End of Season – Grey clouds but sunshine to finish

It was a chilly start to the day for the final racing of the season at Gorleston. Thankfully it did warm up as the day progressed and by the time we sat down for lunch it was warm enough to enjoy lunch alfresco.

Full concentration downwind

The wind was a light NW’erly for race one. Ed and Chris led the way in their Spitfire closely followed by the RS400’s led by Don and Keith. Richard & Robyn moved ahead on the second beat opening up a good lead on the other 400’s after two laps.  On the final beat Don & Keith worked the shifts well to re-take the lead and managed to edge ahead of the Spitfire over the line.

race 2- post start

The committee boat end of the line was the place to start for race two and with the jostling for position intense Steve (Minisail cum Laser!) decided to reserve his spot by capsizing on the line just before the gun. This caused some hectic course changing by some but everyone got away without incident. Ed & Chris established a good lead after the first lap but could not consolidate it on the subsequent laps. Dave & Kristof led the 400 charge with D-One Nick enjoying the increased wind and mixing it with the 400’s. By the fourth and final lap Dave & Kristof had a small lead on the chasing pack led Don & Keith.

Overcast but still dry for race 3

There were some very grey clouds passing overhead for the start of the final race but thankfully it stayed dry. This did however provide a bit more wind although it shifted to the NNW. Ed & Chris once again raced to the front of the fleet slowly building up a good lead by the finish line. Dave & Kristof headed the chasing pack to the finish with Don & Keith just beating Nick to the line but Nick claiming second on corrected time.

EOS lunching alfresco plus a visitor in lycra

By the time we got ashore the sun had returned and the temperature had risen sufficiently to enjoy our final lunch of the season on the prom. Many thanks to the race team of Phil, Lorna, Adrian, Tim and Robyn for a most enjoyable days sailing. Only six months to the next race, unless you are migrating to RBSC or WOBYC for the winter.

Full results here