It was a lovely sunny day at Gorleston for Act 4 of the Spring Series. The onshore wind was surprisingly shifty resulting in several position changes throughout the day.
Steve continues to build up his Europe fleet, today revealing his latest addition, a 1970’s vintage boat which he had recently refurbished.
On the water Richard & Rosie (400) were the start line masters, leading off the line in every race.
Race one saw a three way battle between Richard & Rosie, Dave & John (400) and Phil, sailing his 700 for the first time this year and claiming line honours. However, on corrected time it was a 400 1,2,3 with Richard & Robyn putting is a quick final lap to claim third just ahead of the vintage Europe.
The wind eased a bit during race two. After lap one the fleet was led by three 400’s and the start of a race long battle between the three with some very close racing with positions changing every lap. Dave & John led at the line, closely followed by Richard & Rosie then Richard & Robyn for another 400 1,2,3 on corrected time. Keith, swapping 500 for his Laser had gained a good lead on the Europe to get fourth by one second.
The battle of the 400’s continued in race three. Richard & Rosie had a good first lap leading by 30 seconds with the other two rounding together. After lap two only 10 seconds separated the three, lap four saw a lead change with Dave & John just ahead and incorrectly thinking it was the finish, promptly headed for shore. Unfortunately Richard & Robyn also headed for shore leaving Richard & Rosie to complete a fifth lap alone. Meanwhile ‘One second’ Keith had put in some quick laps to snatch the race win from Richard & Rosie by one second on corrected time. His new ‘super-duper’ mainsheet block was obviously working. David, sailing his Solution and using his lovely new sail for the first time taking third position.
Many thanks to the race team for an excellent days racing, good start line and course which is never easy to set with an Easterly wind.
Full results – http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2022/2022Spring.htm