Sadly it was the final outing of the year with the End of Season trophy up for grabs. It was a chilly start to the day with temperature barely in double figures but thankfully it got warmer as the day progressed and the sun was out. The shifty off shore wind had eased after yesterdays strong winds although there were still some occasionally strong gusts. Thirteen boats made ready with the Vareos well presented with four boats. After some team work, all bar one boat headed to the race area. HW was scheduled for 10.10 so all racing would be in the ebb tide.
Racing gets underway
Race one – Phantom Nick and R300 Ian led the fleet with these two having a close battle throughout the four laps, Nick leading for the first three but Ian managing to overtake on the final lap to take line honours. Behind, the Vareos of Richard and Abbi led the rest of the fleet with Richard ahead for the first three laps but Abbi putting in a stellar final lap crossing the line first.
Heading to the windward mark
Race two – Phantom Nick worked the shifty conditions well to lead after lap one, closely followed by RS300 Ian, Vareo Abbi and Richard & Lily who had joined the racing after a delayed launch. Vareo Richard led the rest of the fleet who all rounded the gate within a minute of each other. After four laps Nick held onto his lead taking line honours by nine seconds from Ian followed by Richard & Lily. Abbi led the Vareos with Keith next, followed by Adrian and Richard. Carl, detecting a drop in performance in the Minisail headed for shore after the race where he discovered quite a lot of water in the hull.
The 400 pursued by the 300 and Phantom
Race three –with a few retirements the fleet was down to eight starters. Richard & Lily found their mojo, opening up a twenty second lead on lap one followed by Abbi, with Ian and Nick a further twenty seconds behind. With the Vareo fleet still out in full force Richard lead the others followed by Keith and Adrian with Contender Darrell four seconds behind. On the penultimate lap Richard & Lily still led the fleet with Ian now hot on their heels and Nick a further thirty seconds back followed by Abbi. Keith now led the charge of the remaining Vareos, clear ahead of Richard with Adrian just seven seconds behind. On the final lap positions got compressed with Richard & Lily just holding on to their lead crossing the line seven seconds ahead of Ian with Nick eleven seconds later. Abbi was clear ahead of the next Vareo followed by Keith, Richard and Adrian.
The Vareo fleet enjoying some close racing
Once the results were calculated there was a clear winner with Abbi winning all three races and with it the End of Season trophy. Phantom Nick scored two seconds for the runner up spot with Carl, despite carrying some extra and unwanted ‘ballast’ managed a third in both race one and two to come third overall.
Thanks to the race team who endured a nippy start to the day sitting in the ribs.
With the increase in the temperature we were able to enjoy our final alfresco dining soaking up the sun outside the clubhouse. Chef Brown serving his final Sunday delights before he takes early retirement! , this week Lasagne followed by Apple crumble and custard courtesy of Lorna.
Full results http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2026/2026EOS.htm
More pictures on the club Flickr site – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums/with/72177720333188767
Todays top gun – Abbi