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.
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.
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
It was a very warm sunny evening for the penultimate outing of the Thursday Evening series. Eight boats ventured out, all singlehanders….where are all the two person boats!
The offshore wind had been around F3 but had eased to a F2 by the time racing got underway and continued to fade! LW was forecasted for 19.33, the ebb tide was still noticeable, especially offshore at the start line as racing started.
Phil leads the fleet
Race 1 – The fleet split up the beat. As the leaders rounded the windward mark the left hand side appeared to have been the quickest with Phantom Phil and Laser Dave opening up a small lead. On lap two Phantom Phil opened up a good lead with Solution Richard now second having aced the windward leg. Behind there was a close battle between Contender Phil, Laser Chris and Laser Phoebe. On the final lap Phil took the line honours with Dave crossing one second ahead of Richard.
Could have done with a tad more wind!
Race 2 – Less tide but now less wind. The combination of light winds and ’sloppy’ sea conditions were making for an uncomfortable downwind leg with one helm feeling a little seasick and heading back to shore early. However, Solution Richard was excelling in the conditions opening up a good lead after lap one, followed by Laser Dave and Europe Steve. By now Phoebe was probably questioning her decision to opt for the Laser Radial rig rather than a Full rig ! Richard took line honours followed by Steve.
Richard and Steve battle it out
As we headed back to shore the light was fading . There were still plenty of people milling around the prom, eating and drinking at the hotel next door, the temperature still well above 20 degrees.
On corrected time the spoils of the evening were shared with Richard and Steve taking a first and second each.
Heading back to shore after a pleasant, if leisurely evening on the water
Once ashore we gathered in the clubhouse to enjoy some of Chef Brown’s tasty dishes and a drink.
Next week is the last of the official Thursday evening series, it looks like a two horse race between Richard and Steve. Will we manage two races before poor light stops racing?
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.
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.
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.
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.
After last weeks choppy conditions everyone was pleased to see a relatively flat sea. Yesterdays rain had hardened the sand making the journey from prom to shoreline much easier.
The relatively steady F3-4 NNE wind provided some excellent sailing and an enjoyable day on the water.
Preparing to race
Singlehanders made up most of the fleet and dominated the results. HW forecasted at 11.35, so still a little flood tide for race one. Carl, sailing his MiniSail won this, well ahead of Solution Richard on corrected time.
Heading to the windward mark
Virtually slack water for race two. Phantom Nick managed to hold his time, just beating Carl.
By the start of race three the tide had just started to ebb. Nick easily holding his time to take another win ahead of the Spitfire sailed by Team Ed.
Conditions were just about perfect for Act 4 of the Summer series. A warm and steady F3 from the NE and a smooth sea state. After last week’s torrential downpour at the end of the racing it was nice to enjoy a rain-free day, although overcast we did enjoy several sunny periods.
The fleet once again was nearly all singlehanders with only Phil & Lorna the only two-person boat, sailing their RS400. However their day didn’t start well as their centreboard had jammed resulting in them missing the first start.
There was quite a mix of classes with the Solutions sporting the largest fleet with three boats.
Preparing to launch
Race 1- Still a bit of flood tide so most stayed inshore up the beat. A-Class Ed and Nick, swapping his Phantom for his D-One soon opened up a good lead on the rest of the fleet and eventually completing an extra lap. Behind Paul and Richard, both in Solutions were next with just three seconds between them after the first lap, just behind was David, in the other Solution followed by the Richard and Keith in the Vareos. After three laps Paul had opened up a small lead on Richard with the two Vareos a minute or so behind
Racing gets underway
Race 2- The wind has increased a smidgen and now F3-4, although still a steady NE. The ebb tide now just about finished most of the race was completed in slack water. A-Class Ed put the hammer down lapping the entire fleet and completing six laps whereas most of the fleet managed four!
Nick was getting the D-One ‘singing’ downwind and managed five laps. Solution Paul led the rest of the fleet after lap one. Phil & Lorna passed on lap two, closely followed by Paul. Ten seconds separated the next three boats with Vareo Richard just ahead Vareo Keith who was just ahead on Solution Richard. On the final lap Solution Richard had managed to pass the Vareos crossing the line six seconds ahead of Vareo Richard.
Heading upwind
Race3 – No sign of any flood tide at the start. The wind now a steady F3 and some increase in the sea state with small rolling waves. Ed did his disappearing act again, lapping all bar one boat. Nick and Phil & Lorna led the fleet with Nick gradually opening up a gap on the RS400. Just behind, Solution Paul continued his good form opening up a comfortable gap on the rest of the fleet.
On corrected time it was a good day for Paul who managed a clean sweep. It was almost a complete 1-2 for the Solutions with Richard second in races 2 and 3 but Nick took second in race 1. Vareo Richard completed to podium placings with a third in races 2 and 3.
Thanks to the race team for a lovely day’s sailing, in particular to Ed for helping out once again. Once ashore we enjoyed some super hot dogs, lovingly prepared by Sarah and Lorna and supplied by our very own ‘farmer Whitby’.
A very warm and windy Saturday, a cooler and a calmer Sunday provided a good range of sailing conditions for the GYGSC Vareo Open. Held in conjunction with the club’s annual beach regatta the promenade and beach were busy with boats and locals enjoying the lovely weather conditions we are currently experiencing. Early arrivals enjoyed the fish and chip supper on Friday night which seems to have become a tradition.
Stating amongst the Regatta fleet
Saturday -Warm and windy
Rigging and staying upright played a major part in the days results. Dave’s day didn’t start well, having been bitten by a dog just before launching his main halyard snapped just before race one requiring a quick return to shore to fix.
Nick and Chris were having the first of many close battles however, on the first downwind leg Chris realised he had rigged one to his spinny sheets inside the shroud. Nick gained a thirty second lead by the finish, followed by Chris with Richard, using his Storm sail thirty seconds behind.
Race two- a race of capsizes for some. Dave’s day was still not running smoothly as his spinnaker pole was reluctant to self launch. Nick was the first to enjoy a swim leaving Chris and Dave leading. Dave was next after the mainsheet caught the tiller on a gybe which left Chris with a comfortable lead. Nick recovered quickly and managed to hold of Richard for second spot.
Race three- The shifty and gusty conditions were taking its toll on everyone, Chris was suffering from cramp and his fingers were locking up, requiring more frequent use of the mainsheet cleat which could be a risky strategy given the conditions. Dave and Chris were close all three laps with Dave just in the lead. On the final run Dave caught a big gust and was unceremoniously ‘dumped’ leaving a grateful Chris to take line honours. Dave made a quick recovery to take second. Richard proved a Storm sail could hold its own in strong winds holding off Nick to take third.
Thoughts of the day – Regular boat maintenance is essential, as is checking your rigging ! Staying upright is the fastest option.
Despite all the room you could want Nick and Chris spent a lot of time fighting it out
After sailing and with boats packed away for the night we soaked up the sun sitting outside the club, sampling a few beers and sharing stories of what might have been if only……. It’s fair to say the Phantom fleet, who were also competing over the weekend, easily out gunned us on the drinking front. Full marks to the GYGSC ‘Catering Team’ who along with working tirelessly all day, also prepared a splendid evening meal for all the competitors.
Keith leads Dave to the leeward gate
Sunday- Cooler and calmer
With all boat and rigging issues resolved and a steady F2-3 from the NE, there were no dramas during the day. HW scheduled at mid day, the tide was still flooding as the racing started. This encouraged everyone, well almost everyone to stay inshore up the beat and attempt to correctly time the tack out to the windward mark. Offshore the tide was in full force!
Race four- Starting at the committee boat end Dave managed to find a clear channel up the beat to lead after lap one. Nick and Chris were a few seconds apart with Nick just in front, followed by Keith, sporting his dazzling new pink spinnaker, then Richard and Adrian. Lap two Nick tried an offshore beat tactic with proved costly as Chris edged ahead. At the finish Dave took line honours, Chris held of Nick and Keith held of a charging Richard (now with full size sail)
The inseparable blue spinnakers
Race five-Nick and Chris had a race long tussle with only a few seconds between them all race. After lap one Nick lead by 10 seconds. Behind Dave was just ahead of Keith. Lap two, positions remained the same but Nick had opened the gap a tad on Chris. Lap three Nick was having to cover a charging Chris but managed to hold onto his lead by a few seconds. Dave took a third followed by Keith.
Race six – Dave and Richard worked the first beat well to take an early lead at the windward mark. Positions remained the same after lap two with just over 10 seconds separating Nick, Chris and Keith. Dave crossed the line first, with Richard holding off Nick and Chris.
Thought of the day – stay out of the tide !
After two days, winds from F2-F5 and six races there were two race wins apiece for Chris, Nick and Dave. Chris proved the more consistent with a top two finish in five races and taking overall honours with Nick second.
Thanks to the visitors who joined us, hopefully worth the trip as Costa del Gorleston turned on the great weather conditions for us.
Next stop is the Vareo Nationals at the Lymington Town Dinghy Regatta on July 19 & 20 at the Lymington YC.
