It was a warm but overcast evening for the eight crews in seven different boat classes. Once again all single handers with only the Phantoms managing to produce more than one boat.
Although the forecast suggested the wind would slowly turn to the North it held steady from the East most of the evening, eventually ending with a ENE by the end of sailing.
With the Commodore being keen to get back on the water and encouraging everyone to get ready we managed to start racing over ten minutes early! would that be a Gorleston first?
Race 1 start
There was very little tide at the start of racing. Abby, opting to sail her Streaker and fresh from returning from Travemunde woche worked the beat well to round the windward mark first, closely followed by Solution Richard and Zenith Phil. These three led at the gate with the next four boats rounding within 10 seconds of each other. Abby held onto her lead at the finish with Zenith Phil slipping ahead of Richard on the second lap.
Race 1 -downwind leg
Race two and the flood tide now noticeable. After lap one Richard and Phil rounded the pin end of the gate together with Abby opting to round the committee boat end two seconds later. A few seconds behind, the two Phantoms were having a match race with Clive just ahead of Phil. On lap two Zenith Phil managed to open up a clear gap on the next two boats with Richard just ahead of Abby. The Phantom battle continued with Phil leading Clive by three seconds at the gate. At the finish Zenith Phil had increased his lead. Solution Richard crossed the line second with Abby third and Phantom Phil holding onto his lead over Clive.
Race 2 start
With some large grey clouds forming the light was fading but most were up for a third race, be it a one lapper sprint race. Quick off the blocks at the pin end of the line were Richard an Abby. Laser Ed almost got the perfect start but was about a second too early. Vareo Richard opted for the committee boat end and was looking good half way up the beat. Richard led Abby by 15 seconds over the line with Adrian enjoying a good off wind leg in the D-One finishing third.
Race 3 Start
On corrected time it was the Streaker and Solution taking the top two podium places in all three races. Abby had a good lead on Richard in race one, with Zenith Phil edging out Vareo Richard for third spot.
It was very close in race two with Abby just two seconds ahead of Richard. Zenith Phil recorded another third, this time ahead of Ed in the ILCA6.
Richard got his revenge in the final race finishing ten seconds ahead of Abby with Vareo Richard in third ahead of Adrian in the D-One.
Thanks to the race team for an enjoyable evening sailing and to Chef Brown for serving up another ‘Chef special’ at the end of the evening.
Whilst we escaped the rain during the racing on the way home there was a lot of it ! With those travelling back to Norwich experiencing a torrential downpour near Blofield.
The forecast probably put a few off and with several regulars away numbers were low. The sea conditions were ok and the offshore wind was fine around the clubhouse but no doubt a lot stronger offshore!
And then there were three
With a forecast of gusts over 20 knots there was some procrastinating whether or not to venture out. Eventually five boats were rigged and were ready to launch. However, by the time of the start two had decided not to sail.
Ed & Adrian blasting upwind
Probably not the best day to take a new crew out for a sail but Adrian had volunteered to sail with Ed in the Spitfire and Steve was sailing with Dave in the 400. Conditions varied throughout the two races as the clouds passed over ranging from a comfortable F3 to gusts approaching F5.
Dave & Steve hiking hard!
Ed & Adrian, wisely decided not to fly their kite, they were probably going fast enough without it. Dave & Steve were a little more gung ho and elected to hoist their kite and Steve did a great job coping with the hoists and drops given the conditions. The loss of their slot gasket resulted in a boat half full of water and the handling characteristics of a Wayfarer.
Todays ‘TOPDOG’ Phil, winning both races.
Everyone remained upright which was quite surprising. Phil, sailing his Aero won both races by a good margin. Thanks to Phil A for remaining on shore waiting for our return and acting as trolley dolly.
It was a another pleasant evening at Gorleston with a warm F2-3 from the SE. It was just pass HW so once again it was a beat into the tide. With a few of the regulars away numbers were low with six boats launching including visitors Tom & Kate sailing a Windsong, a beautiful traditional lugger with a modern twist.
Race one start
The race team set a generous line given the number of boats. The fleet were split as to which end to start, inshore at the pin end to get out of the tide or offshore at the committee boat to take advantage of the slight line bias. Laser Dave and Phantom Phil lead the fleet at the windward mark, both opting for the committee boat, followed by Europe Steve and Laser Chris. These positions remained unchanged to the line.
Race two start
Race two, most opted for the committee boat end at the start. Adrian, sailing his ‘upgraded’ D-One for the first time led the fleet after lap one followed by Dave. Steve played the shifts well on the next lap making ground on the leaders. Dave crossed the line first with Steve next, one second ahead of Adrian.
Race three, a quick one lapper and now just four boats. Adrian led the fleet round finishing nearly one minute ahead of Steve and Chris, with Tom & Kate a few seconds back.
Tom & Kate in the beautiful Windsong Lugger.
One corrected time Steve had a good evening with a second in race one and then two firsts.
Heading back to shore the surf had picked up a little requiring some teamwork to get all the boats back ashore. Thanks to Ed and Michael for volunteering to run the evenings racing and squeezing in three races.
With four weeks to go its close between the top three, so still all to play for.
Finally thanks to Phil for demonstrating his cooking skills and preparing supper for everyone.
It was an overcast day with a noticeable drop in the temperature compared with recent days. A few opted to stay ashore but five boats decided to launch. There was a F3 from the NW initially but that soon started to shift to the east eventually settling somewhere between N and NE.
Kevin appeared to get distracted by the wildlife !
By the time of race one, the wind had more or less settled, with a F3 from the NNE with a relatively flat sea. With HW at 12.30 it was a beat into the tide. Nathan in his ILCA6 nailed the start closely followed by Team Ed in the Spitfire and Abby in the 700. Nathan’s upwind boat speed was almost matching the faster boats on the water rounding the windward mark not long after the Cat and 700.
Getting ready to race
Team Ed did their usual and proceeded to disappear into the distance eventually lapping everyone. Abby capsized and spent some time righting the 700, Darell suffered a similar fate and decided to head back to shore for an early shower.
Race 1
Race two, the wind had begun to increase to a F4 and the sea state had become rougher. Nathan again got the prime start position. Team Ed appeared to have had an issue as they started a little while after the others. There were some big gusts which proved challenging for the faster boats. After three laps Nathan somehow managed to cross the line first, closely followed by the Cat and the 700.
Richard swaps the Vareo for a club Laser
Race three and now there’s just three boats remaining after Richard decided to retire for the day. Team Ed led the way closely followed by the 700 and the Laser. On lap two Abby had an issue with the rudder which turned out to be a broken pintle. Despite this she managed to steer the 700 back to the shore safety. After three laps the Cat finished nearly four minutes ahead of the Laser.
We were joined for a while by an ‘electric’ surfer !
Returning to shore proved eventful as the waves and surf had picked up. Whilst all the dinghies got back ok one of the RIB’s was caught by two enormous waves.
On corrected time it was three convincing wins for Nathan, with a five minute lead in the final race. Team Ed managed second place in races 1 & 3 with Richard in the Club Laser taking second in the second race.
Despite there having been people surfing on the beach in the afternoon, Thursday evening went ahead with an enthusistic 8 boats launching including one visiting Firefly sailed by Nick and Hayley.
Trevor the Tractor was back on point after some previous oil seal issues and the boats set off down the bay to the startline. There were some nice waves and no shortage of wind, the tide was fully out so no real tidal flow.
Izzy and Steve preparing for Start 1 in the National 12
Race 1 saw a predictable early lead on the water for Abby in the RS700, but back in pack it was close between the National 12 and visiting Firefly and likewise amongst the singlehanders. A capsize in the gybe on lap 2 saw the end of Izzy and Steve’s strong showing in the N12 though on corrected time they hung on to second two minutes behind Nick and Hayley. Richard Foster was setting up for a successful evening in third.
Izzy and Steve enjoying the North Sea at the gybe mark 2 laps later!
Race 2 saw much of the same in terms of results, but with Phil Allison claiming third place. By now the tide was running with the fleet splitting to either run insure and dodge the tide, or stay out and enjoy the nice waves and more predictable wind.
Race 3 and Richard, sailing his Laser Radial, showed that the inshore really was really paying now that the tide was in full flood, winning by almost half a minute on a one-lap race just 10 minutes long!
Hotdogs beckoned back at the club house, with the evening’s clear winners being Nick and Hayley – they were visiting in preparation for the upcoming Firefly Nationals at Tenby – we wish them the best of sailing.
Thanks to Richard and Ed for race duties and hotdogs 🙂
It was another warm but overcast day at Gorleston with surprisingly few people on the beach. The combination of a NW wind and flood tide resulted in the race team settling for a rare Starboard course.
Getting ready to race
Race one – most of the eleven boats headed inshore up the beat in order to avoid the tide. The F2-3 wind was shifty and gusty providing plenty of opportunity to win or lose ground. Team Ed in the Cat soon took the lead, eventually completing three laps. The singlehanders were never too far away and Nathan in the ILCA6 took the race win just ahead on Paul in the Solution with the 400 of Dave & John third, spoiling a Solution 2,3,4, ahead of Ian and Richard.
Solutions battling it out
Race two and the start of some very shifty conditions, the wind at times from the NNE. Team Ed and Dave & John opened up a good lead earning themselves an extra lap. With the wind swinging more to the North and now varying between F1-3 it was easy to find yourself on a bad shift. This time Nick had opened up enough of a lead over the other singlehanders to hold his handicap with the Solutions taking the next three places with Ian just ahead of Richard.
Start 3 and a good one from Richard
With the wind now somewhere from the NNE-NE the race team made a quick course change. With the Cat and 400 out in front after lap one it was close mid fleet with the Phantom, Solutions and ILCA6 rounding within a minute. Lap two saw Nick open up a small lead ahead of Paul and Richard but not enough to prevent a Solution 1, 2 with Dave & John just taking third.
The shifty and gusty conditions made consistency difficult, highlighted by a different winner in every race. Many thanks to the race team who had to work hard in the shifty conditions with lots of mark moving !
Sunny and steady Saturday, overcast and shifty Sunday!
Once again the weather was kind and just about perfect for this year’s Beach Regatta held at Great Yarmouth & Gorleston Sailing Club. A very warm Saturday with mainly unbroken sunshine. Sunday was warm but a little more overcast.
This year attracted a wonderful 49 entries with open events for the Phantom and Solution classes and a Beach Regatta fleet. With visitors from as far north as Manchester and as far south as the Solent, some had spent hours travelling to join us at Gorleston. It was also great to see many boats from the local clubs, with RBSC, Snowflakes, Horning, Hickling and WOBYC being represented.
The Beachmaster was kept busy ensuring space for everyone
There was a mixture of 12 different classes ranging from the ILCA 4 to the Spitfire Catamaran. The ILCA 4, 6 & 7’s made up the majority of the 26 Beach Regatta fleet with 14 entries.
The race team decided to have separate starts for each fleet with the Phantoms first off followed by the Solutions and the larger Beach Regatta fleet third. A large windward leeward course was set with a testing beat into the tide which ensured everyone would get a good night’s sleep !
Sunny and steady Saturday.
With the wind from the SE we enjoyed a steady F2 picking up to a F3 at the end of the day.
Getting to the start line
First off were the Phantoms with nine entries from five clubs. John Wayling, from Northampton proved quick upwind to stamp his authority on the event winning all three races on Saturday. In race one Alan Husk from Creeksea led the chasing pack ahead of Nick Thorp from Arleigh. Race two saw another Creeksea member, Martin Warren heading the pack with Nick Thorp again in third. In the final race of the day the club’s own Nick Favell led the pack just ahead of the ever consistent Nick Thorp. John was a clear overnight leader but just a three points separating the next four boats.
The faster asymmetric usually led the Beach Regatta fleet
Next off were the Solutions with fourteen entries from ten different clubs. Again one person dominated the racing with Class sailmaker Ian Morgan, from Warsash winning all three races, although he was pressed hard by Jon Steward from Lee on the Solent in all three races. Club member Paul Jarvey taking third in the first two races and Richard Gibbon from Lee on the Solent third in race three. Ian was a clear overnight leader with Jon second and Paul third.
The Aeros being pursued by the ILCA’s
And last but not least with twenty six entries the Beach Regatta fleet. Three races and three different winners. The Spitfire, Musto Skiff and RS400 headed the fleet but not always far enough ahead to save their time. The ILCA’s enjoyed some very close racing with Dan Bull from Rollesby taking race one just ahead of Snowflakes Chris Bolton and Phil Alison from the home club in third in his new Zenith. Race two saw a Snowflakes one, two with Chris securing a win and Toby Pearce second. Abby Yorkston & Kyle Beamish from the home club in their RS400 taking third position.
There was a little more wind for the final race of the day which suited the Spitfire who lapped the entire fleet to win by two minutes on corrected time. The ILCA’s again were near the front with Snowflake sailors again taking two podium places with James Dugdale second and Toby third.
This time there was no clear overnight leader with the leading group scoring at least a seventh place apart from James who had a consistent 4,4,2 to lead the scoreboard.
Heading out for Sundays racing
Shifty Sunday.
The F3 wind was now from the SW and therefore offshore, it was very shifty with some big gusts.
In the Phantom fleet John continued his good form winning the next two races and with the event now won decided to head for shore early. The battle for second was still wide open and become a two horse race with Martin Warren beating Nick Favell in race four and Nick beating Martin in race five. With John now ashore the final race was open to the rest with Nick winning and Martin second.
Overall John had the luxury of counting five wins. It was a tie for second place on 13 points with Nick Favell securing second by winning the final race with Martin third.
Solutions lining up for a start
In the Solutions Ian once again showing his class (perhaps his sail is faster !) winning the next two races and hence the event, and like John, headed back to shore. The trickier conditions suited WOBYC sailor, James Jarvey as he took second place in race four ahead of Jon Steward. Race five saw these two at the front again this time Jon finishing ahead of James. With Ian now back ashore race six was up for grabs. It was Ian Hearsum from the home club who led at the windward mark just ahead of Richard Gibbon. Ian held on to his lead to the line to secure the win with Richard second and Mike Gower from Hickling third.
Once again the overall winner was able to count five races wins, Ian Morgan taking victory with Jon Steward a clear second. There was a tie for third place with Richard Gibbon and Paul Jarvey on 19 points with Richard taking third after his second place in the final race.
The Beach Regatta fleet set off
And finally the Beach Regatta fleet. Race four saw an ILCA lockout on the podium with Chris Bolton taking first and Dan Bull beating the ILCA4 of Nate Sparrow from the home club by one second for second place.
The windier conditions were suiting Nate as he secured the next two race wins. In race five, James Dugdale finished twenty seconds behind Nate to secure second with Team Ed in the Spitfire back on the podium in third.
With James not sailing the final race it left the door open for the others. Dan Bull led the ILCA’s around the course taking second behind Nate on corrected time with Harry Weymss from the home club third.
Overall winner was Dan Bull in an ILCA7. After a great second day Nate Sparrow moved up to second in his ILCA4 and James Dugdale third in his ILCA7.
With an event such as this it takes a lot of organising by a lot of people to ensure everything runs smoothly, both on and off the water. Huge thanks to the RNSYC members who gave up their weekend to help with safety cover, motoring up from Lowestoft in their RIB’s. The clubhouse team were busy all day but put to the test on Saturday night catering to nearly fifty people. The Beach team were kept busy aiding and ensuring people left and returned to the beach safely. And the Race team who had the onerous task of recording 49 boats over six races.
Results for the Phantom, Solutions and the Beach Regaata fleet on the club results page
The haze which had hung along the coast had cleared by the time boats were getting rigged for the Evening Regatta. Following a couple of days of onshore winds there was a bit of surf but the six boats who opted to launch did so without any problem with the help of the beach crew.
There was a good F3 onshore breeze at the start of the evenings racing which, contrary to the forecast gradually eased a tad. The sea state was quite choppy and combined with the wind direction didn’t make for the best off wind surfing conditions. With HW at 18.30 much of the racing happened with little tide.
The haze had all but cleared as the boats were getting ready to launch
The race team set our customary Windward-Leeward course. Team Ed had an early retirement following an issue with their spinnaker sheets. Abby and Izzy led from start to finish. Visitor Dan, sailing an ILCA7 led the rest of the fleet after lap one. On lap two Aero Phil overtook Dan, gradually opening up a small lead over the next two laps. On corrected Dan had a comfortable win with Phil second and Abby & Izzy third, six seconds ahead of Vareo Richard.
Race two, Abby & Izzy led after lap one with Aero Phil hot on their heels. Phil managed to pass on lap two and managed to hold on to a small lead to the finish. Dan was never far behind these two, recording a second win, this time by only two seconds over Phil with Vareo Richard this time edging out Abby & Izzy for third position.
Congratulation to Dan who was overall winner with two firsts with Phil second.
Launching required getting wet!
The beach crew were kept busy….and entertained when the boats returned to shore as the surf had built up a tad. The evenings surfing prize went to Phil, who managed to body surf behind his Aero a good five metres to the shore managing an impressively controlled manoeuvre worthy of any professional.
Thanks to the race team who managed to overcome an early challenge to fit two races in and to Chef Brown for once again providing ‘supper’.
It was the start of the Summer series at Gorleston which attracted thirteen boats onto the water. The club Solutions and Phantoms were out for some late practise for their open events next weekend in the Beach Regatta.
The overcast conditions reduced the numbers on the beach leaving plenty of space. The variable F2 wind was mainly from an Easterly direction and with HW at 14.20 there was a flood tide throughout the racing. The race team set a good size Windward Leeward course.
Getting ready to race
Race 1- Dave & John in their RS400 led at the windward mark followed by Phantom Nick with Solution Richard hot on his heels. Abby in the Streaker had a good first beat rounding in fourth. After three rounds Dave & John had gradually opened up a good lead crossing the line several minutes ahead of Nick. Richard had been leading the Solution fleet but on the final lap Paul managed to sneak pass. Keith was the first Vareo after lap one building on his lead on the next laps.
To the windward mark
Race 2- Dave & John led from start to finish, making the most of the ideal conditions downwind opening up a big lead. Nick led the rest of the fleet followed by Solution Richard and Zenith Phil after lap one. Keith again was first Vareo after lap one, nearly a minute ahead of Richard. Lap two, Nick was still well ahead but behind the fleet were compressed with Solution Paul just ahead of Zenith Phil, closely followed by Solution Ian and Streaker Abby. The two Vareos were now separated by just two seconds with Richard now in front.
Windward mark
Race 3- Dave & John took an early lead followed by Phantom Nick, these positions remained unchanged to the finish line. Zenith Phil led the rest of the fleet after lap one with Solution Paul two seconds behind. A few seconds later four boats rounding in close proximity led by Vareo Keith, Streaker Abby, Solution Richard and Vareo Richard. At the line Zenith Phil had opened up a small lead with Solution Paul crossing the line next and Vareo Richard nine seconds later.
More windward mark action
On corrected time Dave & John had made the most of the favourably conditions securing three wins. Solution Paul keeping on the podium in all races with two seconds and a third with Streaker Abby scoring a second and a third.
Thanks to the race team who, despite being short handed did a splendid job providing a lovely days sailing. Next week is the Club Beach Regatta, the forecast is looking good so no reason not to join in !
Those travelling from inland and arriving early were in for a shock as inland it was very warm and sunny but at Gorleston it was very misty, cold and very windy, in fact you could barely see the Life Guards Hut from the clubhouse.
Thankfully the mist slowly cleared and by the time we were ready for action it had warmed up a bit and the wind eased to a F3 from the South.
It was an eventful time pre start with Phil punching a small hole in his hull before launching and Abby’s rear cradle on the RS400 trolley giving up, requiring a quick swap around with the Club RS400 trolley.
Young Ed opted to test the new Club Laser 4.7/ILCA4 rig. This looked a good idea initially but as the wind eased for the last race Ed probably wished he had stuck with the ILCA6 rig.
The race team set a good sized W/L course for the conditions, which was a F3 from the South. The ebb flood still very much in flow despite low water at 18.42
Race one – The pin end of the line was the preferred place with many jostling for prime spot at the start.
Abby and Izzy, sailing a RS400 led the way closely followed by Laser Dave and Solution Richard. These three opened up a good lead on the others and got to do an extra lap.
Race two, F2-3 and still some ebb tide. This time the fleet were not so spread out so everyone got to do three laps.
With the extended evening light we had time for a quick one lap third race. By now the tide had eased and also the wind, which by now had a hint of West in it.
On corrected time the leading three took all the podium places with Laser Dave first, Solution Richard second and Abby & Izzy in the RS400 third in each race.
Many thanks to the Race team for a lovely evenings sailing which turned out to be far better than conditions earlier had suggested.
A big thanks to ‘Team Phil’, not only for staying and helping out when we returned to shore but managing to breath live back into Trevor after he had ran out of juice ! And not forgetting Lorna, the Fuel Queen.
