Despite a few regulars away attending open meetings it was a good turn out of twelve boats for the End of Season trophy. Competitors were rewarded by unseasonal warm weather, a nice breeze and flat seas. Beating into surprisingly strong tide meant that everyone ducked for the shore and short tacked up the beach. Chris Sallis dominated the day with convincing wins chased hard at times by Richard Brown with his son crewing.
Race one, we won’t mention any names but with a strong tide to contend with, some boats took over 2 minutes to cross the start line. Once across the line the fleet headed inshore to get out of the tide except for a certain Contender sailor not remembering that there’s a tide at Gorleston. Chris Sallis was first to the windward mark closely followed by Richard and young Ed in their RS400. Over the water and on corrected time the race was won by Chris and second over the water was Richard and Ed. However, Nick Favell in his Phantom was close behind and just pipped Richard and Ed for second on corrected time. The race was finished after just 2 laps so the race team could alter the course after the wind had shifted.
Race two – The wind had picked up a little and by now everyone had allowed for the tide on the start line! Again Chris leading the way around the course and finished 3 minutes ahead of the next boat, Phil Highfield in his RS700. Nick claimed another second and Keith and Anna claiming third over Richard and Ed by one second on corrected time.
Race three saw a few changes in helms/crews with the Race Office, David Brief taking charge of Nicks Phantom and with the wind continuing to increase Richard swapped his light wind crew, ‘Little Ed’ for ‘Big Phil’.
Once again everyone hugging the shore line to keep out of the tide with Chris continuing his good form leading the fleet to claim line honours with Richard and ‘Big Phil’ taking second.
After the racing it was back to the clubhouse for pies and prize giving in the sunshine with Chris graciously donating the gin to Lorna.
The Race team were grateful for the entertainment provided by some, namely the person who, despite his recent European Championship experience manged to capsize in the lightest winds of the day and a certain RS500 helm who having ‘tea bagged’ his crew then missed the gate. Full results on the club website.