way! Adam held onto the lead until the final leg with Dave crossing a few metres ahead but Adam easily held onto the win on corrected time.
Race two- Dave got himself in pole position and led from start to finish. Behind were the two Phantoms led by Nick with Phil, benefitting from his newly gained knowledge from Nick, just a few seconds behind. A couple of boats opted to go offshore but lost out slightly. On corrected time Dave was first with Richard (Solution) second.
Getting darker as we start the last race
Despite being 20.30 most wanted another race, and the slick race team soon got us going on a shorter, two lap race. Phil was obviously putting his newly found Phantom knowledge to good effect as he led round the windward mark (don’t expect any more tips from Nick). Close behind was Adam who got another good start. All quite close at the finish and on corrected time Adam took another win, four seconds ahead of Dave.
Last one home buys the drinks
The evening was definitely drawing to a close as we sailed back to shore in the last of the daylight. Many thanks to our Race team, Lorna and Sarah for generously giving up the comfort of the clubhouse for a RIB, and to Chef Brown for the Pie ‘Surprise’ supper in the clubhouse
It was a hot cloudless day at Gorleston but with a light onshore breeze and thankfully neap tides.
Seven boats decided to test their light wind skills for the final act of the Spring series, two RS400’s and the rest singlehanders including Ed, opting to test sail his new A Class cat, although it proved not the best conditions for cat sailing!
Race 1 – after lap one Adam & Jordon (RS400) and Richard (Solution) headed the fleet rounding the leeward gate together with George (Aero) and Tamsin (Laser) just behind. After three laps Adam & Jordon had managed to open up over a minutes lead on Richard with George just a few seconds behind. On corrected time it was a singlehander 1,2,3 with a win for Richard, George second and Tamsin third.
Race 2 – With the wind fading it was slow progress around the course and after lap one Adam & Jordon held a two minute lead over George with Ed a further thirty seconds behind. With the wind dropping further lap two tested everyone’s patience with Adam & Jordon the only boat to finish.
Once back on shore and enjoying our customary lunch on the prom the wind returned and stayed for the rest of the afternoon!
It was the final Act of the Spring Series. The top four comprised of four different classes with Steve and his pocket rocket overall winner. Dave (RS Vareo) second, Adam & Jordon (RS400) third and Phil A (Contender) fourth.
The club now goes into Regatta mode with next Sunday the Summer Regatta and the following weekend the Beach Regatta which also welcomes the RS Vareo class for their National Championship.
It was a glorious start to the day with all the right ingredients, warm-ish, sunny, a F3-4 and a relatively smooth sea. It really did feel like summer was finally on its way. Twelve boats launched for what was to be a great days sailing.
Beautiful start to the morning at Gorleston
Race 1
Clouds covered the sky by the time we started the first race. Although HW was scheduled for around 09.30 there was little sign of the ebb tide. The fleet were split both upwind and downwind.
Phil H, sailing his RS700 gradually pulled away from the chasing RS400’s to the extent that he got to do an extra lap. Richard & George, aka Team Custard led the RS400’s with Phil A in his Contender very close behind.
Getting ready to launch
Upwind the Europe defied the law of physics with Steve W sailing well and managing the conditions skilfully, beating many ‘faster’ boats over the water.
Racing gets underway
Phil H opened up quite a lead and managed to lap a couple of boats before crossing the line, Team Custard held on to their lead with Adam & Jordan 30 seconds behind.
It was the start of a good day for the single handers with Steve W triumphing on corrected time, Vareo Dave in second and Carl, sailing a Laser third.
Phil hangs about for no one!
Race 2
With the first signs of the ebb tide the fleet again were split upwind although most ventured inshore off wind.
After lap one Phil H had a small lead on Team Custard, just behind was Steve G in his D-One with the RS400’s of Adam & Jordan and Don & Keith a gnats whisker behind him.
D-One and RS400 battle it out
Steve G and Adam & Jordan had a close battle throughout the race with just a few seconds between them after each lap. Conditions were now perfect with some nice rollers providing some great off wind surfing conditions.
Another start
Phil H crossed the line nearly three minutes clear of Team Custard. Two minutes later Adam & Jordan crossed the line just two seconds ahead of Steve G. On corrected time it was another single hander 1,2,3, with Vareo Dave just beating Steve W with Carl in third
Chasing Phil
Race 3
Sadly both the Lasers suffered gear failure, with one top mast section breakage and one kicker failure.
The wind was now a F4 and the sea just a little bigger. The ebb tide made short work of the windward legs resulting in long off wind legs planing and surfing, ideal for the asymmetrics.
Phil headed the fleet with Team Custard rudely close behind after the first lap. Don & Keith were leading the chasing pack but were one of several to suffer a capsize.
With several retirements only six boats finished with Team Custard taking line honours. Adam & Jordan were second and Vareo Dave third. Not far behind was Richard, sailing a Vareo just ahead of Phil A.
Asymmetrics enjoying the downwind legs
On corrected time Vareo Dave took first with Team Custard second and Steve W third.
With one more week to go in the Spring series Steve W leads and looks to have done enough to win overall which is just as well as he’s off to another Europe Open meeting next week.
Big thanks to the race team of Phil, Lorna and Ed for an excellent days sailing, a great line and course providing some terrific racing. As we arrived back to shore the sun had reappeared making an enjoyable end to the day as we dined in front of the clubhouse.
Thursday evening series 1st June – Apparently it was supposed to be June but nobody told the weather gods. It was very overcast, a chilly NNE F3-4 and a lively sea state, it felt like winter.
Eight sailors discussed whether to go out or not……. one then offered to help the OOD in the RIB and two deciding a coffee in the club seemed like a better idea!
The remaining five launched, ably assisted by the two volunteer ‘Beach Masters’, who then drank coffee.
Harry wins the start in race 1
The race team managed to fit two, two lap races which provided lots of frills and several spills. Harry, sailing his Topper led the first race for a short while until Richard managed to pass in his Vareo. Chris was handling the conditions well in his Laser until his tiller extension snapped resulting in an early return to shore.
Frills and lots of spills
Harry managed to keep pace with the fleet in both races to win both on corrected time with Richard second and Rob, in another Vareo third.
Well done to the race team for braving the weather, they did look cold when they returned to shore. Thanks to the onshore team for getting supper ready, it was much appreciated.
Let’s hope the weather improves before we venture out again.
