Whilst many in Gorleston were enjoying the thrills and spills at the Cliff top Festival the hardy sailors at the club were bracing themselves for a testing day on the water, some enjoying the thrills and a few, the spills!
With an offshore wind it didn’t feel too bad as boats rigged on the prom, the sea was flat-ish, but it was obviously blowing offshore. Seven boats were rigged and ready to go, however one decided against venturing out onto the water. The race team had the challenge of setting a course across the tide, particularly with the wind shifting between W and WSW….and more at times.
By the start of race one the wind was a F3-F4. The two RS400‘s led the fleet with Team Custard just ahead of Adam & Jordan. However, when gybing to the leeward gate it coincided with a big gust and resulted in synchronised capsizing. This left Nick, sailing his Phantom to head the fleet with George (RS Aero7) hot on his heels. These positions remained to the finish with Steve (Europe) moving up the top spot on corrected time by three seconds with George second.
Steve plans his run up to soak the race team !!!
Race two…and Team Custard led the fleet to the windward mark followed by Adam & Jordan. After the downwind leg the RS400’s had a one minute lead over Nick who was one minute ahead of the rest of the fleet, which were split by only a few seconds as they rounded the leeward gate. Team Custard claimed line honours with Nick moving ahead of Adam & Jordan on the final lap. On corrected time Carl, sailing a Laser Radial won by twenty seconds from Nick, with Team Custard third.
With several big gusts during the second race and a well developed short chop, the race team decided that the final race would be a two lapper. Two boats had headed for the shore leaving a reduced fleet. There were definitely no premature starters to the race with the first boat, Nick crossing the line about ten seconds after the start signal and enjoying an early lead up the beat. The wind strength was variable during the race, at some times only F2-F3 but still some big gusts to deal with. Nick maintained his lead to the finish although Adam & Jordan closed the gap as did George who cross the line at high speed having caught one of the big gusts. Steve was not far behind and won on corrected time with George beating Nick by eight seconds.
Unfortunately only the one picture as both camera owners forgot to bring them today!
Many thanks to Lorna and Sarah for preparing lunch, everyone was ready for it after a tiring day on the water.
Full results on the club website
Sailwave results for GYGSC Summer Series 2023 at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Sailing Club 2023