As the boats were being rigged for the days activities there was still evidence of the early morning mist, thankfully this soon cleared and visibility during the racing was fine.
Race one started with a NE’erly F2. There was still a small flood tide so most of the fleet kept inshore on the beat. The two catamarans soon edged ahead and after the first lap had over a minutes lead on the dinghy fleet. Ed and Joe (Spitfire) led David B (Shadow-X) for the first two laps at which point David B found another gear opening up a two minute lead at the finish line. Dave H (RS300) led the dinghy fleet with Phil & Lorna (RS400) close behind. On the final downwind leg Richard & Robyn (RS400) gybed early and found some extra pressure, just beating Phil & Lorna over the line.
The tide was negligible at the start of race two and the wind had increased slightly. The two catamarans were rightly leading after the first lap but close behind were Tom & Will (505) and Dave H, with the rest of the fleet a short distance behind. With Joe now at the helm, the Spitfire stepped up the pace, opening up a near two minute lead. Tom & Will and Dave H spent the entire race only a few metres apart with the rest of the fleet a short distance behind. Dave H taking the race on corrected time with Anna & Keith (RS500) second.
The wind had increased to a good F3 and the tide had changed and now ebbing at the start of race three. This may explain the unusual phenomenon at Gorleston of a general recall. All clear on the second attempt with David B leading from start to finish opening up a considerable lead and taking the win on handicap. With tide making light work of the beats everyone was enjoying the long off wind legs in the fantastic conditions planning in the small swell which had now build up. Richard & Robyn and Anna & Keith were having the closest tussle of the day and after four laps were one second apart. On corrected time Anna & Keith taking another second.
Thanks to the race team and Kristof who kindly volunteered to assist.