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Another overcast day with a very light chilly northerly wind. The flags along the cliff were flying so things were looking good after last week’s sailing was scuppered by storm Amy. Nine teams lined the prom with crews looking forward to a final day on the sea before the annual migration for winter to other inland waters.

However…….. just before launch time the wind dropped and discussion began as to whether we would make the tide. Steve, keen to try a Vareo offered to take Richard’s rigged and ready vessel out to test the conditions. With everyone looking on Steve did a fine job downwind (and downtide) setting the spinnaker like a pro. The test was to come as he dropped to kite and headed upwind and up tide. Whilst progress was slow it was sufficient to inspire others to launch, although some decided to offer encouragement from the shore and drink coffee.

Steve, clearly impressed by the performance of the Vareo!

Given the conditions the race team wisely kept the course small. Racing was close in race one with two seconds separating the first three boats after lap one with Solution Richard just ahead of Phantom Phil and Solution Paul. Steve was still helming the Vareo and a little way behind. Lap two saw Richard pull away from the others and Steve finding some speed closing up on Phil and Paul. On the final lap Paul closed the gap on Richard finishing just eleven seconds behind.

Race two, Phil led from start to finish with Richard leading the battle of the Solutions after lap one. On lap two Paul found the quick route up the beat overtaking Richard and eventually finishing over forty seconds ahead.

Racing underway

So after two races it was one race win and a second for both Richard and Paul.

Race three saw Phil ‘flying’ up the beat to lead lap one by nearly a minute and a half from the Vareo, now reunited with its owner. Forty seconds behind Richard held a good lead on Paul. At this point in the race the Phantom was first on handicap with the Vareo second.  Both the Solutions had a good second lap, overtaking the Vareo but not the Phantom. Down the final run Paul gradually caught Richard and the two were just a few metres apart as they crossed the line, with Richard managing to hold on to win.

Paul and Richard, a day of close racing

So congratulations to Richard for winning the End of Season trophy and to Paul who kept the top position in the Autumn series with Richard leaping up to second place.

Thanks to Phil and Roger, the race team for enduring a chilly day on the RIB. Back ashore several stayed for the last dinner on the prom for this year, prepared and served by Chef Brown.

Full results on the club website http:http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2025/2025Autumn.htm

More pictures of the ‘action’ on the club Flickr site

GYGSC’s albums | Flickr

It was a rather overcast day but the wind was behaving and the nine teams were rewarded with three good races. The fleet was split with four asymmetics and five singlehanders made up from seven different classes.

Some just a bit too keen at the start of race 1

A hotly contested line in race one saw a rare Individual recall with Team Custard being the culprits. Team Ed in the Spitfire soon distanced themselves from the fleet eventually lapping the entire fleet.  Phil & Roger in the club 400 led the rest of the fleet, just ahead of Adam in the 700. The 700 took the lead after lap two and Team Custard recovered from their misdemeanour at the start, creeping through to the lead on lap three and staying there to the finish. George sailing the Aero led the singlehanders throughout the race chased all the way by Paul in his Solution.

The ‘sail of shame’ for Team Custard as they return to the line

Race two and another solo race for the Spitfire out in front. The 700 led the chasing pack for the first three laps. The two 400’s were enjoying a close tussle until lap two when the wing-wang broke on the club 400 allowing Team Custard to pull away downwind. The 700 suffered a capsize on lap four allowing the others to catch up.  Contender Phil led the singlehanders after lap one. On lap two the Aero had caught up and took the lead on lap three. On the final lap the Contender led across the line by just eleven seconds.

Team ‘Ed’ attempting to lap the entire fleet

With a few deciding to return to shore race three saw a reduced fleet. Team Custard led for the entire race. After lap one just 12 seconds separated the Contender, the Aero and Solutions.  On lap two, having inspected the bottom of his hull Solution Richard decided to head for shore. The Aero led over the line followed by the Contender.

George leads the singlehanders.

On corrected time Team Ed had opened up such a gap they managed to save their time to win race one. Aero George finishing second. George then won the next two races with Team Custard second in race two and Solution Paul second in race three.

Back ashore Chef Brown had ‘prep’ed’ the meaty pies. Diners enjoyed probably the last alfresco dining opportunity of the year.

Full results on the club website http:http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2025/2025Autumn.htm

A local watching the sailing

It’s fair to say that there was some concern regarding the forecast midweek as all forecasting sites were predicting strong winds and big seas from midday Sunday. Thankfully the forecast on Saturday suggested the winds would be arriving a bit later so a punctual start would be the order of the day.

Lovely start to the day

Given it’s mid September we could not have asked for a better start to the day, sunny, F1-2 from the SSW and a flat sea, although a bit cooler than last week. It was a rather usual day in as much as nine boats made ready to sail, each representing a different class.  

With everyone focussed on starting promptly we were soon on the water and racing. HW was at 14.30 so the tide would be flooding all race time making for ‘shorter’ beats and ‘longer’ off wind legs, a nice day for the three asymmetric classes sailing.

Heading to the windward mark

The Spitfire and RS700 managed four laps in race one with all the others finishing after three. Vareo Richard had kept Phantom Nick in his sights all race and were some way in front of the main pack. However, Minisail Carl was lurking near the front of that pack, taking the race win by just eight seconds.

Race two, the wind had increased to a F2-3 and shifted to the SW, requiring a quick shift of the windward mark by the Safety team. The Spitfire and RS700 again distanced themselves from the rest of the fleet and again completing an extra lap. Carl kept in the mix to win the race. The next places were close with Europe Steve getting second.

And back to the leeward gate

For the final race it was overcast, the wind had picked up and the sea state a little more ‘wavy’. Carl again proved an old wooden boat can still cut it and made it a clean sweep. Again it was close for the next places with less than thirty seconds separating the next five boats with Steve just grabbing another second place.

Team ‘Ed’ flying downwind

Despite the temperature gauge on the starting clock showing 20.3 degrees it felt much cooler, so most were grateful for a hot meal from Chef Brown’s meaty pie selection. Luckily the so called strong winds didn’t materialise until we had finished packing up and heading home.

Full results on the club website http:http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2025/2025Autumn.htm

More photos on the club Flickr site

GYGSC’s albums | Flickr

Congratulations to Carl for a clean sweep.

A mainly sunny day starting with a F3 from the SW. However, with the forecast suggesting the wind would increase throughout the day the race team were prompt to launch to lay the course and get racing underway. A couple of boats opted not to venture out instead opting for coffee on the prom followed by an ice cream!

With wind against tide the sea state was already lively as race one got underway.  Phantom Nick led the fleet throughout the race, hotly pursued by Solution Paul. Richard led the chasing Lasers with Phoebe just ahead of Michael for the first two laps but Michael sneaking pass on the last lap. On corrected time it was extremely close with just four seconds separating the top three, Paul taking the win two seconds ahead of Nick who was two seconds ahead of Richard.

By the time race two got underway the wind had increased along with the sea state. There were several thrills and spills during the race with one boat enjoying more than their fair share of spills! Nick led the fleet again but closely followed by both Paul and Richard. Michael was a little way back with Phoebe next. After lap one Paul led with Richard one second behind on corrected time.  After two laps on water positions remained unchanged but Richard had closed the gap a little and was now leading on corrected time by thirteen seconds. On the final lap Nick led across the line followed by Paul with Richard dropping back a little. On corrected time Paul managed a clean sweep with Nick nearly a minute behind in second.

By the time the boats returned to shore the sea state had become quite challenging so the sight of the ‘shore team’ ready to assist was most welcome.

Full results on the club website http:http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2025/2025Autumn.htm

As if to remind us of the fact it was the first outing of the Autumn series it was overcast and noticeably cooler than previous weeks, we even had a little rainfall, (but thankfully that didn’t last too long) after all it was a Bank Holiday weekend.

Getting ready for racing

Ten boats made ready to sail with a good proportion of two person boats for a change. HW was forecast just before 11.00 so there was a hint of flood tide still present. The race team set a good size windward leeward course with the F2 wind coming from the SW. During the week the sea had carved and interesting feature in the beach in the form of a 25cm step from the beach to the shoreline.

R2-slowly approaching the windward mark

Race 1 – the first beat saw the fleet split between left and right side of the course, neither side appeared to hold any great advantage, the key was to stay on the right side of the shifty winds near the shore. The Spitfire of Ed and guest crew Alice, and Dave & John in their 400 opened up a small lead after lap one with Solution Richard and Phil & Lorna (400) heading the rest of the fleet.

After three laps Dave & John had opened up a good lead and took line honours, followed by Phil & Lorna.

R2- light, fluky conditions as the wind trying to decide which direction its going

Race 2- By this time the sky had cleared. The tide had just begun to turn. The wind was still a SW F2. As the fleet approached the windward mark the wind became fluky with patches of little wind. The combination of the fickle winds and tide ebb tide, which was now beginning to kick in, made the final 200m to the windward mark tricky. Dave & John rounded first just before the wind dropped further and in doing so opened up a good lead a fleet. Solution Richard mastered the conditions well to round second. Eventually a F3-4 from the SSE kicked in providing a reach to the leeward gate and planing conditions for most of the fleet.

Our ‘OOD-pro’ for the day, the honourable Mr Fryer

On corrected time Harry, sailing his ILCA6 had kept close enough to the leaders to win race 1, with Solution Richard second.

Race 2 honours went to Dave & John, with Solution Richard second again.

Thanks to the race team of Richard, Michael & Ed for a day of varying conditions. And to Chef Brown for preparing lunch for us once again

Full results on the club website http:http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2025/2025Autumn.htm

More pictures on the club Flickr site

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums/

This weeks podium finishes, Dave&John, Harry and Richard

Costa Del Gorleston basked in sunshine as sailors arrived at the club for the final outing of the Summer series. The forecast for 20+ degree temperatures attracted a good turnout along with several beach goers. One problem…… no wind. The forecast was for a sea breeze to fill by 11.00 so everyone was hopeful for a good day on the water. On cue the wind filled and we launched onto a flat sea. With HW scheduled for 10.30 there was still the last remains of the flood tide.

Racing underway

Race 1 – There was a pleasant F2 from the SE by the time racing got underway. After the start the fleet split in two with the majority going offshore hoping to catch the last of the flood tide. At the windward mark the RS400 of Richard and guest crew Troy had a good lead on the next boat, Dave & John in their RS400, closely followed by Nick, this week sailing his D-One. The following boats were closely packed with 19 seconds separating a group of seven boats after lap one. Lap two most ventured offshore as there was still a hint of flood tide. No change in the first three places but Steve had got the Unit moving and into fourth, with Tamsin, sailing the family Aero just behind. On the final lap Phil and Lorna, recovering from a bad start had moved into fifth place by the finish line. A few minutes back were the two Solutions who were still ahead of the Contenders and Vareos.

Heading upwind

Race 2- The wind had increased by now and the sea had got noticeably ‘choppier’. Richard & Troy continued their good form leading at the windward mark, closely followed by Dave & John and Unit Steve and D-One Nick. Solution Paul led the following pack by a good margin. The short chop made the port tack along the coast uncomfortable. After lap two the two leading RS400’s and the Unit had opened up a gap on D-One Nick and Phil & Lorna in the other RS400. Contender Phil was leading the following pack, just ahead of Solution Paul. At the finish Richard & Troy had opened the gap on Dave & John. Unit Steve just managed to remain ahead of D-One Nick, closely followed by Phil & Lorna.

Richard & Troy lead the fleet

Race 3- The wind by now had increased to a F4. A few opted to return to shore for an early coffee (or beer).  Richard & Troy enjoyed another good start, leading after lap one but with Contender Phil and D-One Nick hot on their heels. After lap two the Contender had taken the lead, storming up the beat, which was now made longer as the flood tide had kicked in, and managing to hold it on the downwind leg. The Unit was a little way back followed by the two Solutions. At the finish the Contender crossed the first, seven seconds ahead of Richard & Troy, with the D-One and Unit less than a minute behind.

Heading downwind

On corrected time it was a good day for the Solutions, with Paul and Richard taking first and second in race one, with Tamsin third in the Aero. Paul made in it in a row taking the win in race two, ahead of Steve in the Unit and Richard & Troy.  It was a close finish in the final race with Steve edging out Contender Phil by seven seconds. Paul enjoyed another podium place taking third.

Many thanks to the race team for a lovely days sailing. The Gorleston teamwork worked amazing well tackling the ’three wheels on my wagon’ challenge on returning to shore, with both RIB’s quickly and expertly moved to the dinghy park. And thanks to Chef Brown for the seemingly endless supply of tasty Hot Dogs.

Approaching the downwind gate

Next week is the second of the Passage races and then we move to the Autumn series, let’s hope the long term forecast is correct and the fine weather continues for a few more weeks.

Full results on the club website http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2025/2025Summer.htm

More pictures on the club Flickr site

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums/

The wind was offshore resulting in shifty and gusty conditions for the penultimate outing of the Summer series. With LW at 10.00 there was still a hint of ebb flood at the start of racing. Nick’s day ended early as no sooner had he launched and attempted to head to the start line his tiller parted company with the rudder stock.

Preparing to race

Race 1 – Team Ed in the Spitfire quickly took the lead followed by Dave & John in a 400. These two opened up a good lead and ended up sailing an extra lap. It was much closer in the following pack which was led by Contender Phil, with Vareo Richard a few seconds ahead on Aero Phil. Lap two saw the Vareo and the Aero overtake the Contender up the beat.  On the final lap the Vareo caught a gust whilst hoisting the spinnaker resulting in lost time leaving the Aero crossing the line one second ahead of the Contender

We’ve off!

Race 2 – The Spitfire and 400 led the fleet with the Aero hot on their heels. These three pulled away from the rest and awarded with an extra lap.  Contender Phil led the following pack with Laser Nathan not far behind. With the wind gradually turning to the south and the tide now turning it was becoming a one sided course. By the final lap Phil had opened up a small lead with Vareo Richard overtaking Nathan.

Heading to the leeward gate

The race team reset the marks before the start of Race 3 – The Spitfire quickly opened up a big lead eventually lapping the fleet. After lap one the 400 led the rest but closely followed by Laser Nathan and Aero Phil. On lap three the 400 had problems dropping their spinnaker, resulting in an early return to shore. At the finish Aero Phil had opened up a small lead on Laser Nathan.

The fleet were briefly joined by a passing yacht.

On corrected time each race had a different winner. Dave & John won race one with Aero Phil beating Laser Nathan by six seconds for second place.

Aero Phil won race two. Dave and John were second beating Nathan by eighteen seconds.

In the final race Nathan took the top spot with Aero Phil second and Team Ed in the Spitfire third.

Many thanks to the race team of Richard, Anna, Lorna and Phil for a testing days sailing. Next week is the final act of the Summer series. Less than two points separate the top three boats with Solution Richard just ahead of Solution Paul and the 400 of Dave & John. Vareo Richard is also in with a shout just five point away, so all to play for.

Full results on the club website http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2025/2025Summer.htm

More pictures on the club Flickr site

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums/

If Carlsberg did Thursday evenings……. tonight’s outing was ‘probably’ one of them!

It was a warm sunny evening with a F2 from the NNE. LW forecasted from 20.30, so tide assisted beats and long downwind legs to the gate.

A lovely evening for sailing

Another outing with all boats singlehanders as Ed was trying out sailing his Spitfire singlehanded. Eleven boats ventured out with the Lasers the biggest fleet, helped by both the club boats being sailed.

Everyone was keen to get on the water after a couple of disappointing weeks. This was evident as the RIB was already on the beach when the race officer came out of the club having just got changed. (Thanks all).

With everyone launched and the course set it was a rare occasion when we didn’t just start on time, but racing started early!

Heading for the windward mark

Race 1 – with the ebb tide still very much flowing everyone was right on the line at the start. Normally most would venture offshore to capitalise on the tide but seven boats stayed inshore. As the boats approached the windward mark there didn’t appear to be an obvious advantage. RS700 Adam led with Spitfire Ed just behind. The rest of the fleet were tightly packed, this was the theme for most of the evenings sailing. After lap one Vareo Richard had played the downwind leg well to get in front of the pack, just ahead of Phantom Phil, closely followed by Solution Richard and Laser Chris.

The Spitfire and RS700 gradually pulled further ahead and were rewarded with an extra lap.

At the finish Phantom Phil led the pack followed by Vareo Richard and Laser Chris.

And back again!

Race 2- the ebb tide was still flowing. The wind had now increased to a good F3 and gone northerly a tad.  Everyone’s enthusiasm was evident at the start with some very close calls for ocs!

Unsurprisingly the Spitfire soon led the fleet, sailing off to a good lead and another extra lap. Adam had a few challenges in the RS700 on the first beat putting him back a lot. As the pack approached the leeward gate after lap one just nineteen seconds separated the next nine boats. Phantom Phil led, closely followed by Laser Kyle and even closer followed by Europe Steve and Laser Harry.

Video of pack at leeward gate after lap one

Flickrhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/54692680545/in/album-72177720328077168

The Spitfire didn’t quite lap anyone, RS700 Adam led across the line, with Contender Phil, who enjoying the windier conditions just behind and Europe Steve and Laser Kyle crossing next.

Starting to cloud over

With still plenty of daylight left we opted for a third race. By now it was just about slack water. Unsurprisingly the Spitfire and RS700 led the fleet finishing first and second in the two lap race. The rest of pack were closely bunched once again. After lap one Laser Kyle led the pack with Laser Radial Harry sailing well just a few seconds behind. On lap two, Contender Phil sailed a good beat to lead the pack at the line with Laser Radial Harry sailing a great lap to lead the rest of the pack.

Close racing all evening

On corrected time it was a good night for the ‘slower’ boats. Harry winning race one in the Laser Radial. Vareo Richard second and Europe Steve third.

It was a close finish in race two with Steve beating Harry by seven seconds with Laser Kyle third.

Harry enjoyed an easy win in race three, winning by over a minute. Second and third were close with Vareo Richard beating Steve by three seconds.

Once ashore Chef Brown prepared some lovely hotdogs which were very much appreciated by everyone.

Full results on the club website http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2025/2025Thursday.htm

More pictures on the club Flick site

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums/

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