Splash Open at Great Yarmouth & Gorleston Yacht Club

Splashes launching at the Great Yarmouth & Gorleston open © Keith Binns

For many this weekends training and open meeting at Gorleston was the first event after the far too long exam period. We started training early in the morning with professional sailor Jon Emmett, who put us through our paces until lunchtime.

For the afternoon races the conditions proved just as challenging with the wind (force 3-4) from a constant south westerly being against the strong tide. For the more experienced sailors these conditions were perfect. Some unlucky sailors didn't just have to cope with the sailing but also with seasickness. All three races were comfortably won by Jon Emmett (not counted for traveller's series), but with exciting close racing going on just behind him. Places were tightly fought over and constantly swapped. After trying to get rid of all the salt and sand Gorleston welcomed us for a friendly evening BBQ, most appreciated.

For Sunday morning's three races the conditions changed and became extremely variable. Less waves and lighter less constant winds gave different sailors a chance at the top places (such as Victoria Marfleet's 4th and Tom Dring's 1st), although James Large and Simon Barker were still up there.

Many were delighted to see coach Jon not doing so well in the fourth race with eight people beating him. In the fifth race Jon was back but not quite as Simon managed to hold on to first place. During the last race the start line was moved to the north, the wind picked up, shifted and the tide had suddenly changed. All this enabled the primarily beat to become a slight reach. An interesting race to end the competitive side of the weekend.Lunch was eaten and we were back on the water again. Jon working on our boat speed control and boat settings for each leg. He worked us hard and gave us some good advice for the upcoming world championships. Surprisingly most of us still had energy for a swim afterwards.

James Large won the event with Simon Barker second and Tom Marfleet third.

Great thanks must go to Gorleston sailing club (rescue service, race committee canteen and bar staff) and also to John Emmett for the very enjoyable and useful training. One last thing, well done sailors, it was noted how well mannered, friendly and helpful you all were; keep it up.

Overall Results: