With Costa del Gorleston enjoying another beautiful day the conditions for the Thursday evening sailing were almost perfect, just a little more wind would have been nice but the F2 from the NE-NNE made for a pleasant evenings sail.
The hot weather must have made everyone a little lethargic as the fleet were late leaving shore. However, the GYGSC ‘Race Team’ newbie’s did a splendid job with the panache of any experienced team.
Nine boats took to the water, once again all single handers. Phil and Nick were out first for a session of Phantom training, followed by two Contenders, three Vareos, all keen for some last minute practice before their ’big event’, a Solution and a new to Gorleston, Streaker.
With HW at approx 20.00 there was still a noticeable flood tide which only diminished near the end of the sailing. In the light conditions a clear channel inshore proved key to each race.
Race 1- Adam (Streaker) won the start and got pole position heading inshore and still led after the first lap. Nick (Phantom) and Dave (Vareo) were in hot pursuit but managed to spent much of the race getting in others way! Adam held onto the lead until the final leg with Dave crossing a few metres ahead but Adam easily held onto the win on corrected time.
Race two- Dave got himself in pole position and led from start to finish. Behind were the two Phantoms led by Nick with Phil, benefitting from his newly gained knowledge from Nick, just a few seconds behind. A couple of boats opted to go offshore but lost out slightly. On corrected time Dave was first with Richard (Solution) second.
Despite being 20.30 most wanted another race, and the slick race team soon got us going on a shorter, two lap race. Phil was obviously putting his newly found Phantom knowledge to good effect as he led round the windward mark (don’t expect any more tips from Nick). Close behind was Adam who got another good start. All quite close at the finish and on corrected time Adam took another win, four seconds ahead of Dave.
The evening was definitely drawing to a close as we sailed back to shore in the last of the daylight. Many thanks to our Race team, Lorna and Sarah for generously giving up the comfort of the clubhouse for a RIB, and to Chef Brown for the Pie ‘Surprise’ supper in the clubhouse
Results are on the club site http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2023/2023Thursday.htm
Pictures are on Flick https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums