2026 Reports – Gt Yarmouth & Gorleston Sailing Club

Spring series 31st May

A warm and mainly sunny day for the final outing of the Spring series. The wind forecast was not promising suggesting a variable F2 from somewhere North-ish.

Eleven crews made ready for what was going to be a challenging first race. The race team set a windward leeward course with the light wind mainly from the NNW. However, just before the start the wind started to shift, sometimes North, sometimes NNE and occasionally back to NNW.

Getting ready to race

The first beat proved to be a game of snakes and ladders with several areas of little to no wind. Dave & John rolled a double six and led around the windward mark closely followed by Richard & Nathan, aka Team Custard. This was to be the start of a race long tussle with Dave & John finishing two seconds ahead. Simon & Bruce, aka Team Beckett (RS400) and D-One Nick followed just behind engaged in their own battle with Team Beckett just finishing in front. Behind them a four way battle between D-One Adrian, Europe Steve and the Vareos of Keith and Richard with Keith first to cross the line just ahead of the rest.

Guess the wind direction !

Race two and thankfully the wind had by now just about settled from the NNE. The tide had changed and now ebbing and the race team had reset the course. Two 400‘s led at the windward mark but very closely following by Europe Steve and Vareo Richard. Abbi, sailing the 700 took the lead on the downwind leg opening up a good gap by the finish.

Start time

Saving the best till last, the wind remaining relatively steady (in comparison to previous conditions) and a F2-3. Dave & John opened up a good lead by the finish over two minutes ahead of the next boat. Team Custard and Team Beckett were neck and neck on the final downwind led with the latter crossing the line first.

Team Beckett lead on the downwind leg

On corrected time, race one podium places were filled with asymmetrics with Dave & John first, Richard & Nathan second and D-One Nick third. Europe Steve and Vareo Richard were rewarded for their near perfect first beat in race two claiming first and second with Dave & John third. It was a RS400 1,2,3 in the final race with Dave & John first, Simon and Bruce second and Richard & Nathan third.

So Top Guns for the day were Dave & John with two race wins.

Congratulations to Team Custard, Richard, Rosie and Nathan, overall Spring series winners. Runners up were with Steve & Izzy in the National 12.

Thanks to the race team for what turned out to be a challenging day for them……and those sailing!

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 guns’ Dave & John.

Thursday Evening 28th May

After a few days of baking hot weather it was a little chilly at Gorleston despite the wind coming from the south.

There was a short chop on the water making for a challenging sail for those who ventured out.

The race team managed to fit in three races before the light began to fade and were tested on every start with the flood tide pushing boats towards, and sometimes over the line!

With the tide assisting the upwind leg, the beats were quite short. The longer off wind legs proved tricky in the short chop, reducing wave riding opportunities.

Judging the start with the tide doing its best to push you over

Race one, Laser Harry nailed the first lap leading Abbi by a second. On lap two, Abbi edged in front opening up a lead of nearly a minute at the line with Harry well ahead of Steve & Izzy in the N12.

Team Ed, in the 400 led after the first lap in race two with Abbi a few seconds behind. A little way back the rest of the fleet all rounding the leeward gate within a few seconds of each other. On the final lap Harry sneaked in front of the 400 and almost caught Abbi in the 700.

Abbi led the final race after the first lap but managed to get caught in irons when rounding the windward mark allowing Steve & Izzy to take the lead which they held to the line.

Lovely sunset to end the evenings sailing

A busy evening, three races, all three lappers with Harry winning the Top Gun award for the evening with two race wins. Steve & Izzy winning the final race, clearly preferring the light winds.

Thanks to Richard and Michael for tonight’s racing and Chef Brown for supper.

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

Tonight’s ‘Top Gun’ Harry, with two race wins.

Spring series 24th May

Summer arrived at Costa del Gorleston. It was already warm when people arrived at the club and it got warmer as the day progressed, reaching mid twenties after midday. This also attracted many visitors to the beach but with LW at 09.38 there was plenty of room along the shoreline for the boats.

Although conditions looked nice, the wind was absent. The race team sensibly postponed for 30 minutes by which time a warm F1-2 had set in from the SE and it was all systems go.

Systems go!

There was just a hint of flood tide at the start of race one. The fleet were split going up the beat. Dave & John (RS400) stayed inshore hooking onto a good lift going out to the windward mark rounding just ahead of Richard & Rosie, aka Team Custard. The rest of the fleet were closely packed as they rounded. Downwind Dave & John opted to go inshore whereas Team Custard remained offshore arriving at the leeward gate with a 20 second lead. Steve, sailing solo in his National 12 led the chasing pack, four seconds ahead of Solution Paul followed by Abby, in the 700 and the two Phantoms of Nick and Phil rounding two seconds apart.

Start time

Positions remained virtually unchanged for the next two laps, the two 400’s opened up a large lead earning themselves a fourth lap, with Team Custard taking line honours ahead of Dave & John with Steve managing to hold off the rest of the fleet crossing the line third which. After py adjustment the race order was the same as the finishing order.

Windward mark action

Race two, a more steady F2 and a bit more tide. After lap one, Team Custard led Dave & John and Abby by six seconds. Phantom Nick led the rest of the pack with the National 12 hot on his heels.

Lap two saw the two 400’s round the leeward gate together with the 700 four seconds behind. Team Custard opting for the pin end and Dave & John the Committee boat end. The National 12 had managed to pass Phantom Nick with Zenith Phil and the Solutions of Paul and Ian just behind.

Leeward gate action

Team Custard opened up a one minute lead on the next lap which they held to the line and taking another race win on corrected time with Dave & John second. N12 Steve held on to his position across the cross to come third.

Race three, similar wind but a little more tide. The 400’s led at the windward mark with the N12 again performing strongly holding third, just ahead of the 700. The 400’s split downwind, Dave & John opting to gybe immediately to go inshore whilst Team Custard and the 700 stayed offshore which proved to be the faster route. After lap one Phantom Nick headed the closely pack of singlehanders, rounding the leeward gate one second ahead of the Solutions of Paul and Ian, with Vareo Keith a further three seconds behind.

More windward mark action

After lap two the RS’s had opened up a short lead, again being rewarded with another lap. Team Custard again taking line honours ahead of Dave & John and Abby. N12 Steve sailed a faultless race finishing a minute ahead of the next boat and staying close enough to the leading boats to take the race win on corrected time with Team Custard second.

More leeward gate action

Unusually, no singlehander boats in any of the podium places, although Steve was sailing the N12 solo. so that may count as a singlehander. Well done to Team Custard, Richard & Rosie with a 1,1,2 race score and todays Top Gun’s.

Many thanks to the race team of Tom, Adrian and Michael for an excellent course, an enjoyable days sailing and arranging glorious weather. Also a shout out to Lorna for preparing the hot dogs for lunch which were well received by all.

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 guns’ Richard & Rosie.

Thursday evening 21st May

The warm weather had returned and with a F2-3 from the south, conditions were looking promising for a good evenings sailing. However, this hadn’t persuaded many from making the trip and so it was a small but keen fleet that ventured out.

Despite LW scheduled for 19.39, there was little evidence of the ebb tide slacking as race one started. Phil must have been studying his ‘Sailing in tides’ book as he judged his beat out to the windward mark to perfection on both laps. Abby, sailing the 700 managed to on the first lap. Laser Dave and Vareo Richard weren’t quite so good, taking a few tacks on both laps to round the windward mark.

The wind by this time had eased somewhat making the task more challenging. Abby led the fleet over the line with Phil close behind. Some way back were Dave and Richard. Phil scored a comfortable win on corrected time with Dave second.

Race two and still a noticeable ebb tide flowing and now a F1-2. Everyone stayed inshore as long as they could before heading out to the windward mark. Abby and Phil rounding in one shot, Dave took two attempts. Thankfully the race team took pity on us and shortened the course after one lap! Dave managed to stay close enough to win on handicap with Phil second.

Thanks to Steve and Ed for managing the evening racing. Lorna had kindly prep’ed supper so on returning to shore we had the choice of Lasagne or pasties.

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 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