Sunshine all day, temperature in the high teens and a F3 from the south, with the added bonus of a gentle flood tide, assisting the upwind legs and prolonging the enjoyment downwind. All the ingredients for a great day on the water.
Race 1 – the well balanced start line saw boats all along the line, most ventured offshore to catch the tide but the sea was noticeably rougher making for an bumpy ride to the windward mark. Dave & John (RS400) rounding the mark first closely followed by Richard & Christine (RS400) and Phil in his Contender.
Behind, Steve was just ahead of Keith, who had swapped his Laser for Steve’s ‘spare’ Europe and Richard, sailing his newly acquired RS Vareo. Dave & John held their lead until lap four when they managed to trawl their spinnaker leaving Richard & Christine to take line honours. However, on corrected time it was the single-handers who came out on top with a Europe 1, 2 and the Contender beating the RS400 by eight seconds for third.
Race 2- After lap one Dave & John held a small lead over Richard & Christine, who were just ahead of Phil. A little way back Mark & Darell (RS400) were just ahead of the remaining single-handers. Most were now opting to keep in the middle of the course upwind to avoid the choppy waters offshore. All the asymmetrics were heading inshore on the off wind leg for a smoother ride, and easier gybe ! Dave & John held on to take line honours followed by Richard & Christine. On corrected time Steve put in another good performance to take the win, with the RS400’s second and third.
Race 3 – in the final race of the day the wind eased a little. After lap one Dave & John had a one minute lead over Phil who was a minute ahead of the rest of the fleet. Keith managed to stay in close proximity to Steve on the first lap but Steve gradually pulled ahead during the last two laps. Dave & John took line honours but Steve once again put in a faultless performance and took the race by over a minute, with the RS400 second and Keith making it a Europe 1, 3.
Heading for the leeward gate
Thanks to the race team for arranging great weather, excellent start lines and a great course. The asymmetrics enjoyed plenty of exhilarating off wind legs. Some, who tested it, said the water seemed quite warm!
Inbetween attending to a few capsizes, the rescue team also took some pictures which are now on the club Flickr site
Club Flickr page – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums
Sailing Results – http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2022/2022ClubRegs.htm