It was a very warm sunny evening for the penultimate outing of the Thursday Evening series. Eight boats ventured out, all singlehanders….where are all the two person boats!
The offshore wind had been around F3 but had eased to a F2 by the time racing got underway and continued to fade! LW was forecasted for 19.33, the ebb tide was still noticeable, especially offshore at the start line as racing started.
Phil leads the fleet
Race 1 – The fleet split up the beat. As the leaders rounded the windward mark the left hand side appeared to have been the quickest with Phantom Phil and Laser Dave opening up a small lead. On lap two Phantom Phil opened up a good lead with Solution Richard now second having aced the windward leg. Behind there was a close battle between Contender Phil, Laser Chris and Laser Phoebe. On the final lap Phil took the line honours with Dave crossing one second ahead of Richard.
Could have done with a tad more wind!
Race 2 – Less tide but now less wind. The combination of light winds and ’sloppy’ sea conditions were making for an uncomfortable downwind leg with one helm feeling a little seasick and heading back to shore early. However, Solution Richard was excelling in the conditions opening up a good lead after lap one, followed by Laser Dave and Europe Steve. By now Phoebe was probably questioning her decision to opt for the Laser Radial rig rather than a Full rig ! Richard took line honours followed by Steve.
Richard and Steve battle it out
As we headed back to shore the light was fading . There were still plenty of people milling around the prom, eating and drinking at the hotel next door, the temperature still well above 20 degrees.
On corrected time the spoils of the evening were shared with Richard and Steve taking a first and second each.
Heading back to shore after a pleasant, if leisurely evening on the water
Once ashore we gathered in the clubhouse to enjoy some of Chef Brown’s tasty dishes and a drink.
Next week is the last of the official Thursday evening series, it looks like a two horse race between Richard and Steve. Will we manage two races before poor light stops racing?
Full results on the club website http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2025/2025Thursday.htm
More pictures on the club Flick site