News – Gt Yarmouth & Gorleston Sailing Club

Spring series 17th May

It was still chilly enough to dissuade most of the general public from venturing to the beach on Sunday, so we enjoyed another empty beach. The offshore wind was variable in both strength and direction providing challenging conditions for the 10 boats who ventured out

Racing starts

Race One saw Vareo Keith master the shifts well rounding the windward mark close behind the faster boats. With the wind varying between F1-3 keeping in pressure was the order of the day, although not always easily done. Keith managed to stay in touch with the leading pack to the finish earning a race win with Solution Ian second.

Snakes and ladders up the beat

In race two the three fastest boats opened up a good lead on the fleet with Team Ed in the Spitfire leading across the line with David & John (400) and Abby (700) just behind. On corrected tie Dave & John was first with Steve & Izzy in the National 12 staying close enough to come second.

Battle of the Vareo’s

The wind continued to misbehave for the third race, eventually fading to almost nothing. To the relief of everyone the OOD shortened the race. On corrected time there was just a few seconds between the top three boats, Ian managing the lighter conditions better than most earning him the race win with Vareo Richard second, two seconds ahead of Phil, who had swapped his Contender for his Zenith.

Thanks to the race team for moving the windward mark in order to maintain a decent beat in the shifty conditions. Todays ‘Top gun’ award goes to Ian for a consistent days racing with a 1,2,3 score line.

Full results http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2026/2026Spring.htm

More pictures on the club Flickr site – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums/with/72177720333188767

Todays ‘Top gun’ Ian.

Thursday evening 14th May

Conditions were looking promising for a good evenings sailing, a good breeze, flat sea and the dark grey clouds had now passed so the sun was making an appearance.

However, there was an unusual challenge to those who wished to sail in the form of a ruddy great crane blocking the road between the Pier Hotel and the Ocean Rooms. We had been advised it should be gone by six, but the emergency stairs being fitted were proving more time consuming to install than expected!

Undeterred, the RIB and dinghies were duly hauled round the other side of the ocean rooms onto the prom. This at least warmed everyone up.

Despite the challenge the race team got racing off almost on time. HW was supposedly around 20.00 but the flood tide was present all evening. The Northerly F2-3 was patchy and shifty and chilly.

By limiting races to two laps the race team were able to squeeze in a third race. Whilst the sun was by now quite low, the fact that we could still see the crane tower up we were hoping that delaying return to shore may see the crane gone by our return.

The delaying tactic played off as on our return to shore the crane was no longer there.

Dave, sailing a club Laser had a good evening posting three bullets, with Steve & Izzy in the National 12 second in each and Vareo Richard third.

Many thanks to the race team for a good evenings sailing and braving the cold at the end of the evening as the sun set.

Full results on the club site

http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2026/2026Thursday.htm

More pictures on the club Flickr site – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums/with/72177720333188767

Thursday evening 7th May

After a pleasant sunny day the clouds arrived just as the hardy group of Thursday sailors started to arrive at the club. The temperature had dropped noticeable and the chilly F2-3 from the ESE which prompted everyone to ‘wrap up well’. The lumpy sea did deter at least one crew from venturing out.

Race 1 gets underway

Six boats arrived at the start line. With the tide still ebbing, the race team set a starboard windward leeward course with a spacer. Abby, sailing the 700 soon opened up a good lead to finish well ahead of the fleet. The others enjoyed some very close racing with two seconds separating Soluton Richard, Vareo Richard and Laser Harry after lap one. Harry led the pack after lap two which he maintained to the finish. Solution Richard held off a late charge from Team Ed in the club 400 who had recovered well from a poor first lap.

Race two start

The tide was easing inshore at the start of race two. Offshore it was still strong. Abby and Team Ed had a small lead over the following pack after lap one. Harry led the rest of the pack closely pursued by Solution Richard and the two Vareos sailed by Richard and Adrian. Solution Richard judged the final beat nicely to overtake Harry with Richard finishing ahead of Adrian.

Harry and Solution Richard shared the evening honours with a first and second each, with Vareo Richard a model of consistency with two thirds.

Homeward bound

With the light fading fast we headed back to shore to enjoy a hot shower to recover from the evenings chill and a hot supper courtesy of Chef Brown.

Full results on the club site

http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2026/2026Thursday.htm

More pictures on the club Flickr site – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums/with/72177720333188767

Spring Series 3rd May

There was still a slight haze present as sailors and boats gathered on the prom and beach. This slowly cleared as the day progressed allowing for some sunny periods. Conditions looked promising for a pleasant day on the water with a F2 from the South (with a hint of west) and a flat sea.

The race team were going to have a busy day as they proposed to lay a P course instead of our now customary Windward Leeward course, i.e. twice the number of marks. As boats were rigged and made ready the OOD, Ed was busy ‘tractor training’ in order to be added to the list of competent drivers allowed to drive ‘Trevor’.

Milling around before racing

Race One – there was a noticeable flood tide at the start of the race. Those who ventured off shore were rewarded with more tide and a little more wind. Abbi, sailing the RS700 soon opened up a good lead. Behind, Dave & John in their 400 were just in front of Nick, this week sailing his D-One. Behind these two a tight battle between the three Solutions, two Zeniths, Phantom Phil and the club 400 sailed by Alex & Brian.

After lap one Solution Paul held a 10 second lead over Roger and Phil sailing the Zeniths. The wind by now had moved a tad to the east resulting in a one sided beat. At the finish Zenith Phil led, closely followed by Paul with Roger one second behind. On corrected time Abbi scored a comfortable win by almost four minutes with Solution Paul second and Dave & John third.

Battle of the asymmetrics

Race Two- the wind now a F2-3 from the SE and still a hint of flood tide. The race team opted to revert back to a windward leeward course. Abbi once again opened up a good lead but on lap two a rigging problem required attention which, once fixed meant she was back in the main fleet again. Dave & John took over the lead and again pursued by D-One Nick. The two Zeniths led the pack with Roger just a few seconds ahead of Phil with Solution Paul a bit further back.

At the line Zenith Phil had overtaken Roger crossing the line nearly two minutes ahead. Once times were adjusted there was only a few seconds between the top three with Europe Steve managing to stay close enough to the pack to score a win, however, this honour was shared with Zenith Phil, a tie being a rare occurrence at Gorleston, with Solution Paul third.

Battle of the Zeniths

Race Three- more wind for the final race. D-One Nick led from start to finish. Solution Paul led the rest of the fleet with just twenty seconds between the entire pack. Lap two saw the Solutions of Paul and Ian open up a small lead on the rest at finish line with Zenith Phil and Europe Steve crossing together some fifteen seconds later. Europe Steve finished the day with another win, this time without having to share it, with the Solutions of Paul and Ian taking the other podium positions.

Thanks to the race team for putting in the effort of trying the alternative course, more to follow later. Todays ‘Top gun’ award goes to Paul for a consistent days racing with a 2,3,2 score line.

Once ashore many enjoyed a helping of Chef Brown’s butcher pies with some then venturing over to the bandstand for a performance from the Rogue Shanty Bouys. We’ll be expecting a rendition from those who ventured over !

Full results http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2026/2026Spring.htm

More pictures on the club Flickr site – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums/with/72177720333188767

Todays ‘Top gun’ Paul.

Spring Series 26th April

It was another pleasant sunny day at Gorleston for the twelve crews who took part in the days racing. A light wind from the SE still had a slight chill to it with many sailors still opting for their drysuits rather than a wetsuit.

Eight different classes with the RS400’s and Solutions both with three boats in the mix. Phil had swapped his trusty Contender for his shiny new Zenith which was probably more suited to the light conditions

After a rather leisurely start to procedures, race one got underway. This week saw a triangular course rather than the usual W/L. HW was scheduled for midday so there was still a noticeable ebb tide flowing. Richard and Rosie, aka Team Custard were quick off the mark and soon had a commanding lead. Many stayed inshore avoiding the full tide but for those who ventured out there was, at times more wind, so judging the best route up the beat was tricky.

Ed, sailing his Spitfire managed to overhaul Team Custard on the final lap to cross the line first. These two were a long way ahead of the rest of the fleet with Dave& John, recovering from a poor start to lead the rest just ahead of Solution Paul. On corrected time Team Custard won by a few seconds from Solution Paul.

Race two and less tide saw many opt offshore in better pressure. Team Custard took an early lead which they held to the finish, Dave & John chased them all race but never closed the gap after the first beat. Just behind Phil & Lorna were holding off a challenge from Aero Phil and just behind them a three way battle between the Solutions of Paul and Richard and Zenith Phil, with Phil ahead at the finish but not far enough to hold his handicap. On corrected time it was a RS400 1, 2, with Aero Phil third.

Race three and by now very little tide. Team Custard were having a good day nailing the start and soon leading the pack. Dave & John once again spent the race chasing them but on the final lap lost ground. Behind a close battle behind the Aero, Zenith and Solutons with Aero Phil pulling clear and Richard overtaking Paul on the final lap. Team Custard enjoyed a clean sweep with another win, Solution Richard second just four seconds ahead of Aero Phil.

Thanks to the race team for a pleasant days sailing and for trying a different course. Trevor did a sterling job ferrying RIB’s and dinghies across the beach, which was especially helpful as the sand was quite soft after the bulldozers recently being busy moving the sand around.

Full results http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2026/2026Spring.htm

More pictures on the club Flickr site – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums/with/72177720333188767

Start of Season

The day started with clear skies and a F3 from the north. A flat sea suggested it would be a pleasant day on the water for the Start of Season. With the temperature reaching the lower teens it did feel summer like but a dip in the water quickly reminded you it was very early season, a good reason to stay upright.

Twelve boats launched comprising of several classes ranging from Izzy’s Laser Radial to the Spitfire sailed by Team Ed. The Vareos mustered the biggest fleet with three boats on the water.

The tide was still flooding at the start of race one. Team Ed soon led the fleet and sail off into the distance. Most headed inshore up the beat which apart from less tide saw a wind shift near the beach. Dave & John (400) led the chasing pack just ahead of Phantom Nick and the 400 of Phil & Lorna. Further behind the Vareos were having a close battle with Richard leading Keith by five seconds after the first lap. After lap two Aero Phil had caught up the leading pack and now battling with Nick. Solution Paul was a short distance behind the main pack and Vareo Richard still led Keith by a few seconds. After four laps Dave & John led the dinghies across the line with Aero Phil just beating Phantom Nick by four seconds. Team Ed managed to lap the entire fleet sailing five laps. On corrected time Aero Phil had a comfortable win with Solution Paul second and Steve third in his Europe.

By the time race two started it had clouded over, the wind had picked up to a F4 and shifted a tad to the east. The sea state had become noticeably ‘lumpier’. It was close to HW so the tide had eased a lot. Team Ed sailed another lonely race out in front, lapping almost the entire fleet. Dave & John led the pack with Nick never far behind. The downwind leg provided a great leg for the asymetrics with some exhilarating blasts and fast speeds recorded. The Solutions were having a close tussle with Paul leading after lap one, Richard leading after lap two and a photo finish on the line which went Paul’s way. On corrected time Steve’s pocket rocket took a comfortable win. The next six places were close with Team Ed second and Aero Phil second.

Keith was the easiest to spot. Dave & John enjoying a blast during race 2

Several boats decided to head back to the beach early so race three had a much reduced fleet. Team Ed led once again. The race team opted to shorten the race. Team Ed and managed to hold their time on handicap, with Aero Phil just beating Phantom Nick for second place.

After a mixture of conditions we had three different race winners. Overall, Team Ed and Aero Phil were tie on three points each with Team Ed winners of the SOS Trophy by virtue of winning the final race.

A few boats were carrying trackers, unsurprisingly Team Ed recorded the fastest time of 15.6 knots but adjusting for handicap club Commodore Richard recorded the best with 11.9 knots in his Vareo.

Full results http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2026/2026SOS.htm

More pictures on the club Flickr site – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums/with/72177720333188767

Team Ed, winners of the SOS Trophy

And finally, thanks to Trevor. who did a sterling job hauling the RIB’s

2026 Season

Get ready to hit the water! We are excited to announce our upcoming schedule for the new year:

Club Season Opens: Wednesday, April 1st.

Sailing Season Launch: Sunday, April 12th.

New Member Sale

Join us for Sup, Swim, & Sailing for the special rate of only £75.

12th October End of Season

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

Autumn series Act 6

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

End of Season Meal

The season is nearing its end for another year and that means its time for the End of Season Meal and Prize Giving! This will be slightly earlier than normal on the on the 11th October in the Pier Hotel. This avoids half term so hopefully more can make it.

Please see menu and sign up here………..

Please complete this form for each person attending.

Payment on the night.

Meals need to be pre-ordered so he latest cancelation will be on the 5st October after that payment will be necessary

2 Courses £33,95
3 Courses £43.75
Tea and Coffee included

Vegetarian and Vegan Choices On request

Starter

Chicken Liver and Cognac pate with hot toast and red onion chutney
Deep fried whitebait with tartare source and lemon wedge
Prawn and crayfish cocktail in marie-rose sauce, wholemeal bread and butter
Smoked and lightly spiced chicken wings, baconnaise dip.

Main

Roast Breast of Turkey, chipolata sausage, sage & onion stuffing, roast potatoes, chefs veg and cranberry sauce
Steak & Ale shortcrust pastry pie, mash and vegetables
Baked Salmon and hollandaise sauce, new potatoes and fine beans
Deep fried cod fillet, chips, garden peas and tartare sauce