If Carlsberg did Thursday evenings……. tonight’s outing was ‘probably’ one of them!
It was a warm sunny evening with a F2 from the NNE. LW forecasted from 20.30, so tide assisted beats and long downwind legs to the gate.
A lovely evening for sailing
Another outing with all boats singlehanders as Ed was trying out sailing his Spitfire singlehanded. Eleven boats ventured out with the Lasers the biggest fleet, helped by both the club boats being sailed.
Everyone was keen to get on the water after a couple of disappointing weeks. This was evident as the RIB was already on the beach when the race officer came out of the club having just got changed. (Thanks all).
With everyone launched and the course set it was a rare occasion when we didn’t just start on time, but racing started early!
Heading for the windward mark
Race 1 – with the ebb tide still very much flowing everyone was right on the line at the start. Normally most would venture offshore to capitalise on the tide but seven boats stayed inshore. As the boats approached the windward mark there didn’t appear to be an obvious advantage. RS700 Adam led with Spitfire Ed just behind. The rest of the fleet were tightly packed, this was the theme for most of the evenings sailing. After lap one Vareo Richard had played the downwind leg well to get in front of the pack, just ahead of Phantom Phil, closely followed by Solution Richard and Laser Chris.
The Spitfire and RS700 gradually pulled further ahead and were rewarded with an extra lap.
At the finish Phantom Phil led the pack followed by Vareo Richard and Laser Chris.
And back again!
Race 2- the ebb tide was still flowing. The wind had now increased to a good F3 and gone northerly a tad. Everyone’s enthusiasm was evident at the start with some very close calls for ocs!
Unsurprisingly the Spitfire soon led the fleet, sailing off to a good lead and another extra lap. Adam had a few challenges in the RS700 on the first beat putting him back a lot. As the pack approached the leeward gate after lap one just nineteen seconds separated the next nine boats. Phantom Phil led, closely followed by Laser Kyle and even closer followed by Europe Steve and Laser Harry.
Video of pack at leeward gate after lap one
Flickrhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/54692680545/in/album-72177720328077168
The Spitfire didn’t quite lap anyone, RS700 Adam led across the line, with Contender Phil, who enjoying the windier conditions just behind and Europe Steve and Laser Kyle crossing next.
Starting to cloud over
With still plenty of daylight left we opted for a third race. By now it was just about slack water. Unsurprisingly the Spitfire and RS700 led the fleet finishing first and second in the two lap race. The rest of pack were closely bunched once again. After lap one Laser Kyle led the pack with Laser Radial Harry sailing well just a few seconds behind. On lap two, Contender Phil sailed a good beat to lead the pack at the line with Laser Radial Harry sailing a great lap to lead the rest of the pack.
Close racing all evening
On corrected time it was a good night for the ‘slower’ boats. Harry winning race one in the Laser Radial. Vareo Richard second and Europe Steve third.
It was a close finish in race two with Steve beating Harry by seven seconds with Laser Kyle third.
Harry enjoyed an easy win in race three, winning by over a minute. Second and third were close with Vareo Richard beating Steve by three seconds.
Once ashore Chef Brown prepared some lovely hotdogs which were very much appreciated by everyone.
Full results on the club website http://www.gygsc.org.uk/Results/2025/2025Thursday.htm
More pictures on the club Flick site
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gygsc/albums/
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