North West Norfolk Week 2023 Day 7
by Jennie Clark 5 Aug 2023 22:45 HKT
29 July - 5 August 2023
Day 7 of North West Norfolk Sailing Week began with another morning start, this time at Wells Sailing Club.
The wind was consistent, at around 10-15knts, with cloudy weather, although sun shone through near the end of the race. The course was an upwind leg out of the river towards the sea, then a close hauled reach to a mark, followed by two broad reaches back to the start line, with 4 laps.
7 National 12s set off from Wells Sailing Club at 7.30 a.m. and beat out towards the harbour entrance. Getting around the right hand bend proved difficult against a ripping tide!
The fleet were relieved to have less wind than in previous day, although there was still a wavy sea state. Unfortunately for Paul Turner, it was still too windy for his shiny new knees, so he took his boat to Blakeney with the hope of even less wind for the final race on Saturday. George and Lucy Finch (N3551) had very kindly lent their boat to Ian and Alex Gore again (who were boatless after their dismasting at Brancaster on Tuesday).
The start line was port biased, which saw John and Catherine Sears (N2957) and Ian and Alex Gore (N3551) have a clean start. Steve and Joanne Sallis (N3531) had to tack before the committee boat and sail behind the rest of the fleet, working their way back into the lead on the upwind leg. Steve and Joanne Sallis headed off to the right hand side of the course, which paid as they were first to the windward mark followed by Ian and Alex Gore.
Pete and Saskia Miatt (N3528) were just beaten to the windward mark by Philip David and Rosie Gore (N3499), despite them hitting the mark and doing a turn. Close behind were Rob and Harley Ford (N3459), John and Catherine Sears (N2957) and Dave Cooper and crew (N3294). Positions remained similar throughout the race until Pete and Saskia Miatt capsized at the gybe mark, allowing Rob and Harley Ford and John and Catherine Sears through, also in their own battle for 4th place.
1st - Steve and Joanne Sallis (N3531)
2nd - Ian and Alex Gore (N3551)
3rd - Philip David and Rosie Gore (N3499)
4th - Rob and Harley Ford (N3459)
5th - John and Catherine Sears (N2957)
6th - Pete and Saskia Miatt (N3528)
7th - Dave Cooper and Joseph Pembrey (N3294)
Huge thanks to Neil Foster for some great pics!
Find the results here: www.norfolkweek.co.uk/results-2023