Reports – Page 3 – Gt Yarmouth & Gorleston Sailing Club

Thursday evening 16th June

With Costa del Gorleston enjoying another beautiful day the conditions for the Thursday evening sailing were almost perfect, just a little more wind would have been nice but the F2 from the NE-NNE made for a pleasant evenings sail.

The hot weather must have made everyone a little lethargic as the fleet were late leaving shore. However, the GYGSC ‘Race Team’ newbie’s did a splendid job with the panache of any experienced team.

Nine boats took to the water, once again all single handers. Phil and Nick were out first for a session of Phantom training, followed by two Contenders, three Vareos, all keen for some last minute practice before their ’big event’, a Solution and a new to Gorleston, Streaker.

With HW at approx 20.00 there was still a noticeable flood tide which only diminished near the end of the sailing. In the light conditions a clear channel inshore proved key to each race.

Is Lorna having difficulty reading the race timer ?

Race 1- Adam (Streaker) won the start and got pole position heading inshore and still led after the first lap. Nick (Phantom) and Dave (Vareo) were in hot pursuit but managed to spent much of the race getting in others way! Adam held onto the lead until the final leg with Dave crossing a few metres ahead but Adam easily held onto the win on corrected time.

Race two- Dave got himself in pole position and led from start to finish. Behind were the two Phantoms led by Nick with Phil, benefitting from his newly gained knowledge from Nick, just a few seconds behind. A couple of boats opted to go offshore but lost out slightly. On corrected time Dave was first with Richard (Solution) second.

Getting darker as we start the last race

Despite being 20.30 most wanted another race, and the slick race team soon got us going on a shorter, two lap race. Phil was obviously putting his newly found Phantom knowledge to good effect as he led round the windward mark (don’t expect any more tips from Nick). Close behind was Adam who got another good start. All quite close at the finish and on corrected time Adam took another win, four seconds ahead of Dave.

The evening was definitely drawing to a close as we sailed back to shore in the last of the daylight. Many thanks to our Race team, Lorna and Sarah for generously giving up the comfort of the clubhouse for a RIB, and to Chef Brown for the Pie ‘Surprise’ supper in the clubhouse

Results are on the club site http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2023/2023Thursday.htm

Pictures are on Flick https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums

Summer now arrived, but where’s the wind!

It was a hot cloudless day at Gorleston but with a light onshore breeze and thankfully neap tides.

Seven boats decided to test their light wind skills for the final act of the Spring series, two RS400’s and the rest singlehanders including Ed, opting to test sail his new A Class cat, although it proved not the best conditions for cat sailing!

Race 1 – after lap one Adam & Jordon (RS400) and Richard (Solution) headed the fleet rounding the leeward gate together with George (Aero) and Tamsin (Laser) just behind. After three laps Adam & Jordon had managed to open up over a minutes lead on Richard with George just a few seconds behind. On corrected time it was a singlehander 1,2,3 with a win for Richard, George second and Tamsin third.

Race 2 – With the wind fading it was slow progress around the course and after lap one Adam & Jordon held a two minute lead over George with Ed a further thirty seconds behind. With the wind dropping further lap two tested everyone’s patience with Adam & Jordon the only boat to finish.

Once back on shore and enjoying our customary lunch on the prom the wind returned and stayed for the rest of the afternoon!

It was the final Act of the Spring Series. The top four comprised of four different classes with Steve and his pocket rocket overall winner. Dave (RS Vareo) second, Adam & Jordon (RS400) third and Phil A (Contender) fourth.

The club now goes into Regatta mode with next Sunday the Summer Regatta and the following weekend the Beach Regatta which also welcomes the RS Vareo class for their National Championship.

Results for the Spring Series are on the club site http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2023/2023Spring.htm

The race team took several pictures which are on the the club Flickr site

GYGSC’s albums | Flickr

Spring series 4th June

It was a glorious start to the day with all the right ingredients, warm-ish, sunny, a F3-4 and a relatively smooth sea. It really did feel like summer was finally on its way. Twelve boats launched for what was to be a great days sailing.

Beautiful start to the morning at Gorleston

Race 1

Clouds covered the sky by the time we started the first race. Although HW was scheduled for around 09.30 there was little sign of the ebb tide. The fleet were split both upwind and downwind.

Phil H, sailing his RS700 gradually pulled away from the chasing RS400’s to the extent that he got to do an extra lap. Richard & George, aka Team Custard led the RS400’s with Phil A in his Contender very close behind.

Upwind the Europe defied the law of physics with Steve W sailing well and managing the conditions skilfully, beating many ‘faster’ boats over the water.

Phil H opened up quite a lead and managed to lap a couple of boats before crossing the line, Team Custard held on to their lead with Adam & Jordan 30 seconds behind.

It was the start of a good day for the single handers with Steve W triumphing on corrected time, Vareo Dave in second and Carl, sailing a Laser third.

Race 2

With the first signs of the ebb tide the fleet again were split upwind although most ventured inshore off wind.

After lap one Phil H had a small lead on Team Custard, just behind was Steve G in his D-One with the RS400’s of Adam & Jordan and Don & Keith a gnats whisker behind him.

Steve G and Adam & Jordan had a close battle throughout the race with just a few seconds between them after each lap. Conditions were now perfect with some nice rollers providing some great off wind surfing conditions.

Phil H crossed the line nearly three minutes clear of Team Custard. Two minutes later Adam & Jordan crossed the line just two seconds ahead of Steve G. On corrected time it was another single hander 1,2,3, with Vareo Dave just beating Steve W with Carl in third

Race 3

Sadly both the Lasers suffered gear failure, with one top mast section breakage and one kicker failure.

The wind was now a F4 and the sea just a little bigger. The ebb tide made short work of the windward legs resulting in long off wind legs planing and surfing, ideal for the asymmetrics.

Phil headed the fleet with Team Custard rudely close behind after the first lap. Don & Keith were leading the chasing pack but were one of several to suffer a capsize.

With several retirements only six boats finished with Team Custard taking line honours. Adam & Jordan were second and Vareo Dave third. Not far behind was Richard, sailing a Vareo just ahead of Phil A.

On corrected time Vareo Dave took first with Team Custard second and Steve W third.

With one more week to go in the Spring series Steve W leads and looks to have done enough to win overall which is just as well as he’s off to another Europe Open meeting next week.

Big thanks to the race team of Phil, Lorna and Ed for an excellent days sailing, a great line and course providing some terrific racing. As we arrived back to shore the sun had reappeared making an enjoyable end to the day as we dined in front of the clubhouse.

Results are on the club site http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2023/2023Spring.htm

The race team took several pictures which are on the the club Flickr site

GYGSC’s albums | Flickr

It was bleaker than bleak!

Thursday evening series 1st June – Apparently it was supposed to be June but nobody told the weather gods. It was very overcast, a chilly NNE F3-4 and a lively sea state, it felt like winter.

Eight sailors discussed whether to go out or not……. one then offered to help the OOD in the RIB and two deciding a coffee in the club seemed like a better idea!

The remaining five launched, ably assisted by the two volunteer ‘Beach Masters’, who then drank coffee.

The race team managed to fit two, two lap races which provided lots of frills and several spills. Harry, sailing his Topper led the first race for a short while until Richard managed to pass in his Vareo. Chris was handling the conditions well in his Laser until his tiller extension snapped resulting in an early return to shore.

Harry managed to keep pace with the fleet in both races to win both on corrected time with Richard second and Rob, in another Vareo third.

Well done to the race team for braving the weather, they did look cold when they returned to shore. Thanks to the onshore team for getting supper ready, it was much appreciated.

Let’s hope the weather improves before we venture out again.

Results are on the club site http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2023/2023Thursday.htm

Spring series 28th May

Three races, three different winners

Great sailing conditions today and the race team ensured we had time to enjoy it by setting a good sized windward leeward course. It was nice to see some visitors from WOBYC where the powerboats were doing their thing over the weekend.

Race 1

With little tide the fleet split with those going offshore appearing to gain a small advantage. Ed and guest crew Keith, sailing the Spitfire led the fleet hotly pursued by Steve (D-One) and Adam and Jordon in their RS400, and despite sailing an extra lap to the rest of the fleet it was the slower boats who took the podium places in three different classes, with James (Laser) winning, Dave (Vareo) second and Steve(Europe) third.

Race 2

Ed & Keith managed a stellar first lap completing it in half the time compared with some. The two 400’s followed split by Phil (Contender), who appeared to have gotten over the trauma of ‘almost’ losing his phone earlier in the day. Steve, having sailed a great first beat putting him ahead of the Lasers and Vareos, took the race win with Ed & Keith second and James third.

Race 3

With the flood tide now evident majority of the fleet stayed inshore up the now long beat. Ed & Keith did another horizon job, Phil revelled in the conditions, leading the rest of the fleet and finishing far enough ahead to claim a race win by 9 seconds over Steve with Ed & Keith third.

Thanks to the race team for a great if not tiring days sailing.

Results are on the club site http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2023/2023Spring.htm

Thursday Evening Series 25th May

Despite the warmer conditions inland it was quite chilly at Gorleston due to the F3 wind from the NE, but at least the sun was out.

Once again all the fleet were singlehanders and it was nice to see Rob make an appearance with his new toy, a RS Vareo which meant all three club Vareo sailors were present making them the biggest fleet on the water! although overall numbers were depleted as many regulars were missing.

The race team, ‘Team Phil’, set a nice size windward leeward course, LW was forecast for 20.15 so there was still a small ebb tide flowing.

Race One

Richard almost got a port end flyer but decided on caution as two starboard boats approached.

The fleet split on first beat but heading offshore first seemed to pay with Dave rounding the windward mark just ahead of Carl.

Downwind proved great fun with some nice rollers to surf on.

Dave headed the fleet across the line first followed by Carl then Darell (Contender) and Richard and Rob were having a close battle with Richard finishing just ahead

Race Two

Most headed immediately offshore after the start. There was a noticeable lift offshore (or was it just more tide!) as one person over stood the windward mark. After three laps Dave finished just ahead of Carl and Rob finished just ahead of Richard, courtesy of an untimely capsize with spinny just before the line by Richard.

A third race was discussed but general opinion was to head ashore. Thanks to the race team, especially Phil A who having forgot his sail offered to assist.

Many thanks to the onshore team of Nick, Sarah and Lorna for having ‘supper’ ready, sure was generous with the mash!

Results are on the club site http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2023/2023Thursday.htm

Pictures are on Flick https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums

Thursday Evening Series 18th May

Just like last week we were greeted with blue skies and a pleasant F2 onshore wind on arrival. Fortunately, unlike last week sea mist did not roll in an hour before sailing was due to start!

A mixture of single handers rigged comprising of six different classes, and a rare occasion with no Lasers being present. Phil H was sailing his newly acquired Phantom and despite attempts to persuade Michael to take a club Laser he was keen to try out the family Topper. On the water the ESE F2 felt a lot cooler than it did in Norwich!

Race 1

Adrian (D-One) and Richard F (Vareo ) made the best start and headed offshore. Everyone else followed other than Richard B (Solution) who opted to stay inshore. As the fleet converged at the windward mark the two asymmetrics were still leading with the rest not far behind.

On lap two Richard F took the lead with Phil H also slipping past Adrian. Phil A maintained his short lead over Darell in the battle of the Contenders. Richard F maintained his lead on the final lap crossing the line first with Phil H just head of Adrian and Richard B holding off the two Contenders.

Race 2

Michael (Topper) made the best start and led for a short while before being overtaken by the faster boats. This race proved much closer on the water with the leading six boats tightly bunched as they headed downwind, with Adrian holding a short lead. As they rounded the leeward gate 14 seconds separated the pack with Adrian just ahead.

After lap two Adrian had and opened up a gap on the others with Phil H heading the chasing pack and Richard F just ahead of Phil A, with the latter executing a rather ungainly tack after rounding the leeward gate resulting in an unexpected swim. Apparently Phil had the kicker on tight and got caught under the boom!

All close as they start they start the final lap

On the final lap Adrian managed to increase his lead to cross the line over a minute clear of Phil H. The Vareo and Solution had a close tussle with the Vareo emerging just ahead at the line.

Fortunately the wind held all evening providing very pleasant racing conditions. On corrected time it was a similar situation in both races with Richard F winning both, Richard B second and Michael being rewarded for his perseverance third in the Topper. Remarkably, Richard F finished both races in exactly the same time of twenty five minutes and nine seconds.

Results are on the club site http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2023/2023Thursday.htm

Pictures are on Flick https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums

Spring Series 7th May

There was a light haze over the sea at the start to the day with little wind

Nine boats were rigged and ready and patiently awaited the race team to give the ok to launch once the wind filled a bit, although two crews opted not to rig their boats.

Quite a mix of classes ranging from Ed’s new toy, an A Class cat and Steve’s pocket rocket Europe. Fortunately the wind slowly picked up during the day to a F3 which produced three different race winners

Race 1

F1-2 from the SE and a flood tide offshore, although little inshore.

Phil, back from competing in a RS700 event on the south coast led the fleet with Ed close behind.

It was pretty close mid fleet with Nick (Phantom) leading the two RS400’S for the entire race holding off Simon & Bruce by a few seconds across the line. However Steve, sailing his Europe managed to stay enough to win on corrected time with Dave (Vareo) second and Nick third.

Race2

F2 from the SE, the last remains of the flood offshore and slack inshore, turning near the end of the race.

Phil led again but Simon and Bruce (RS400) were in close pursuit. After three laps these two had opened up quite a lead with Nick leading the rest. However, honours went to the ‘slower’ boats with Dave first, Steve second and Richard (Solution) in third.

Richard appears to have taken some downwind advice from a certain Contender sailor

Race3

The best wind of the day as the wind increased to a F3. The Ebb tide now present. This obviously suited Phil as he did a horizon job on the rest of the fleet taking both line honours and a win on corrected time. Crossing the line second and despite finishing over five minutes ahead of the next boat Simon & Bruce had to settle for fourth with Steve claiming second on corrected time and Dave third.

Good luck to Steve next week when he attends the Europe Inland Championship at Grafham Water.

Thanks to the race team for their patience, great course and a fine days racing.

Results are on the club site http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2023/2023Spring.htm

Pictures are on Flick https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums

Spring Series 30th April

It was great to get back on the water again at ‘sunny’ Gorleston, although the sunny forecast was perhaps a little optimistic. Thankfully the water wasn’t as cold as everyone was expecting !

Eight boats took to the water, three RS400’s and a mixture of five different single hander classes.

Conditions were good with a steady F3 from the SE which eased to a F2-3 for the final race and there was no doubting we were back on the lumpy stuff. The race team set a good sized Windward – Leeward course and with the ebbing tide still flowing it meant a good long beat.

Race one

David (Solution) has an early exit when his kicker broke shortly after the start. Richard & Rosie (400) soon found their form and led by over three minutes after the first lap. Phil & Lorna (400) led the chasing pack with Dave (Vareo) just ahead of Keith (Laser). After lap two Richard & Rosie had managed to open the gap to nearly six minutes and easily held their handicap. Keith sailed a good windward leg overtaking Dave to take second on corrected time.

Race two

The three 400’s soon led the fleet with R&R opening up a small lead on the others. Adam & Jordan and Phil & Lorna had a close race until the third lap with the former pulling away to cross the line second. Meanwhile, back in the single hander fleet, Dave had an early retirement when one of his shrouds became unclipped. Keith led the remaining boats with Darell (Contender) and Phil (Harrier) enjoying a close battle with the two approaching the line together seemingly in conversation and crossing the line together. R&R winning on handicap with Keith just beating Adam & Jordan.

Darell and Phil approach the finishing line

Race three

By the start of the final race the wind had eased a little and the tide was almost slack. Adam & Jordan nailed the start and led for a short while. However, R&R managed to take the lead before the windward mark and proceeded to open up a small lead at the finish. After lap one Dave led the single handers however, Darell had a great windward leg on lap two overtaking Dave.

R&R took line honours again and their third race win with Adam & Jordan just beating Dave on corrected. time.

Many thanks to the race team for a great if not tiring days sailing. Once back ashore it was time for the customary Chef Brown’s pie. The weather was still good enough to enjoy it outside on the prom…. well just warm enough !

Results are on the club site http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2023/2023Spring.htm

Pictures are on Flick https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums

Richard & Rosie ‘cruising’ to another race win

End of Season

Sadly another season at Gorleston comes to an end but the weather played ball and the 10 crews who ventured out had a lovely day on the water.

After a short delay to the start the Race team gave the heads up to launch by which time the sky had cleared and stayed so until we got back ashore.

The SW wind provided a good test of skill and patience with shifts, gusts and lulls a plenty, which introduced many opportunities to gain and lose places. It was a good day for the singlehanders who made up the majority of the fleet and took the top two podium places.

The Start Masters Don & Richard get prime position

Don & Richard (RS400) were the start line masters of the day being in prime position in both starts. In race one they were clean away and led after lap one. Behind were Dave & John (RS400) and Richard & Robyn (RS400) who enjoyed three laps of close sailing. Not too far behind was Nick ( Phantom) who remained within a minute behind the 400’S for most of the race and Mark, sailing the club Laser who put in a quick final lap and winning the race on corrected time with Nick making it a 1,2 for the singlehanders

Team Ed joined race two and soon opened up a huge lead in their Spitfire, eventually lapping the entire fleet. Don & Richard again had pole position on the starting blocks and led the chasing pack up the first beat with Richard & Robyn and Phil & Lorna and Mark all close behind. After lap one the Spitfire lead by over two minutes with Dave & John, having recovered from a badly timed start now leading the rest with Richard & Robyn, and Don & Richard just behind and rounding together. Only a few seconds behind them were Nick and Mark, with the latter having a great start and first beat. After the second lap Nick had managed to move ahead of Don & Richard and Mark was still only a few seconds behind..

On the third downwind leg Dave & John managed to catch a gust which eluded the others opening up a gap with Nick managing to pull ahead of both the other RS400’s.

Two quick laps in the final half of the race helped Nick to win by 20 seconds ahead of Mark on corrected time with Dave & John beating Team Ed. With both Nick and Mark finishing with a first and a second apiece, Nick was overall winner of the EOS trophy as winner of the final race.

Many thanks to the Race team of Tom and Pawel for a near perfect days sailing. Once back ashore Chef Brown served the final meal on the prom for this year. He and his helpers have done a great job throughout the season keeping us well fed after a day’s sailing. He will however have a night off on the forthcoming club dinner and prize giving when Chef’s Keith and Ed take charge.

Full results – http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2022/2022EOS

Several pictures on the club Flickr site – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums