There was still a slight haze present as sailors and boats gathered on the prom and beach. This slowly cleared as the day progressed allowing for some sunny periods. Conditions looked promising for a pleasant day on the water with a F2 from the South (with a hint of west) and a flat sea.
The race team were going to have a busy day as they proposed to lay a P course instead of our now customary Windward Leeward course, i.e. twice the number of marks. As boats were rigged and made ready the OOD, Ed was busy ‘tractor training’ in order to be added to the list of competent drivers allowed to drive ‘Trevor’.
Milling around before racing
Race One – there was a noticeable flood tide at the start of the race. Those who ventured off shore were rewarded with more tide and a little more wind. Abbi, sailing the RS700 soon opened up a good lead. Behind, Dave & John in their 400 were just in front of Nick, this week sailing his D-One. Behind these two a tight battle between the three Solutions, two Zeniths, Phantom Phil and the club 400 sailed by Alex & Brian.
After lap one Solution Paul held a 10 second lead over Roger and Phil sailing the Zeniths. The wind by now had moved a tad to the east resulting in a one sided beat. At the finish Zenith Phil led, closely followed by Paul with Roger one second behind. On corrected time Abbi scored a comfortable win by almost four minutes with Solution Paul second and Dave & John third.
Battle of the asymmetrics
Race Two- the wind now a F2-3 from the SE and still a hint of flood tide. The race team opted to revert back to a windward leeward course. Abbi once again opened up a good lead but on lap two a rigging problem required attention which, once fixed meant she was back in the main fleet again. Dave & John took over the lead and again pursued by D-One Nick. The two Zeniths led the pack with Roger just a few seconds ahead of Phil with Solution Paul a bit further back.
At the line Zenith Phil had overtaken Roger crossing the line nearly two minutes ahead. Once times were adjusted there was only a few seconds between the top three with Europe Steve managing to stay close enough to the pack to score a win, however, this honour was shared with Zenith Phil, a tie being a rare occurrence at Gorleston, with Solution Paul third.
Battle of the Zeniths
Race Three- more wind for the final race. D-One Nick led from start to finish. Solution Paul led the rest of the fleet with just twenty seconds between the entire pack. Lap two saw the Solutions of Paul and Ian open up a small lead on the rest at finish line with Zenith Phil and Europe Steve crossing together some fifteen seconds later. Europe Steve finished the day with another win, this time without having to share it, with the Solutions of Paul and Ian taking the other podium positions.
Thanks to the race team for putting in the effort of trying the alternative course, more to follow later. Todays ‘Top gun’ award goes to Paul for a consistent days racing with a 2,3,2 score line.
Once ashore many enjoyed a helping of Chef Brown’s butcher pies with some then venturing over to the bandstand for a performance from the Rogue Shanty Bouys. We’ll be expecting a rendition from those who ventured over !
Full results http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2026/2026Spring.htm
More pictures on the club Flickr site – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums/with/72177720333188767
Todays ‘Top gun’ Paul.