Sunday 19th July

It was damp and overcast on arrival at Gorleston making for a rather gloomy start to the days sailing. Thankfully it gradually cleared during the day with even a few sunny periods.

For the second week of Sunday racing there has been a noticeable change to the boat classes. Last year the majority of boats racing were two-man classes, this year all have been single-handers. Due to the current virus guidelines this is likely to remain the case for some time.

Race 1 start

There was a F2 gusting F4 Northerly so the race team set a course parallel with the shore. The sea state at this point was flat but it slowly increased through the day.

Seven boats made the start for race one with Phil (700) and Nick (Phantom) getting the best starts. The fleet split into two with the faster boats heading inshore and the slower offshore. At the windward mark there did not appear to be much advantage each way although with the tide having just turned and now ebbing, there soon would be.

Phil & Will

Phil gradually sailed away from the fleet leaving Nick and Richard (300) fighting for second place, behind the three lasers and a Europe were enjoying a close battle. Unfortunately for Will, who was sailing the club laser his racing was curtailed when the top section of the mast broke. At the finish Phil had opened up a good lead and almost lapping some boats. Nick and Richard enjoyed three laps of close racing with just a few seconds between them throughout the race. Dave, sailing his recently acquired Laser leading the ‘slow fleet’ home and winning on corrected time with Nick second and Steve third in his Europe.

Nick & Richard

There was a little more wind and more chop for race two.  Phil and Steve retired with the latter suffering with some gear failure. Nick and Richard were neck and neck for the first three laps but on the final lap Nick sailed the downwind leg to perfection opening up a two minute lead and winning the race. Dave claimed second and Richard third.

Thanks to Don for volunteering to be OOD ably assisted by Phil and Lorna.

Full results here