Wind Strength = F4/5 , Direction = Northerly
The fleet arrived at Gorleston with many expecting no racing but with a flat sea the launching looked good despite the strong winds. . A number decided it was very windy and did not launch. 8 boats headed out Tom and Will both with new crew. In the end 6 boats came to the start. 4 400’s a 500 and 420. The fleet opted to start on port with Fryer and Houghton getting the better starts. At the windward mark, Fryer headed inland and Houghton out to sea, Houghton tipping it in on the gybe saw Freeman in the Rs500 take advantage, rounding the next mark in second place closely followed by Houghton after a speedy recovery. At the end of the 3rd lap Fryer was just ahead of the R500.
The second Race saw the 2 D-ones of Sallis and Gray join the fleet just as the wind picked up a notch!! The 500 got away but with some spinnaker problems and the team of Freeman and Sykes still working a few things out only just managed to beat Houghton to the line with Fryer 1 minute of so behind.
Just before the third race start Harlow decided to lose Lorna over the side, to be picked up by Brown and returned to Harlow by the rescue boat. This meant only 4 boats started and Brown was late to the party after his taxi work. This time the 2 lap race saw Freeman and Sykes get clear away having worked out how to sail together, finishing 2 minutes clear of Fryer with Houghton 30 seconds back. 3 Great races with Freeman taking all 3 wins despite complaining he couldn’t see where he was going down wind due to the spray. Thanks to the OOD team for an exhilarating days sailing.
On a separate note congratulations to Richard Fryer for his 4th in the Rs300 Slalom’s at Bristol last weekend.
More details and some video here……..
