Despite there having been people surfing on the beach in the afternoon, Thursday evening went ahead with an enthusistic 8 boats launching including one visiting Firefly sailed by Nick and Hayley.
Trevor the Tractor was back on point after some previous oil seal issues and the boats set off down the bay to the startline. There were some nice waves and no shortage of wind, the tide was fully out so no real tidal flow.
Izzy and Steve preparing for Start 1 in the National 12
Race 1 saw a predictable early lead on the water for Abby in the RS700, but back in pack it was close between the National 12 and visiting Firefly and likewise amongst the singlehanders. A capsize in the gybe on lap 2 saw the end of Izzy and Steve’s strong showing in the N12 though on corrected time they hung on to second two minutes behind Nick and Hayley. Richard Foster was setting up for a successful evening in third.
Izzy and Steve enjoying the North Sea at the gybe mark 2 laps later!
Race 2 saw much of the same in terms of results, but with Phil Allison claiming third place. By now the tide was running with the fleet splitting to either run insure and dodge the tide, or stay out and enjoy the nice waves and more predictable wind.
Race 3 and Richard, sailing his Laser Radial, showed that the inshore really was really paying now that the tide was in full flood, winning by almost half a minute on a one-lap race just 10 minutes long!
Hotdogs beckoned back at the club house, with the evening’s clear winners being Nick and Hayley – they were visiting in preparation for the upcoming Firefly Nationals at Tenby – we wish them the best of sailing.
Thanks to Richard and Ed for race duties and hotdogs 🙂