Regatta – Day 1 Report

The Racing got underway at around 1:30pm slightly later than planned but its always good form to wait for the boat that helped everyone else launch!.  With the wind a NE F2, the locals headed along the beach to avoid the tide, Jonathan (Laser) heading more out to sea.  Richard / Robyn (Rs400) completed the first lap closely followed by Don (D-one) Jonathan a couple of minutes behind, Nick Nick (Vareo)  Richard (Laser) then Mark & Phil (Lasers) having misjudged the tide a way behind.  Richard stretched the lead enough by lap 3 to take the Win from Jonathan and Nick.

Phil Highfield had arrived to late for race 1 to join Curtis as the 2nd RS700 in race 2. 

Race2 with the wind probably a F3 soon got underway with everyone now keeping inshore for the start of the beat, Phil leading the asymmetrics to complete lap 1, Jonathan again leading the lasers but in much closer formation.  Curtis was going well in his 700 until Phil Harlow mentioned the same on 2 occasions, both resulting in a quick swim for Curtis followed by a swift recovery.  Phil pulled clear to earn the extra lap, but would finish 4th behind both guests Jonathan, Nick and Richard.

Phil – In the new club laser very kidly Donated by the family of and in memory of David Sanger.

Race 3 – The wind swung a little more Easterly and the boats got underway at the top of the tide, All the asymmetric were going well,  Nick Vareo  had the lead on corrected time at lap 1,  Jonathan closest on corrected,  Phil also going well in the 700 and again had a extra lap.  After 4 Laps it was Nick who took the win and Jonathan just pipping Phil to 2nd by 2 seconds.

One of the closest battles of the day would be between Mark and Richard in the Lasers,  today was to be Richards in all 3 encounters.

So after day one, Jonathan has the lead by just one point from Nick then Richard 2 points adrift.  Good luck to everyone tomorrow and thanks to todays Race team of Nick, Phil and Keith

Full Results so far here…………..

Fish and Chip Supper and a well deserved cuppa or glass!

Thursday Eve Regatta Report

It was a small group of regulars and a guest who were able to make the clubs Thursday Regatta. The wind (F3) from the north and tide ebbing with the course set a little offshore.  As the race 1 got underway for some,  3 craft had misjudged the tide strength and rafted up on the pin mark.  Daniel (Solution) and Phil / Lorna (Rs400) recovered well and at the end of the first lap The RS400 was in front on the water, Richard F (laser), Mark Laser and Dan (Solution) in a tight group about 30 seconds behind.  At the end of the 3rd lap It would be Richard would take the win by just 7 seconds from Mark.

Race 2 the wind had increased in strength and it wall a cleaner start for all. At the 1st mark Phil was leading in the RS400, followed by Mark, Daniel and Keith, Richard was however paying more attention and decided sail to the next mark rather than just follow the others!.  Tom was finding the extra wind a bit of handful, not surprising as it was he first trip out in a laser and after 1 capsize his tiller parted company with the rudder.  With most helms spending some time on the centre board some more than others, it would be a close finish for 3 of the lasers and solution. Mark ahead of Richard followed by Dan and Keith,  Phil finishing 5th on corrected time.

The wind then swung further to east and required Nick to move the start line further offshore. giving everyone time for a quick blast. The race soon got underway Phil opening up a commanding lead everyone else closely bunched with Rob (Phantom) in the mix. It was quite surfy downwind and in lap 2 Keith took and downwind swim, he was not he only one!!.  Dan thought he saw a blue flag and stopped racing and by the time he was away again it was between Richard and Mark for the Race and Regatta honours.  By the end of lap 3 Richard had established a 30 second lead,  Mark had a further 2 laps to make up the deficit and manged to cut it to 20 seconds at the line.  Phil and Lorna had done enough to make it a third on corrected time. 

So the Regatta honours when to Richard Foster after 2 well deserved wins, and 1 of only 2 boats to stay upright!.  Mark Second and Phil and Lorna Third.  It was great conditions and dam good fun with launching and recovery a breeze. 

A Big thanks Nick OOD and everyone for a great evening’s sailing. 

Full Results Here…….

Gorleston Ne’ Hopton Race

Following on from a hot week it seemed like everyone was heading to the beach, Gorleston was having one of the busiest days of the year as it would be for the Gorleston members.  As the ribs were pulled on to the beach disaster struck as wheel failed on the orange rib which would have to join the public and spend the day on the beach.  With a lets go sailing attitude, a brief consultation, some rearranging of safety boats and a call to Hugh GYGSC’s 4th Emergency service, we were ready to go. sailing.  It was decided to abandon the planed passage race to Hopton and sail a more local course.

Pre- Start

Race 1 – Finally got under way at 12:30 in fairly slack tide with a Light breeze and coming from the east.  Phil in his 700 leading from Richard and Ed Brown Rs400 then Don  in his D1 out for the first time this year. The Single handers and the rest of the fleet closely bunched a couple of minutes behind.  As the Race continued Phil pulled away enough to earn an extra lap but would be pipped on corrected time by Carl in the Laser then David Solution just ahead of Nick Phantom and Richard and Ed in 5th.

Race 2 – The wind was just picking up and had swung a tad more to the south, Roger guest helm in the RS500 was keen to start, so keen he got to do it twice in the one race.  Phil 700 was just managing to wire both up and down the course with the rest of the asymmetric still soaking downwind   The extra wind meant it was 4 laps for the fleet with Phil managing to Lap about half the boats on his 5th lap.  It was enough for Phil to take the win from Carl in his laser and with David missing Race 2  it was Nick thenthe Browns in 3rd and 4th.

Race 3 – Required a mark move as the wind swung further south and with the tide now Ebbing the Sea was getting a little lumpy.  The hoped for the Sea breeze never arrived and the wind strength drop a notch.  The order over the course was pretty much the same but the Laser and Solution finding the conditions less favourable.  I the middle of the pack Don and Roger were having a close battle until Don hooked a spinnaker sheet on his kicker fitting and when for an untimely swim.  Richard Foster and guest crew Daniel would have there best race of the day and after 3 laps would finish on 3rd behind Phil, the Browns then Nick and Carl.

Phil took the honours for the Day, followed by Carl and Richard and Ed. The Fleet headed back in to address the boat on the beach.  Another call to Hugh and some boat and trailer swapping and everything was soon back in the dinghy park, and it was time for Pie.

So after a great day on the water, it’s thanks the race team Steve and Darrel and with a massive thankyou to Hugh’s recovery service and a pre thank you to Phil in fabrication, it was just the traffic to deal with especially for those heading back down the acle straight and beyond. (I suspect Phil did not be take the win in that race.)

Full Results here……

See you all next week for the Regatta

Thursday 10th June – Lasers rule !

After a rather calm morning the wind did eventually arrive and by late afternoon there was a warm F3 from the south. There was a good turnout of fourteen boats, due to both the arrival of visitors and turnout of the asymmetric fleet.

However, by the time we were lining up for the racing the wind had eased to a F2 and the flood tide was in full flow making short work of the beat.

Race one – Team Brown (RS400) and Phil (RS700) were early leaders closely followed by Curtis (RS700) and Roger & Keith (RS500). However, close behind were visitors Simon and Bruce in their Lasers who took the first two places on corrected time with Mark (wishing he had picked the full rig) in the club Laser Radial third.

Phil took an early lead in race two with Team Brown in hot pursuit. Three boats were vying for third and after the first lap, one second separated Roger & Keith, Big Phil (Phantom) and Don & Hattie (RS400). Once again the Lasers were holding their own and it was another 1,2,3 for them with Simon recording another first, Bruce second and Mark third on corrected time.

The final race of the day proved to be a sprint, with just one lap. Phil and Team Brown once again leading the fleet, with Phil crossing the line five seconds ahead. However, it was proving a difficult evening for the asymmetrics to hold their handicaps and Simon and Bruce took another 1,2. However the Laser stranglehold of the podium places was broken with Dan, sailing the club Solution third, having improved every race and obviously getting to grips with the boat.

Many thanks to Phil ‘A’ for stepping in as Race Officer, a lovely evening to be on the water and followed supper by Mr Brown on the prom.

Full Results Here……….

Beach Regatta 2021

Gt Yarmouth and Gorleston Sailing Club Beach Regatta 2021

Thursday Evening Regatta

Thursday 17th June -– Start time 7pm

This is likely to be 2 or 3 races over a shorter inshore course than Sundays and with usually lighter evening winds a great opportunity to race on the sea.

Visitors are welcome to leave their boats in the dinghy park until the weekend if attending the Beach Regatta (subject to available spaces)

Beach Regatta Regatta

Saturday 19th June – Start time 13:00 (Briefing 12:00)

Sunday 20th June  – Start Time 10:30

This is our main open event of the year with 3 races back to back each day.

Directions to GYGSC can be found on the club website (About/Location)

After sailing on Saturday there will be Fish & Chips on the prom if you would like to stay.

Any Questions please contact info@gygsc.co.uk

Entry for visitors will be Day Membership, which is £5 per person per day.

Please do feel Free to display this poster at your club.

Triad Series – Act 1

It was the first instalment of the 2021 Triad series.  With many members otherwise engaged in either Half term, Open meetings or the 3 Rivers Race and with a less than ideal forecast it was great to see Ribs ready to go (thanks Steve) and the a few members already out paddling when the rest of the race team rolled up at  9:20.  The Sun was out, a flat sea and not great deal of wind.  Not that much later the Becketts pulled up with 2 lasers and some breeze.  With everyone soon changed and boats on the water a F2 form the SW the race ream set the triangle course with the wing mark slightly further offshore than the windward one. 

Race 1 – got underway just after eleven, with the bulk of the fleet heading along the coast to avoid the ebbing tide.   Carl in the club Solution heading offshore, the RS400 of Richard/ Mark soon eased away from the fleet. The 2 Phil’s next round and Simon in the Laser ahead of the rest.  Carl then suffered gear breakage and had to retire, but with some quick on water repairs would be back for Race 2&3.  At the end of Lap 3 Richard was now well in lead an earned himself a bonus lap.

With everyone quite spaced out the Win went to Richard, with Guests Simon and Bruce in 2nd and 3rd. (1 up for Dad)

Race 2  – Got underway with and with a slight increase in wind to maybe F3, it was all going to be a much tighter affair.  Mark at the helm of the 400, still out ahead on the water,  the  rest of the fleet bunched up to complete lap one   This Time Bruce 20 seconds ahead of Dad.  After 3 laps Mark crossed first (Would it be enough for the win) Phil H and Christine in 2nd and Phil A 3rd,  Bruce  crossed 21 seconds ahead of Simon the rest not far behind.    After Correction 1 min separated the top 5  with Steve just 1 seconds ahead of Bruce  and Simon 3rd and Mark talking a worthy 4th

The Becketts at battle.

Race 3 got under way with the wind still building a after lap one shifting slightly further south, this meant it was easier to fly the kite on the 2nd legs,   The race would be a very tight affair, Bruce hold a 20 second lead on Simon after both lap 1 and 2,   At the finish that gap had closed to just 7 seconds but Bruce had the family bragging rights for the day.  It was Just 30 seconds separating the top 4 Steve in his Europe 3 seconds ahead of Richard and Bruce the Simon in the Lasers.

All back safely ashore for Fish, Chips and a little Fiz and to admire Lorna’s new ring.  A great day on the water and hope to see Bruce and Simon back soon. 

Fiz and Chips

Full Results Here………. (Updated with Steve retired form Race 2 & 3)

Three winners and a proposal !

Sunday was the last of the Spring series and at times when the sun managed to find a gap in the clouds it felt more like summer. Any one of five crews was in with a shout for overall honours so all to play for in the final days racing.

With a pleasant F3 from for NE the race team set a good sized windward –leeward course and with the tide still in full flood it would be a good beat, particularly for the slower boats.

With the wind increasing gradually throughout the day and slack water for the final race the changing conditions would suit all boats at some point which was evident with three different winners in three different class of boat.

Lovely conditions for the start of racing

Race one saw most teams stick close to shore before heading out to the windward mark.  Richard and Robyn (RS400) judged this perfectly to lead at the windward mark, closely followed by Dave & John (400). These two enjoyed a race long tussle with the latter slipping pass in the third lap taking line honours with Richard & Mark (400) finishing third. On corrected time Dave & John beat Nick(Phantom) by just six seconds with Steve (Europe) beating Richard & Robyn by twelve seconds for third

Race two start

After lap one of the second race, Dave & John held a small lead over Nick who was heading off a trio of 400’s close behind him. Over the next three laps Nick exchanged places the 400’s several times but managed to cross the line just ahead with Richard & Robyn just ahead of Phil & Lorna(400). However, the two ‘slower’ boats had managed to stay in contention with Steve(Europe) taking the win on corrected time and Keith (Laser) second, beating Nick by just two seconds


Nick mixing it with the 400’s

By the start of the final race it was slack water inshore although still some tide offshore.

After lap one Dave & John held a small lead over Richard & Mark. Close behind them and rounding the leeward gate just two seconds apart were Nick, Richard & Robyn and Phil & Lorna, with Tom & David (505) not far behind. At the line Dave & John just lead Richard & Mark and Nick sailed well to hold off the charge of the 400’s and 505.

On corrected time Nick won by seven seconds from Steve with Dave & John third

Many thanks to the race team for a super days sailing, great conditions and an excellent course which proved a good test for everyone and opportunity for all boats. The team were also busy taking photo’s which are now on the club Flickr page – all 109 of them !

Well done to Nick for winning the Spring Series, managing to count only firsts and seconds toward his tally.

Next week is the first instalment of the Triad series.

Finally, and the best story of the day, after the last race, sailing the 400 back to shore, Phil got down on one knee and proposed. Many congratulations to Phil and Lorna, hope you have a long and happy voyage ahead of you.

Full results here

Congratulations Phil and Lorna

Thursday evening 27th May

Thankfully the forecast for the wind to drop to 5 mph never happened and the small fleet who ventured out enjoyed a sunny evening with a F2 from the East.

In race one Richard & Dave had a good first beat and held a small lead in their Xenon after the first lap, closely followed by ‘Team Brown’ in their 400 and Phil in the club Phantom. On lap two Team Brown took a narrow lead on the Xenon with Phil a little further behind and now joined by Curtis in his 700. On the final lap Team Brown had opened up a good lead crossing the line clear ahead of Richard & Dave. On corrected time the Xenon claimed the win with Team Brown nine seconds ahead of Mark in the club Laser.

Lining up at the start

Team Brown quickly sailed into a clear lead in race two followed by Curtis, with Mark working the shifts on the beat well to be only 18 seconds behind after the first lap. By the finish Team Brown crossed the line over two minutes clear, with Curtis second and the rest of the fleet closely grouped with Mark hanging on to lead the pack over the line. On corrected time Mark just pipped Team Brown by 11 seconds for the win.

Heading to the windward mark

Thanks to Adrian for ‘OOD-ing’, providing a very pleasant evenings sailing and also for acting as unofficial photographer (pictures now on club firckr site)

Full results here

Spring Series Act 6

There were lovely blue skies on arrival at the club for Act 6 of the Spring Series. The sea was surprisingly flat considering the recent high winds and a F2-3 wind from somewhere between S and SW !

The race team set a good sized Windward Leeward course and with the tide still ebbing it was a long beat into the tide.

Lovely start to the day

In the first race the fleet split with some heading inshore and some choosing to stay offshore. The wind was very shifty, at times it was almost possible to be heading directly to the windward mark until being headed as the wind returned to the South. Phil (700), Nick (Phantom) and Dave & John (400) headed the fleet followed by Phil & Lorna (400). Behind a three way battle between Steve (Europe), David ( Solution) & Keith ( Laser Rad).  After the first two laps there was little between the first three however on the final two laps Phil managed to open up a gap on Dave & John who were just one minute ahead of Nick.   Keith lead Steve home by just over a minute with David just behind.

On corrected time Nick had a comfortable win with Dave & John second and Phil third.

Racing about to start

In line with the forecast the wind picked up for race two, but still varying between S – SW. Phil opened up a good lead on the first lap however, on the second downwind leg the wind shifted and increased. This resulted in Phil approaching the leeward gate low and having to drop his kite early in order to pass through it. Dave & John had gybed earlier and managed to carry the kite all the way allowing them to slip pass momentarily as Phil sailed past on the next windward leg. The downward legs were proving difficult to navigate for the asymmetrics with the regularly shifting wind which was also varying between F2-F4. Meanwhile Nick was very close and again won on corrected time, this time two minutes ahead of Dave & John. Steve managed to sail the Europe well clear of Keith and David, managing a third on corrected time.  


Nick in fine form

With the forecast predicting strong winds by early afternoon it was decided to head back ashore after the second race which turned out to be a good move. By the time boats were being pulled back up the beach the wind had increased noticeably and soon the sea state had worsened.

Thanks to the race team, tricky day for them and a testing day for sailors.

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Full results here

Spring Series Act 5

A much warmer day on the water for the race team and the 10 boats that launched. The forecast for light winds at midday never materialised and the wind gradually increased from a F2 to F4. Although overcast for much of the day we did have several sunny periods, a short spell of rain and some hail once we arrived back onshore.  The wind was shifty and mainly South-ish, plenty of shifts kept everyone focussed.

Timing is important !

For race one the race team set a Triangular course taken to Starboard to the approval of many a single hander sailor.  With the tide still flooding most of the fleet headed offshore on the beat to the windward mark.  Phil, sailing his RS700 quickly took the lead closely followed by Dave & John in their RS400, these two opening up a good lead on the rest of the fleet. Behind, a four way battle between Curtis (RS700),  Nick (Phantom), Steve (D-One) and Phil & Lorna in their trusty RS400. On lap two Nick opened up a small lead on the others crossing the line just ahead of Steve. Behind Phil (Contender) and David (Solution) were swapping places with David leading after lap two and Phil slipping pass on the final lap crossing the line two seconds ahead. On corrected time Dave & John just beat Phil, with Nick claiming third.

Maneuvering downwind

For race two the race team switched back to our customary Windward-Leeward course. The fleet were closely bunched up the first leg with Dave & John a short way ahead of Phil (RS700). Unfortunately for Dave & John they failed to notice the change to Port course and arriving first at the windward mark promptly rounding the wrong way.  The rest of the fleet apparently had noticed and rounded correctly and headed downwind. By this time the wind had increased to a F4 and the sea had built up a tad to provide some great surfing downwind.

Phil (700) led after the first lap but decided to head back inshore. Dave & John had a good downwind leg slipping into second place. Tom & Will, sailing their 505 joined us for race two and were vying for third with Nick.

With the tide just about to turn the sea state had increased a tad and a few succumbed to their first ‘swim’ of the year. After four laps Dave & John crossed the line a couple of minutes ahead of Nick who had managed to pull clear of Tom & Will after a trawling of their spinnaker.  David had kept the Solution going nicely downwind and finished third on corrected time with Dave & John beating Nick by just five seconds for first.


Grey skies pass overhead

Big thanks to the race team, a tricky day with a shifting wind requiring a change of position for the windward mark in race two but probably the best sailing conditions we’ve had this year. Pawel’s new toy, a nifty pocket Anemometer recorded 17-18 knots on the water, and by the time we made it ashore the wind had increased further as there were a few white horses to be seen.

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Full results here