Category: Reports

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

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

The forecast earlier in the week wasn’t looking promising with 20 mph winds, gusting 30 mph. However, as the week passed the forecast eased and today we enjoyed a very pleasant sunny day on the water with a F2-3 off shore wind. This provided some good tactical sailing as the wind shifted around NW and WNW.

The Race team set windward leeward course with a spacer to offset the tide which was flooding. The Commodore was in good form following the Phantom Nationals winning all three races. Appears he’s picked up a few go faster techniques

Race race – Nick and Richard & Robyn (400) opened up a good lead on the rest of the fleet with Phil (Contender) leading the chase. On the final lap Adrian (D-One) suffered a spinny downhaul failure, unfortunately limiting him to mainsail only for the rest of the day. On corrected time Steve (Europe) split the two leading boats to claim second.

Race two – the fleet were closer packed throughout the race but with Richard & Robyn just beating Nick across the finish line. Phil (Contender) and Don & Ed (400) had a race long battle with just a few seconds between them on each lap with Phil leading across the line. On corrected time the results were as race one.

Race three – Nick made an early claim for the lead which he held throughout the race. Richard & Robyn were chased by Don & Ed all race but stayed just ahead. On corrected time there was no change in the leading three with Nick picking up three bullets.

With one week in the series to go it’s close with Steve leading.

Thought(s) of the day

Two sails are better than one – just ask Adrian

Watching sailing when you really want to sail is frustrating – just ask Phil

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

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

Whilst the mist had cleared the wind was absent at Gorleston when we arrived at the club. With the forecast of a F2 Southerly wind later on, the Race Team made the decision to postpone racing for a while until the wind arrived.

Some decided to pack their boats, but those who waited were rewarded for their patience as a F2 from the East filled in and the race team advised we were going racing.

Four teams rigged their boats which comprised of two Vareo’s, a D-One and a Europe. With HW around 10.30 the ebb tide had just started to pick up. The race team set a slightly smaller course which proved just right for the conditions.

By the time race one got underway the wind was from the SE, after lap one Adrian had a small lead on Steve who had a small lead on Dave who was just ahead of Richard. Adrian gradually pulled clear ahead finishing a minute and half ahead of Dave who just pipped Steve across the line. On corrected time Steve winning by over a minute.

The wind had picked up a tad for race two which was shortened to two laps in order to fit in a third race. Dave and Adrian headed offshore to the windward mark whilst Steve and Richard opted to stay inshore out of the tide. However the offshore route proved the quickest with Dave leading after lap one with Adrian second, these positions remained unchanged on lap two.  On corrected time Dave emerged the winner

By the time race three started the wind was a F3 and the best sailing conditions of the day with all crews now hiking to keep the boats flat. The stronger ebb tide brought with it the added bonus for the spinnaker boats of being able to broad reach directly to the leeward gate which gave them quite an advantage. Dave led across the line just ahead of Adrian with Steve and Richard not too far behind.  Dave holding his time on handicap.

Thought of the day

Good things come to those who wait ! – just ask the four crews who sailed

Postponing the racing for a short while resulted in three excellent races, many thanks to the Race team of Mark and Darell and to Anna and Keith who patiently waited on shore until we came back and assisted when we came ashore.

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

Due to the determination of a few we managed to get our ‘Thursday Finale’ sail. With last week’s weather best suited to the surfers, this week’s proved much better despite the odd downpour prior to sailing. Four eager crews rigged their boats with Ed launching his recently acquired Sunfish for the first time on the sea. Some may not have heard of the Sunfish but surprisingly it’s outsold the Laser dinghy by far with nearly half a million sold since its introduction in the early 50’s, although most are in the USA.

Following the last downpour the wind had just about died however, by the time we launched the wind was a pleasant F2 from the SSW and the flood tide made short work of the beat.

After lap one the two lasers were heading the fleet with Dave inches ahead of Harry as they rounded the gate with Adrian, who opted not to fly his spinny on the run just behind.

After lap two Dave was just ahead of Adrian who was now using his spinny but the wind strength made for a tricky decision as to soak or close reach and pick up some boat speed.

After lap three Adrian crossed the gate still flying his spinny mistakenly thinking it was the finish, by the time he had dropped it Dave had rounded the gate and opened up a small gap which he held to the finish although Adrian closed the gap considerable. Not too far behind was Harry who claimed second spot on corrected time.

With the light fading we sailed back to the shore, the transition from light to darkness has become noticeably shorter. By the time we had packed the boats up it was dark, made worse by some impressive cloud cover.

Big thanks goes to Lorna and Phil who offered to run the racing despite having an eight hour drive the next day!  Also to Keith and Michael who assisted in launching and getting back up the beach after racing and to Hugh and his quad bike, who towed the RIB back up the beach, probably the fastest we have ever done it!

This year’s lovely weather has provided some great evening sailing, twenty eight races in total and twenty six competitors, most of which were single handed dinghies.

Thought(s) of the day

Don’t forgot your rudder – just ask Adrian

Wetsuit boots are better than trainers when helping people launch – just ask Keith

Apres sail suppers have been enjoyed on most evenings after sailing and this year and we’ve had quite a variety. The evenings starting off with Chef Brown’s infamous ‘Butcher’ pies but later we opted for a few different options including Lasagne, Pizzas,  BBQ, Chinese takeaways and tonight we opted for the traditional Fish and Chip supper, thanks to Phil for organising this.

On returning to shore we heard the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty. She served dutifully and graciously during her long 70-year reign and her dedication and legacy will continue to live on. Our heartfelt condolences are with The Royal Family.

Pictures – GYGSC’s albums | Flickr

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

The fine summer weather was still with us for Act 2 of the autumn series. 23 degrees and a warm F3-4 from the SSE providing perfect conditions and another great day on the water for the 12 crews competing.

The race team set a good sized windward leeward course. Whilst the sea was relatively flat inshore there was a noticeable swell offshore. The flood tide assisting the upwind legs and providing more time ‘surfing’ downwind back to the leeward gate.

Race one – Ed & Will, sailing the Spitfire soon raced away from the fleet completing five laps in just over forty three minutes. Mid fleet, the 400’s, 700 and D-One managed four laps and not being lapped by the Spitfire. The slower singlehanders, comprising of Lasers, Vareo’s and a Europe managed three laps and the view of the Spitfire sailing past. However, on corrected time the singlehanders took all the podium places with Steve  (Europe) beating Carl (Laser) by six seconds for first place and Richard  (RS Vareo) third.

Race two – the wind had increased by the start of the race and the sea offshore quite ‘lumpy’. This provided some exciting off wind legs, particularly for the asymmetrics, and also provided a few capsizes too!  Ed & Will again raced away but appeared to have problems on lap two which put them back with the chasing pack led by Dave & John (400).  Behind, Steve and Carl were having a close battle with just a few seconds between them throughout the race.   On corrected time it was another win for Steve, Dave & John second and Carl third.

Race three – both sea and wind abated during the race which saw Ed & Will back on form and lapping all bar Phil in his 700 and impressively managing to hold their time by thirty seconds on handicap to win the race. Quite an achievement for a catamaran sailing a ‘round the cans’ course.

Phil (700) led the chasing pack with Dave & John holding off Nick (D-One) for the first two laps but succumbed to his superior downwind speed on lap three. The battle between Steve and Carl resumed but this time they were joined by Richard (Vareo), after lap one, two seconds separated the first two, lap two just two seconds separated all three of them and on the final lap Richard managed to ‘pull ahead’ finishing seven seconds ahead of Carl! However Steve was not too far behind and on corrected time beat Nick by four seconds for second place, with Phil just two seconds behind Nick.

 Heading back to shore there was not so much excitement this week as last week as the tide was high and sea flat!

Thought(s) of the day

Never chuckle at someone else capsizing, it can happen to you – just ask Dave & John

Make sure the wheels on your trolley are secure – just ask Phil

Thanks to the race team for a great day on the water, they were kept busy at times with a several ‘customers’. They were also busy taking photos of the racing with over a hundred now on the club Flickr site.  

Chef Brown was back on form providing ‘roasties’ to accompany the pies and veg, consumed sitting outside on the prom –  long may this fine weather continue!

Pictures – GYGSC’s albums | Flickr

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

It was the start of the Autumn series at Gorleston today. Now it normally feels like the season at Gorleston is coming to a conclusion when we are sailing the Autumn series however, today it was more like summer with sunshine and the temperature still around 20 degrees with most people still wearing’ shorties’.

The wind was around a F2 from the NE which became shifty and variable in strength between F1 and F3 at times. With HW just before the start of racing there was still a gentle flood tide flowing. This made for interesting days racing with different strength and eventually direction of tide on each round of the course.

Race one saw an unusual event at Gorleston, an individual recall. Although only one boat was considered over by the OOD,  three boats went back. obviously the other two felt guilty.

The RS400’s and D-One led the fleet round the course with Dave & John ahead at the finish line. At the other end  two Solutions, RS Vareo and Europe were separated by a few seconds after lap one with Richard (Solution) just ahead. By the third lap Richard had managed to ‘wiggle’ clear of the group finishing over three minutes ahead.

On corrected time Dave & John held their time to win, Richard second and third was Steve (Europe) just beating the other Solution sailed by David.

There was very little tide during race two so deciding whether to go offshore or stay inshore really depended on the shifty wind and hooking onto a lift.  The wind had also dropped a little and at times around a F1. The two RS400’s led the fleet with Don & Ed rounding the windward mark first, which and soon after become a busy spot with the rest of the fleet tightly packed.

On the second beat Phil’s trapeze line failed resulting in an unplanned and expected swim….and apparently some laughter from those nearby !

After three laps Dave & John had edged ahead to cross the line first and managed to hold their time. There was only a few seconds between the next three boats with Steve 14 seconds ahead of Richard who was just 11 seconds ahead of Harry in a Laser Radial.

Race three started with a hint of ebb tide.  Dave & John led from the start to the finish. Behind Don & Ed were ahead of Nick who was being pursued by Keith in the RS Vareo. The wind picked up a little during the race and by the final lap Nick was closing in on Don & Ed at the finish. On corrected time it was very close between the first three boats with Steve beating Dave & John by 3 seconds with Richard a further 12 seconds behind.

 

Thought(s) of the day

If there is an individual recall, if your name is ‘yelled’, check there’s not another person with same name who was over – just ask Dave

Hitting a mark is not good, but hitting the Committee boat and capsizing on it is really bad – just ask Nick

Solutions may be tricky to tack…but they surf really well – just ask Richard

Many thanks to the race team. A great course and inch perfect line made for a most enjoyable day, made even more complete when finishing off with a bit of surfing when arriving back at the beach!

Pictures – GYGSC’s albums | Flickr

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