Reports – Page 11 – Gt Yarmouth & Gorleston Sailing Club

Summer series – and the weather delivers

It was the first racing of the summer series and this week we had some great sailing with a mixture of light to moderate winds, plenty of sunshine and temperature almost in the twenties, so something for everyone. This was evident in the fact we had three different race winners in three different classes.

Nine boats launched consisting of seven different classes. Phil (Contender) timed his start well in race one pulling off a port end flyer to lead the fleet up the beat. With the tide still ebbing most boats headed inshore and after the first lap Ed & Mirram (Spitfire) had taken over the lead. Steve had swapped his trusty Europe for a rear seat in the RS500 with Keith and led the rest of the fleet, closely followed by Phil. These two winning comfortably on corrected time with the RS500 taking first.

Race one winners – Steve getting to grips with three sails instead of one !

There was a generous portion of port bias on the start line for race two but everyone got off to a good start. Soon the Spitfire was ahead on the water and building a good lead on the rest of the fleet.

Phil & Lorna (RS400) and Steve & Keith had a good race long tussle with the RS400 leading after the first lap, the RS500 after lap two and the RS400 back in the lead on the third and opening up a small lead at the finish line and winning on corrected time with the RS500 second. Behind them four boats rounded the leeward gate closely bunched after the first lap, with Phil just ahead of Don (D-One). On the next lap Don worked the shifts well overtaking the 500 and almost catching the 400 but a capsize on the final lap ended his chase.

Race two winners – Phil & Lorna deep in concentration – jib looks nice Phil !

For the final race of the day the wind had increased to a F3-4, and with it the sea state. The tide was now beginning to turn which seemed to suit the Lasers. Whilst the faster boats led the fleet after the first lap the slower ones were in close contention. Richard led the Laser charge for the first two laps but Karl slipped through on the third lap and held this to the finish line winning on corrected time with Richard second.

Race three winner – Karl win the battle of the Lasers

Thanks to the Safety boat crew of Phil & Tom for doubling up as photographers for the day. Photos of the day are on the Club Flickr site

Full results here

It’s July, but the weather gods have other ideas !

Despite conditions more akin to mid winter, nine boats launched with Lasers making the majority of the fleet. Thankfully the NW’erly wind held all evening providing some good close racing.

With the flood tide in full flow jostling for position on the line proved tricky with the risk of being over but race one got underway first attempt. Dave & John (RS400) led after the first lap with Joe, sailing the club Solution just ahead of the closely bunched lasers, led by Ed. After ‘several’ laps Dave & John had managed to lap the lasers. Joe had opened up a good gap on the lasers to finish second and winning on corrected time. It was all change in the laser pack with Richard taking the lead on lap two and Mark slipping past on the fifth to lead at the line.

Race two followed a similar pattern, with Dave & John leading throughout the race. After lap one Ed headed the chasing pack that rounded within five seconds of each other. Joe slipped past on lap two with Mark now the leading Laser. After lap three Richard headed the Lasers crossing the line third but winning on corrected time.

As we headed back to shore the drizzle started making for a rather damp end to the evening.

With the series now midpoint Mark is holding a good lead over the RS400 of Team Brown.

Thanks to Chef Brown for arranging the great Lasagne and to Curtis for providing a good evening sailing with plenty of spinny hoists and drops for the RS400’s !

Full results here

Thursday 24th June

With several members travelling from Norwich, where it had been warm and sunny with a gentle breeze it was a surprise to be greeted by a F4 from the SSW capped with overcast skies and a temperature more suited to autumn. However, the sea state was fine and after a short discussion everyone was keen to launch. There were a few changes of plan, as Phil and Don swapped Phantom & D-One, teaming up in Phil’s RS400 and Tom Q swapping his RS300 for the club Solution. And with Tom A’s helm away he teamed up with Richard in the Xenon.

By the time racing started the wind had dropped to a comfortable F3 making for a pleasant sail.

The RS400’s of Phil & Don and Team Brown led the fleet up the windward leg with most choosing to stay offshore in the flood tide. Phil & Don led round the windward mark and hoisting their spinny headed offshore again with Team Brown electing to gybe early and ‘hog’ the shore line staying out of the tide which proved the right thing to do. The rest of the fleet were not far behind although Tom was a little way back after having to perform some on the water boat mtce on the Solution when the clew strap came undone. Downwind the Lasers made good progress against the faster boats with Mark just ahead of Ed after the first lap. Phil & Don were seen heading for shore which we later found out was to re-tie the spinny downhaul! Team Brown crossed the line first but the lasers were only a minute behind with Ed passing Mark on the final lap to take the race win on his season debut with Mark second.

The wind had decreased a tad at the start of race two. After the cautious start everyone took in race one, fearing the tide would take them over the line it was a close call for some but racing got away first time. Team Brown led the fleet to the windward mark, with everyone staying offshore this time. Unsurprisingly the RS400‘s led at the windward mark but close behind were the Lasers and Solution. Over the next three laps Team Brown built up a good lead crossing the line over two minutes ahead of the Lasers but this was not enough. Mark finished second and the next three boats crossing the line just nine seconds apart. It was another Laser 1,2 with Mark taking the race win and Ed second.

The wind by this time had decreased further and now a pleasant F2 with the sun making an occasional appearance. Despite it now being past Eight o’clock everyone was up for another race. This time prime starting positions were hard fought for with two boats being forced past the line. The race followed a similar pattern to the previous race with Team Brown leading the fleet with the rest close behind with Mark just in front. It was another Laser 1,2 with Mark taking race honours again and Ed second.

As we got back on shore we were greeted by Curtis who was in the process of packing his RS700 in readiness for the long haul to Torbay for the RS Summer Regatta. Good luck Curtis, it should be a great weekend.

There are several photo’s of the evenings racing on the Flickr site

Full results here

Beach Regatta – Day 2 Report

It was an overcast and wet start for day two of the Beach Regatta and with the temperature barely in the teens it felt more like autumn than summer. With both the wind and sea state gradually increasing throughout the day the changing conditions suited different craft as there was a different winner in each race

Racing started with a NE’ely F2. With the tide still ebbing boats were close to the line but somehow racing started first time. The fleet split up the beat but arrived close together at the windward mark with Phil (RS700) just ahead of Richard & Mark (RS400). Richard & Robyn (RS400) had a good downwind leg with just one second separating the two leading RS400’s at the gate. Behind, Jonathon (Laser) was almost matching the Phantoms and Contender. Richard & Mark had a great final lap pulling well clear of the other RS400’s to take the race win with Jonathon second and Nick (Phantom) third.

By the start of race two the sea state had increased a tad. Most of the fleet headed offshore with Phil rounding first followed by Richard & Mark, with Simon & Bruce (RS400) close behind, with all three heading inshore. Richard and Robyn stayed offshore and closed the gap on Simon & Bruce and rounding the gate together with Nick (Phantom) just one second ahead. For a brief while the sun made an appearance but quickly disappeared again and stayed hidden for the rest of the day. Despite it being the longest race of the day Jonathon managed to stay close the rear of the fleet for the first two laps but this was enough to take the win on corrected time from Nick with Phil in third place.

Despite a forecasted low water time of 11.02 it was still slack water at the start of race three. The wind had increased to a F3, NNE. Phil headed the fleet around the windward mark followed by Phil2 (Contender). Phil did a horizon job and was awarded with an extra lap and the race win. Richard & Mark slipped past Phil2 on the downwind leg eventually pulling clear of the other RS400’s and was second on corrected time. At the finish the other two RS400’s crossed the line one second apart with Team Beckett the victors. Jonathon once again managed stay close enough behind this time to claim third, his worst result in the regatta!

Congratulations to Jonathon as overall winner with Nick second and Phil third.

Full results here

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 2^nd 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 4^th 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 2^nd 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 3^rd 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 1^st 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 5^th 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 4^th 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.

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 5^th.

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 5^th 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 3^rd and 4^th.

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 3^rd 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 2^nd and 3^rd. (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 2^nd and Phil A 3^rd, 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 3^rd and Mark talking a worthy 4^th

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 2^nd 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.

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