The weather was looking good for the trek to Hopton and back with a F3-4 from the south. Nine boats were rigged and ready to go and the beach was slowly filling up with people which is sometimes a consequence of the good weather. By the time we launched the wind had picked up a tad and as boats were sailing around the start line there was at least one capsize as the sea was becoming quite lively. By the start some had decided to venture back ashore leaving a small, select few to take on the challenge.
Unsurprisingly Ed & Humphrey, sailing a Spitfire were soon leading and with the tide flooding the beat didn’t take too long and soon the boats were enjoying the long run back to the leeward gate. Phil A, sailing his Contender was clearly enjoying the conditions after Thursday evening’s light weather, and was second round the gate. Phil H, sailing his 700 sailed a cautious downwind leg and decided to head for shore followed by Richard F, sailing his Vareo, who probably enjoyed the fastest sail in the Vareo to date.
After two laps the Spitfire had a nine minute lead on the Contender which wasn’t quite enough to hold their time. Congratulations to Phil, winning the Hopton race in quite challenging conditions.
Thanks to the race team who had to endure the long wait in the choppy conditions and ensuring everyone was safe.
Once back ashore we all engaged in the now almost compulsory beer and pie on the prom with some following this up with some puddings from ‘next door’.
There was a solid F3 blowing from the north welcoming the early arrivals at the club. Conditions looked promising for a lively sail however, by the time racing had started it had eased and continued to do so to a weak F2 by the end of the evening.
Phil in full race mode!
Keith judged the conditions well in race one, heading inshore first to avoid the tide while others remained offshore for a while in what appeared to be more wind. By the windward mark Keith had a good lead on all bar the RS400 of Phil & Lorna. With the fleet well spread out the race officer decided to finish after one lap and attempt to get two more races scheduled. Keith crossed the line first, five seconds ahead of the 400. The rest of the fleet crossed a few minutes later and on corrected time nine seconds separated the next three boats with Phil sailing his Contender crossing the line third (despite adopting a very relaxed attitude to the evenings sailing!), ahead of Richard (Vareo) and Don, sailing a club Laser Radial.
Arriving at the leeward gate, Lorna prepares to drop the spinny
Things were a lot closer in race two with Keith again leading the fleet at the windward mark, closely followed by Richard, sailing his Vareo and Phil & Lorna. Whilst the boats headed upwind the race officer did a sneaky shift of the leeward gate as the wind had moved to the NW/NNW! On lap two Phil & Lorna worked their way into second place and by the third lap they were leading, crossing the line first ahead of Keith and Richard. Behind Phil’s relaxation was interrupted as he needed to concentrate as he had Ed, who was sailing Nick’s ‘spare’ Vareo hot on his heels and was now getting the Vareo going well and eventually crossing the line at the same time as Phil.
Getting late
By the time race three was underway the wind had eased to a gentle F2. Phil & Lorna made good use of the RS400’s extra speed to combat the tide to arrive at the windward mark first with a good lead. Behind, Phil was locked in another tussle, this time with an in-form Keith, followed by Ed, now leading the battle of the Vareo’s. Don was finding the Radial under powered in the light winds and probably wishing he had a full rig (or even a Rooster 8.1!). On corrected time Keith made it three out of three with another win. Ed, clearly enjoying the Vareo finished second, with Phil & Lorna third.
Back on the beach
Overall a very pleasant evenings sail with a surprisingly shifty northerly which oscillated between NNE and NW. We managed to get back ashore in the last of the evening sun. Once the boats were packed some stayed for a little beer and a Chinese takeaway in the clubhouse……don’t tell Chef Brown!
The heat wave hit Gorleston this Sunday which saw many sporting shortie wetsuits for the first time this year! Although the cloudless skies and warm weather were nice the wind was unsettled. On arrival the weak land breeze was still evident so it was decided to delay proceedings until the sea breeze kicked in. Our patience was rewarded as after a twenty minute delay a SE breeze arrived so we started launching the boats.
Racing gets underway
Race one- after lap one Dave & John (400) led the fleet. However, there was a large dead patch surrounding the leeward gate which allowed the others to catch up. However, John & John were first to escape the lull and hooked onto a good lift taking them almost to the windward mark. By the time the others escaped, the wind had reverted back leaving them some distance behind. Phil (700) led the chasing pack to the mark followed by Richard & Angus (400). Just behind a 400 battle was going on with Phil & Lorna just ahead of Tamsin & Will after the first lap. On the second lap Tamsin & Will managed to pass and lead to the finish. As the wind had gradually shifted to the east the race team finished the fleet after three laps. It was a good start for the 400’s with Dave & John crossing the line first. Richard & Angus managed to pass Phil on the last lap to cross second, with Tamsin & Will, sailing the club 400 finishing third on corrected time.
RS400’s approaching the leeward gate
After a short delay to move the windward mark to accommodate the now easterly wind race two got underway. Phil (700) led the fleet from start to finish building up a good lead after three laps. Phil & Lorna were engaged in another tussle, this time with Phil (Contender), after two laps just two seconds separated them. However, on the next lap Phil & Lorna managed to sail clear. On the fourth and final lap the leading 400’s closed the gap slightly on the 700 with Dave & John leading the chasing pack and taking the win on corrected time. Carl, sailing a Laser had a great first lap rounding the leeward gate very close to the others and saving his time to claim second, just a few seconds ahead of Richard & Angus.
400 vs Contender
Thankfully the sea breeze remained relatively constant so we went straight into race three. After lap one Phil (700) and Dave & John were neck and neck. On the next beat Phil went hard left and Dave & John went right which ended up the best route as they held a small lead after the second lap. The wind eased a little during the race which usually favours the 400’s and did so again as they claimed the top three spots again with Dave & John first, Richard & Angus second and Phil & Lorna third
Phil approaches the leeward gate
Many thanks to the race team, Ed & Don, who managed the changing wind direction well and thus allowing three good races.
Once ashore we enjoyed our customary pie and beer, basking in the sunshine on the prom. Chef Brown’s deputies again managing to follow his instructions and succeeding in not burning the pies.
Results and pictures available via the club website.
The Sunday Summer series got underway with a warm F2-3 breeze. However, being westerly and therefore offshore it proved to be both shifty and patchy and provided a challenging days sailing for everyone.
Milling around before racing
In race one three boats pulled ahead after lap one, led by Phil in his RS700. Just behind him were the RS400’s of Richard & Rosie and Dave & John, who began what was to be a day long tussle, jostling for position. At the finish these three had pulled far enough ahead of the others by some margin to take the top three spots, although the 400’s claimed the top two places. Further back, David (Solution) and Ed, sailing Steve’s Europe#2, were enjoying a close battle for position with just one second between them at the line.
More milling
Race two saw a similar pattern although the top three boats were only just ahead after lap one. Steve, sailing his Europe#1 had put in a good first beat and was not too far behind after the first lap. Phil (RS700) proceeded to pull away from the fleet and managed to lap some by the finish. However, Steve had clearly found his mojo, winning by several minutes on corrected time. The RS400’s of Richard & Rosie and Dave & John enjoyed another close race, with positions changing several times and only three seconds between them at the line.
Dave & John post gybe
By now the wind was varying from F1 and a F3, so trying to spot and keep in the breeze was crucial. The three RS400’s led the fleet, with the leading two changing positions on just about every leg. Leading the chasing pack was Phil, sailing his Contender with Steve not too far behind. After three laps the leading two 400’s had opened up a good lead and were rewarded with an extra lap. On corrected time Steve was just ahead on Dave & John with Richard & Rosie third
Steve preparing for racing
Many thanks to the race team, a tricky course setting day but managing to provide a great day on the water for all, and in the water for one!
Once ashore we enjoyed our customary pie and beer, Chef Brown’s deputies having managed to follow his instructions and succeeding in not burning the pies!
About an hour prior to race time the weather didn’t seem too enticing as a few regulars discussed the options from the relative comfort of the clubhouse. The general opinion was that the overcast skies, rain and blustery winds didn’t look that tempting. However, the Safety boat appeared on the prom pushed by Ed, the OOD and Phil, the club weather forecaster, which meant we would be going out.
As it turned out by the time we got the dinghies round from the dinghy park and rigged on the prom it had stopped raining, brightened up and the wind settled to a F2 from the south.
Race one saw a group of three pull ahead, Phil & Lorna (RS400), Adrian (D-One) and Dave (Laser). After lap one these three were about a minute ahead of the others who rounded the leeward gate closely bunched. At the line Dave just pipped Phil & Lorna with Adrian third. On corrected time it was a Laser 1,2 with Keith just beating Richard B (Solution) by three seconds.
Adrian leads race two
Adrian led the fleet in race two from start to finish, crossing the line a minute ahead of the next boat, Phil & Lorna. However the Lasers were never too far behind and recorded another 1,2, with Adrian holding on to third.
Phil & Lorna lead race three
Phil & Lorna took the lead in race three and extended it slightly on lap two. Behind a close three way tussle between Dave, Keith and Richard B which obviously improved their performance as it was another Laser 1, 2 with Richard third on corrected time
Time to head ashore
As we sailed ashore the sun emerged which finished of the evening nicely. Many thanks to Ed, the Race Officer for a pleasant evening sailing, which proved you should never judge conditions too early.
Time to hose the boats down
As well as running the racing Ed managed to find time to take a few photos, well not a few but 122 of them which are now on the club Flickr site.
The weather lived up to the official start of summer (Tuesday) as Costa-del-Gorleston basked in sunshine with temperatures in mid 20’s on Thursday. And with the wind a warm F2-3 from the SE, it made for a very pleasant evenings sailing.
The race team ran a short race format allowing three races to be sailed. With high water around 17.30 the first of the ebb tide was present.
Race one start
Richard F, sporting a very impressive bruise following last week’s escapades in the RS300, led the fleet in race one, extending this to nearly two minutes after the second and final lap. Dave (Laser), headed the chasing pack closely followed by Ed, who had opted to try the club Solution. Dave was next to cross the line then a close finish between the next three boats with Ed finishing one second ahead of Chris (Laser) and Darell (Contender) a few seconds later.
Lining up for R2 start
After a very efficient repositioning of the windward mark by the race team, race two got underway. The fleet split up the beat with some opting to go offshore where there appeared to be more wind. Richard F led the fleet at the windward mark, closely followed by a group of three boats, Dave, Ed and Richard B (Solution). With conditions being so nice the race team decided to give us three laps. Richard again took line honours, Dave crossed next followed by Richard B.
Richard leads to the leeward gate
The wind increased a smidgen in race three. Many boats again opted to go offshore with Richard F once again leading at the windward mark. Darell, who had elected to go inshore, picked up a good lift to the mark rounding just behind. Phil, sailing the club Phantom was going well and looking to round the mark third but, having followed advice on sailing the Phantom, had used more kicker, unfortunately on tacking had caught the boom resulting in some unplanned swimming.
Richard rounds the windward mark well ahead
After lap one Richard F had a small lead over the next three boats of Darell, Dave and Ed. On lap two Richard F elected go offshore on the beat, Dave and Ed inshore which proved to be the better route with both passing Richard F and crossing the line in that order.
Oops!
Many thanks for the race team of Richard and Ed for a good evenings sail. Compliments to chef Brown and assistant for the super Lasagne enjoyed by all after the sailing.
After a lovely week of sunshine and temperatures in the mid twenties it was all change for the weekend of the Beach Regatta, with mainly overcast skies and temperatures struggling to reach the mid teens. However, the now northerly wind played ball and provided two days of great sailing.
Getting ready to launch
The wind gradually increased throughout the day ranging from a F2 to F4, occasionally there was a bit of sunshine but that was quite limited. The ebb tide made easy work of the beats and provided long off wind legs, much to the enjoyment by the asymmetric boats.
The asymmetrics enjoying the long off wind legs
The RS400’s usually led the fleet but never quite far enough to hold their handicaps. The Phantoms were always close by with Nick Crickmore in his Vareo keeping close enough to mix it in the results. However, the day’s racing results were dominated by Richard Smith from WOBYC in his Laser Radial, who convincingly won all three races,
Richard just behind the leading boats
The closest racing of the day was between the two Phantoms of visitor Gary Fuller and Club Commodore Nick Favell, with never much of a gap between them, Gary winning in race one. In race two they approached the finish line neck and neck, with Nick just winning. As the wind increased in the final race Nick had the edge to lead over the line.
Phantom battle
Phil Alison got his Contender in gear in race two leading at the windward mark and finishing second over the water behind the RS400 of Dave & John. The increase in wind clearly more suited to both Phil and the Contender as he continued his good form in the third race.
A cheery Phil always has time for photoshoot
Once ashore Chef Brown prepared the wood fired Barbie and delivered a super meal for the many weary sailors. This was followed by a huge selection of cakes kindly prepared by several club members including the club commodore, whose Lemon Drizzle cake proved very popular. Obviously a man of hidden talents.
Sundays forecast of lighter winds wasn’t entirely accurate as it was more or less the same as Saturdays, only with the tide flooding.
Most of the fleet kept inshore on the beats. Judging when to head offshore for the windward mark proved crucial as too early involved an extra beat (or two!) into the strong flood tide.
Anna & Keith with Simon and Steve locked in a close tussle
Two more visitors joined us for the day and with Richard unable to attend, preceded to stamp their authority on the day’s racing. Sharing the top two places in races one and two, Simon Beckett, sailing a Laser Radial taking the first race with Richard Bailey & Ian Curtis, in a Wayfarer the second race.
Race two winners Richard & Ian
Richard & Angus, sailing a RS400 also joined in for the day to provide additional competition for the other RS400’s. In all three races there was little between the three leading boats with Dave & John just heading the pack.
In the final race of the day Simon and Steve, sailing his Europe were neck and neck after the first lap with Simon nudging ahead by the finishing line to take another race win with Steve second.
Race one and three winner Simon
With some only able to sail one day unsurprisingly, overall honours were to go to those who attended both days. Three different classes taking the podium places with club commodore Nick Favell (Phantom) taking top spot, one point ahead of Dave & John (RS400) with Nick Crickmore (RS Vareo) third.
Congratulations to Nick, winner of the Beach Regatta 2022
Many thanks for all who helped organise and assisted in the event, both off and on the water. Two days of splendid sailing and a cracking BBQ in the middle.
Despite the race team being kept busy as there were a few capsizes to deal with, they managed to take several photos which are on the club Flickr site.
Mother Nature provided all the right ingredients for a great evening of sailing for the fourteen boats joining in the fun. Club members were joined by three visitors from WOBYC, with all boats being single handers, with the predominant class being Lasers.
For the first two races there was a warm F3 wind from the SE however, this eased to a F2 half through the third race. With a three, short race format a good start would be key to a good finish position.
Race time
Race one – despite it being low water sometime prior to the start, there was little evidence of any flood tide. The fleet were evenly split up the beat with Club Commodore Nick Favell and visitor Gary Fuller, both sailing Phantoms leading for the entire race with Nick taking line honours. Richard Fryer, sailing his newly refurbished RS300 and now sporting a white hull, was third to cross the line ( I thought purple was suppose to be the fastest 300 colour!). Just behind were the Lasers of Dave Houghton and Simon Beckett with Simon, using a Radial rig taking the race on corrected time, Dave second and Nick third.
Race two
Race two – with the first signs of the flood tide most of the fleet ventured offshore up the beat. Four boats pulled away from the fleet with the two Phantoms just ahead of Phil Alison in his Contender and Richard (RS300). After lap one just eight seconds separated the leading four boats with Gary ahead and maintaining his lead to the line with Nick second. However, Simon wasn’t far behind claiming his second win on corrected time but Gary and Nick holding their time for second and third.
Race three
Race three – the two Phantoms once again leading the fleet for the first lap, only to be separated by the RS300 on lap two. Nick took line honours again but the Lasers of Dave and Simon were close enough behind to take first and second on corrected time, with Vareo’s third and fourth, Nick Crickmore just ahead of Richard Foster.
Time to head ashore
Back ashore it was time for a beer and pie and with the temperature still around twenty degress we dined alfresco.
Congratulations to Simon Beckett from WOBYC, who was overall winner of the evening with two firsts.
Many thanks to the race team, Adrian and Ed for probably the best racing we’ve had on a Thursday evening all year and also for acting as unofficial photographers.
Thankfully the earlier forecast for the weekends Beach Regatta has improved a lot, it might be a bit wet on Saturday but everything elso looks good.
Sunshine but with an offshore wind it was going to be a challenging day, with three races resulting in three different winners
The shifty conditions created many snakes and ladders on the course with large gains and losses made both upwind and downwind. With the wind usually shifting to the North a tad inland, the trick was to work your way to the right hand side of the course to approach the windward mark on starboard to enjoy the lift to the mark. Downwind required concentration for the asymmetrics as the wind fluctuated in both direction and strength so judging angles proved difficult.
Race one
Race 1- Dave & John (RS400) led round the windward mark followed by Anna & Keith (RS500) and Phil (RS700). Phil overtook downwind to lead after lap one. On lap two Dave & John retook the lead crossing the line just ahead of Phil with Nick (Phantom) third, just ahead of Richard & Robin (RS400). Dave& John managed to hold on to first on corrected time by just eight seconds, with Richard (Laser) second and Nick third.
Race two
Race 2 – following the lessons learnt in race one the fleet were more packed rounding the windward mark this time with Richard right up with the faster boats. The majority of the fleet completed lap one within a minute of the leading boat, the RS700, closely followed by Dave & John and Nick. Just behind Richard & Robyn (RS400) and Phil & Lorna (RS400) were fighting for position with just a few seconds between them throughout the race with the former just keeping their nose (bowsprit!) ahead. On lap two the fleet had spread out with Phil leading and increasing his lead on the final lap crossing the line nearly two minutes ahead of Dave & John and Nick. However, Richard (Laser) had kept within close range to win on corrected time, with Nick second.
Race three
Race 3 – Phil clearly had saved all his ‘ladders’ for the final race as he did a horizontal job on the fleet, crossing the line over five minutes ahead of the next boat and saving his time to take the win on corrected time. Nick led the chasing fleet after lap one although the RS400‘s of Dave & John and Richard and Robyn edged passed by the final lap. However, on corrected time Nick recorded another second place and Richard third.
Push !!
Back ashore we enjoyed the now customary pie and beer on the prom, basking in sunshine, a very pleasant end to the day. Many thanks to the race team for a challenging but enjoyable day on the water. Results are on the club site. Also, thanks to Jamie for the photos taken from his phone which are now on the club Flickr site.
Having had beautiful weather all day, sunshine, temperatures in twenties and a F3-4 from the west it was a little disappointing to see the wind drop to a F2 from the SE just prior to launching.
Ten boats launched comprising of seven different classes, all single handers bar one, a Magno sailed by newcomer Damon with Keith at the front.
Race one start
As the countdown for race one was in progress it was noticeable that the wind was dropping further, so clearly we were in for a challenging sail. Commodore Nick F, fresh back from the D-One Gold Cup in Italy, but opting to sail his Phantom this evening, successfully pulled of a port end flyer to take an early lead.
And they’re off!
With the light wind most headed inshore to avoid the ebb tide. After lap one Nick was well ahead of Dave (Laser) with Adrian (D-One) and Phil (Phantom) just behind.
At the finish Nick F had increased his lead further easily taking the race on corrected time, Dave finishing second and Nick C, sailing his Vareo, almost catching Adrian and Phil at the line, but taking third on corrected time.
Start two
For race two there were light and patchy winds around the start area with a ‘sloppy’ sea, making it difficult to get going with some a bit late over the line. For those who started on time most stayed offshore as the wind had shifted a tad plus the wind had filled allowing some lee-bowing of the tide.
Most waited until half way up the beat before heading inshore but Mark (Laser) held his nerve and stayed offshore and found a little more wind arriving at the windward mark at the same time as Nick F. Unfortunately an incident with Nick F resulted in turns for Mark which allowed Dave to slip past to follow Nick down the run with Mark rounding close behind and Nick C not far behind.
Patchy wind making progress slow at times
Nick F led over the line but finished second to Dave on corrected time with Mark just beating Nick C for third.
With the wind becoming even lighter and patchy, and a few choosing to head for shore early, the race team decided not to run a third race, much to the relieve of those still on the water.
Welcome Damon
Many thanks to the race team of Richard and Michael who sat patiently in the RIB, it least it was warm ! To past the time they did take several pictures which are now on the club Flickr site..
