‘A cracking days sailing’ is how a well known claymation character would have described Sundays sailing. Costa de Gorleston provided blue skies, a F3-4 wind and temperature almost at 20 degrees. The icing on the cake was the tide assisting the upwind legs providing long downwind legs which provided some excellent surfing conditions, particularly for the asymmetrics.
There was quite a mixture of classes, eight to be precise, lined up along the prom, ranging from a vintage Unit class to a RS700. The RS400’s were the largest fleet with four boats.
Don & Mark’s sailing was halted when the rudder came off their 400 on their way to the start line, resulting in an early return to shore.
Racing underway
Race 1 – Everyone was quite cautious at the start of race one, it was easy to be over at the start with the tide taking over the line. Some timed it well, others were over cautious and were a little late. The fleet split, some venturing offshore, more tide but lumpy sea, some stayed closer to shore in smoother waters. At the mark there appeared to be little difference in the two routes with Adam & Jordan leading the pack of RS400’s, closely followed by Nick in his Phantom.
After five laps Dave & John (400) had opened up a good lead, with the other two RS400’s and Nick finishing within eight seconds of each other. Next to finish was James, sailing his OK, just ahead of a tightly packed group of three.
Asymmetrics enjoying the downwind rides
Race 2 – A clean start with Richard & Robyn (400) leading to the windward mark. Most ventured inshore although a few opted to go offshore for more wind although this meant more tide. Another five lapper with Dave & John claiming line honours, behind, the Unit had joined the following pack of 400’s and the Phantom. Next, a pack of three led by the Contender, just ahead of the OK, who was just ahead of Paul, in his Solution.
We were joined by some Kite Surfers and Wing Foilers
The wind had eased slightly for the final race. Richard & Robyn and Adam & Jordan enjoyed a race long tussle, the former leading after the first lap but Adam & Jordan eventually pulling ahead to take line honours. The Phantom was never far behind. After three laps only 40 seconds separated the remaining boats led by the Unit. Unfortunatley a capsize for the Unit and the Solution halted their progress leaving the Contender to finish next and then the OK.
Curtis puts the hammer down
On corrected time there were three different winners, Dave &John (400) winning race one, Steve (Unit) race two and James (OK) the final race
With only two more weeks to go in the series Nick looks to be the man to beat holding a good lead over second placed Dave & John,.
Adam & Jordan were the start line kings of the day
Thanks to the Race team for a great days sailing, just need to ensure conditions are like this every week. Inbetween their race duties thy managed to take several pictures with are now on the club Flickr site.
Full results are on the club web site http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2024/2024Spring.htm
Pictures on the club Flickr site
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums
Pick of the day
