The weather lived up to the official start of summer (Tuesday) as Costa-del-Gorleston basked in sunshine with temperatures in mid 20’s on Thursday. And with the wind a warm F2-3 from the SE, it made for a very pleasant evenings sailing.
The race team ran a short race format allowing three races to be sailed. With high water around 17.30 the first of the ebb tide was present.
Richard F, sporting a very impressive bruise following last week’s escapades in the RS300, led the fleet in race one, extending this to nearly two minutes after the second and final lap. Dave (Laser), headed the chasing pack closely followed by Ed, who had opted to try the club Solution. Dave was next to cross the line then a close finish between the next three boats with Ed finishing one second ahead of Chris (Laser) and Darell (Contender) a few seconds later.
After a very efficient repositioning of the windward mark by the race team, race two got underway. The fleet split up the beat with some opting to go offshore where there appeared to be more wind. Richard F led the fleet at the windward mark, closely followed by a group of three boats, Dave, Ed and Richard B (Solution). With conditions being so nice the race team decided to give us three laps. Richard again took line honours, Dave crossed next followed by Richard B.
The wind increased a smidgen in race three. Many boats again opted to go offshore with Richard F once again leading at the windward mark. Darell, who had elected to go inshore, picked up a good lift to the mark rounding just behind. Phil, sailing the club Phantom was going well and looking to round the mark third but, having followed advice on sailing the Phantom, had used more kicker, unfortunately on tacking had caught the boom resulting in some unplanned swimming.
After lap one Richard F had a small lead over the next three boats of Darell, Dave and Ed. On lap two Richard F elected go offshore on the beat, Dave and Ed inshore which proved to be the better route with both passing Richard F and crossing the line in that order.
Many thanks for the race team of Richard and Ed for a good evenings sail. Compliments to chef Brown and assistant for the super Lasagne enjoyed by all after the sailing.
Full results – http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2022/2022Thursday.htm
Pictures – GYGSC’s albums | Flickr