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Phantoms at The Final Fling in Plymouth

by Mark Spruce 28 Oct 18:36 BST15-16 October 2022

The weekend of 15th & 16th October saw the Phantom class visit Plymouth for the Final Fling, a multi-class end of season regatta hosted by the Royal Western Yacht Club.

The forecast for lots of breeze put some sailors off and others to choose a different, less physical boat but the 5 sailors who did enter completed all four races in what can only be described as "Challenging* - rough* - windy* - very windy* - crazy*" conditions (* Delete or select as appropriate!) Saturday saw an increasing SW breeze as the fleet sailed to the racecourse. By the time the first start came the mean wind speed was around 22knots with regular, sustained gusts of 28-30knots!

Race 1 - Mark (Sprucey) Spruce won the pin end after a GP14 snatched disaster from perfection, wrapping itself around the pin-biased mark, allowing Sprucey to take a 50m lead on the Phantom fleet. He increased his lead as a war of attrition decimated the rest of the fleet, taking the race on handicap despite waring round instead of gybing at all three leeward marks. There was relief all round when the RO sent us ashore, all boats in one piece ready to sail on Sunday.

5 bruised and battered Phantom bods took to the water on Sunday, sailing to the start south of Drake's Island in a building Southerly wind, backing left to the SSE / SE as the day went on.

Race 2 - In ideal conditions Jon Rickard powered off the middle of the line to lead throughout while Sprucey emulated the GP14 with a close encounter with the pin end! Second was Neil Boughton, swapping his 50+foot catamaran for his Phantom with local, Matt Blakeston 3rd.

Race 3 - Wind increased to 18knots backing to the left. Sprucey won the pin again and lead by 50m at the weather mark only to be ground down on downwind by Jon Rickard who went on to a comfortable win. New boy, Stephen McDonald sailing his first Phantom open since joining the class, slipped into 2nd when Sprucey took a swim on the last gybe!

Race 4 - By now the breeze had increased to over 20knots with some interesting swells coming I from the western breakwater entrance into Plymouth Sound. Sprucey again won the start and led at the windward mark but a close battle with Jon Rickard saw the lead swap downwind. As Sprucey commented ashore later "then Rickard just opened the afterburners with a really impressive turn of speed on the second beat and extended his lead to take his third bullet and the overall win. I could not touch him." Sprucey crossed 2nd to claim second overall and another impressive performance from Stephen McDonald in this strong breeze gave him a well-deserved third place.

With four great races in the bag and a big storm in the Western Approaches, the RO made the sensible call to send the fleet back to Queen Anne's Battery Marina for tea and medals.

Jon Rickard dominated the Phantom class with his 3 bullets on Sunday - not enough to beat the GP14 who took the overall on handicap but giving Jon 2nd overall and Sprucey 3rd overall - a good show from the Phantom Class.

Overall Results:

That completes the www.coastwatersports.co.uk sponsored Phantom South West traveller series for the season. Five events across the South West region with three to count, saw a total of 32 Phantom sailors entered and completing at least one event.

Congratulations must go to Rob Cook who took the series in commanding style, winning one event and finishing on the podium in 2 others. Second, by dint of turning up and consistently finishing three events was Mark (Sprucey) Spruce. Third was Nick Orman, after winning two events. Fourth & fifth were Mike Webster and Simo Heusen, all who could have stood on the traveller series podium if they had just completed one more event in the series! Rob, Mark and Nick all win Vouchers from www.coastwatersports.co.uk

South-West Traveller Series 2022 Results:

2023 sees a big effort to present a strong South-West Series with events from Plymouth in the West to Lee on Solent in the East of the region. We have chosen 5 events with strong Phantom fleets and will be offering at least one training day (probably in the Plymouth area) to encourage more local boats to take part in these competitive but friendly events. Watch this space and the Class Association and SW Phantom Facebook pages for further details.

As always, big thanks to the continued sponsorship from www.coastwatersports.co.uk who have provided fabulous support to the Phantom Class throughout the season.

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Phantom SE Travellers Series at Broadwater Sailing Club

by Dave Patrick 18 Oct 12:14 BST15 October 2022

Broadwater SC ran its second Phantom Open on October 15th, the last event in the SE series. After a terrific turnout of 17 last year we had high hopes for similar, but commitments, Covid and other age-related problems took their toll on the SE fleet and 9 helms were greeted by coffee and bacon rolls prepared by the Commodore.

The fleet gathered for briefing by RO Dave Weatherhead and with sun shining and wind on the strong side of fresh from the south-west it promised to be a good day. 4 races back-to-back with quick turnaround was planned and a course that was an anti-clockwise lap of the lake (we know the sea boys don’t like too many marks).

Ian Stone got off to a flying start in race 1, leading the way from starboard to the first mark and followed by Leigh Riddell and Jeremy Deacon who had favoured the port end. It was at about that point that the wind got really tricky. Big shifts, lulls and then banging back in big gusts. Hilgard in FSB had his work cut out pinging from one upturned phantom hull to another. 3 boats retired in these tricky almost unpleasant conditions for which no amount of local knowledge could have prepared anyone. Jeremy and Leigh fought for second, with Jeremy taking it but Ian had kept on going and built an unassailable lead to take the first honours.

Race 2 saw Ian get off to another fast start, but on the wrong side of the IDM and he was called back. This left Leigh and Jeremy Deacon duelling for the lead. Ian came back strong and in a luffing battle at the end pipped Jeremy for second, but Leigh took the bullet.

Race 3 and Ian was first to the mark again with Leigh, Dave and Jeremy in close pursuit. Jeremy got past Dave for third and then almost caught Leigh, Ian showed his form and stayed ahead to the end.

Race 4 started well for event organiser Dave Patrick, who lead to the last mark of the first lap before the excitement got too much and with a banging gust took another swim. Local sailor Steve Swinchatt found form, moving up from fourth to take second place from Ian with Leigh taking the bullet for the second time.

With Ian and Leigh on level points the last race win for Leigh Riddell gained him the Broadwater SC trophy for the second year running. Congratulations to Leigh and thanks to the travellers and to Broadwater SC for another smooth and well catered event (hic).

Overall Results: (top three)

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Phantom HD Sails/Ceildeh Midlands Traveller Series at Chase Sailing Club

by Mike Webster 17 Oct 17:11 BST9 October 2022

The penultimate event of the Phantom 'HD Sails/Ceildeh' Midlands Traveller Series was help at Chase Sailing Club. With the forecast predicting high winds and gusts of 30 knts, the windguru fraternity were clearly not tempted, a lower than average series turnout with only five home and five visiting boats.

The day turned out to be less extreme, however the south westerly direction created very gusty and shifty conditions for all.

The Race Officer, ex Phantom sailor Alex Walton set short lines and weaving courses around the lake for the three race event.

Race 1

The sailors got off to a clean start as the gusts pounded the boats up the first beat. Mike Webster - Northampton SC rounded first closely followed by new boy to the Phantom class Adam Froggatt - Chase SC and Duncan Adams - Attenborough SC. The fleet zigzagged down the lake with the front three boats pushing each other into a growing lead. Adam pressing downwind squeezed past to take pole position at the leeward mark with Mike having to complete penalty turns for a 'minor' altercation also letting Duncan through. The beats proved tricky with seemingly no pattern to the extreme shifts and gusts with the left, right and centre all having gains and losses. After several laps the finish at the end of the run saw Adam holding onto first place with Mike pulling back to second and Duncan claiming third.

Race 3

With the wind and gusts strengthening some of the fleet remained ashore. Rob reveling in the tricky conditions happy with his choice of his flat sail leading at the first mark stretching out a small gap from Adam and Josh. The longest race of the day providing some breathtaking reaches and challenging upwind legs. With Rob clear ahead the shorten course was sounded on the final run to the leeward mark, but with one final twist he slowed in a lull allowing Adam and Josh to scream down on one of the days extreme gusts. The finish line had all three boats spread bow to bow but Rob held on by his finger nails with Adam and Josh claiming second and third in a photo finish.

Congratulation to Adam for winning in his first month of Phantom sailing fresh out of his Solo, clearly enjoying the exhilarating ride in his new boat. Definitely one to be watch in future events.

Thanks to Chase Sailing Club for providing an interesting day's racing in difficult conditions providing a friendly welcome to the visitors.

Thanks also to HD Sails and Ceildeh carbon spars for their sponsorship of the event as part of the 2023 Midlands series.

The class is looking forward to the final event and prize-giving which will be held at Burton Sailing Club on the 23rd October.

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Phantom HD Sails/ Ceildeh Midlands Series 2022 final two events in October

by Mike Webster 1 Oct 13:45 BST9 & 23 October 2022

Richard Nurse during the Phantom Midlands Traveller Series 2021 finale at Burton © Phil Base

The Phantom Midlands Traveller Series, having had a short break over the summer months, concludes in October with its final two events at Chase Sailing Club and Burton Sailing Club.

Chase Sailing Club - 9th October Entry online only - closing date 7th October - www.chasesc.org.uk/event/723947
Burton Sailing Club - 23rd October NOR/SI's to be advised#

With thirty eight boats taking part in the series so far and represented from nineteen different clubs, the top of the leader board is dominated by Rob Cook from Northampton SC who has sailed all five events to date. Fresh from his 5th overall placing at the Nationals 'in form' Rob will be feeling confident to close off the series in top spot.

Richard Sims - Carsington SC also having completed a full complement of events with consistent results lies in second place, with Jim Hopton - Shustoke SC in third.

However the final two events in October brings in the shake up of the discards, which could make for some interesting changes.

Also one to watch is 'in form' Josh Hyland - Chase SC who finished 9th overall at the Nationals who will be wanting to capitalize on home turf in early October as will the other Chase locals. But Josh can only post four results if he sails the last two events, he'll be kicking himself he didn't travel earlier in the season.

The south west Bowmoor posse are sure to make a come back if they've got enough brownie points in the bank and hopefully with the events being close to the northern clubs they too will be tempted to make the journey south on the M6 to infiltrate the midlands series. If the events are on John Evans - Derwant Water SC '2022 tour list' he'll be there for sure. The strong showing at the Nationals from 'Team Northampton' with be pushing for a great finish to the series as will 'Classic' challenger Mike Blunt who's finally found a home at Nottingham SC.

It's the last chance to get your hands on the much sought after HD Sails/Ceildeh tee shirts, you don't have to be on the podium to win one, just the highest placed finisher who hasn't yet received one in the series.

Current Placings after Five Events:

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Ovington Phantom National Championship 2022 at Lyme Regis Sailing Club

by Mike Webster 25 Sep 13:32 BST16-18 September 2022

Ovington Phantom Nationals 2022 at Lyme Regis © Ian Wallace

The 67-strong fleet arrived early to take in the atmosphere and the beauty of Lyme Regis and practice ahead of the three-day event.

The much-anticipated south-westerlies and famous swell of Lyme Bay were not to be this year - the forecast was for northerly breeze ranging from 6 -18 kts on the first day easing to lighter winds over the rest of the weekend. Not such a bad thing for the lighter sailors in the fleet and provided more challenging conditions, unbiased to any weight-range.

The hype of the Runners and Riders preview had raised expectations with a large cohort of potential winners. Multiple National Champions from other classes, ex. Phantom National Champions, new boats with new drivers, old hands with lots of experience, local helms and Phantom guest appearances. This year sailors came from representatives from all regions of the UK - from East Lothian in Scotland and Guernsey in the Channel Islands.

The traditional 'Thursday Curry Night' was well attended giving the chance to catch up with old friends and meet some of the new faces in the class. Alongside the delicious food provided by the club there was much talk and banter on what the next three days would hold. Will there be an upset at the top? A new National Champion? Mid-fleet battles and the contest of the classics.

Lyme Regis is a working fishing harbour and the boat park was amiably controlled by the ever-present 'Mighty Sally' - a sight to be feared, keeping the fleet in order before parking, launching & recovering - Rob Cook and Mike Webster becoming the first on her hit list, with Nick Orman trying his best to get in Sally's good book!

Ovington Phantom Nationals 2022 at Lyme Regis - photo © Ian Wallace

Friday morning dawned with clear blue skies and breeze, the perfect start to the seven race, Championships series.

The RO released the fleet to sail out on the long 6km run offshore to the racing area.

Friday Race 1

Allan Tyler, the Race Officer set the Sausage and Triangle course perfectly with a slightly biased port end line. The ultra-competitive fleet keen to get off to the best start pushed the line with the inevitable general recall, repeated on the second start. The 'U' flag was hoisted taking the heat out of the aggressive T-Rex's of the fleet.

It was Mike Webster (Northampton SC) who led the pack round the first mark followed by Andy 'Taxi' Davies (South Staffs SC) and Simon Hawkes (Castle Cove SC) in third with local Jake Stowe (Lyme Regis SC) close behind. The 15 kts allowed for some tactical downwind wave technique. The left side paid up the first beat but the fleet split at the gate in the freshening shifty breeze. Huge shifts caused big gains & losses through the fleet. On the final beat the lighter breeze saw Simon take the lead, Mike in second and Rob Cook (Northampton SC) pulling through the fleet. The final run was tense but, by the leeward mark, Mike pulled through with his first bullet of the week, followed by Simon, Rob and Taxi with Jake holding onto fifth.

Friday Race 2

15-18kts very gusty northerly, clean start at first attempt on a port biased line. The waves picked up and capsizes dotted the course, testing the expertise of the stronger wind specialists in the fleet. Martin Watts (Netley SC) led at the windward mark followed by Nick Orman, Carl Gibbon (Burton SC) and Chris Yelland (Lee on Solent SC). The fleet surfed out to sea with the leaders holding position and the middle order changing across a widespread fleet with Duncan Adams - (Aldborough SC) pulling up to 5th.

The final sausage was shortened to allow the tired fleet to finish at the next windward mark, making for a shorter sail home.

Martin took the bullet ahead of Nick in second with Chris finishing in third. Jake holding off Taxi who had pulled through the fleet to take 6th.

Ovington Phantom Nationals 2022 at Lyme Regis - photo © Ian Wallace

Saturday Race 3

Much lighter breeze with patches of pressure and clear blue skies.

A square line with the,now customary, U-flag spread the fleet along the line. The first beat was all about finding a clear lane, finding pressure and synching the shifts. Andy Davies took full advantage of the conditions to show his expertise and rounded in first with Simon Hawkes 20m behind. Some new faces at the front end of the fleet saw Josh Hyland (Chasewater SC), Mike Tustin (Bowmoor SC), Simon Heuson (Lyme Regis SC) and Paddy Denby - (Broadstairs SC) all battling it out for a top three position. At the finish, Andy "Taxi" Davies took his first bullet with Simon Hawkes a well-deserved second and local boy Simon Heusen in third.

Saturday Race 4

A lightening breeze and short postponement saw Andy start to stretch his legs in his borrowed Phantom. He led at the first mark and was unchallenged for the rest of the race. Simon Hawkes settled into to his customary second position with the light wind specialists Bob Portway (Royal Harwich YC) and Chris Roberts (Creeksea SC) now making their presence known at the front end of the fleet.

It was great to see Jeff Vanderbought (Lyme Regis SC) and Tom 'hotdog' Gissane (Bowmoor SC) punching up there in the mix.

Saturday Race 5

The final race of the day was sailed in the same conditions with Taxi again dominating the field and showing how to link pressure and shifts, rounding the windward mark first, starting to make it look easy. Simon Hawkes, Rob and Mike climbed back from the wilderness only to suffer severe nerves on the light run with large chasing pack closing down on building pressure!

The covering battles began on the last beat with Taxi taking his third bullet, Simon another second and Mike just holding off Rob for third and fourth. Paddy and John 'Titch' Wayling (Northamton SC) showing their prowess in the lighter airs in their own battle for fifth and sixth.

With the final day looming, Taxi had put himself in a great position after an amazing "Super Saturday" Not yet mathematically a Champion, it was difficult to see anyone knocking him off the top spot. However, the battle for podium places was far from over with the all-important second discard coming in if the full seven-race series was completed.

Overnight, Nick Orman was on 15 points, Simon Hawkes on 19 points and Mike Webster on 23 points... all to play for!

Sunday morning weather was much like the previous day only lighter! With an earlier start, the fleet sailed the long procession to the race area on the horizon, 8km out to sea. After an hour and twenty minutes the fleet reached the starting area to see the AP flag flying, the Race Team waiting for the pressure to arrive.

Sunday Race 6

After a half-hour delay the course was set. With a port-end biased line the fleet got away searching for pressure and clear air.

Taxi rounded in first clear ahead of Bob, Chris and Mike, holding onto their position at the leeward gate.

With the wind dropping at the front and the chasing pack coming down rapidly with new fresher breeze from the north, nerves had to be held. Jim Hopton (Shustoke SC) leading the chasing pack went low on the final reach to the finish staying in the pressure as long as he could but at the line Taxi took another bullet, closely followed by Bob, Mike, Chris and Jim.

The win for Taxi had sealed the title with an impressive four wins in a row. However, the other podium places were still up for grabs. Nick had dropped back to fourth overall with an 11th place and Simon Hawkes still hung onto second overall with a 6th. Mike capitalized on his result to keep him in third place overall.

Sunday Race 7

Tense nerves as a further postponement was displayed waiting for wind and yet another course re-set. The forecast had been for the wind to freshen later in the day but with a 13.55hrs last race warning signal, the RO couldn't wait too long.

A 7-10kt breeze began to appear and the race got away on a perfect line. The fleet split left and right with big gains being made up the middle. Jimmy Sandison (East Lothian SC) led followed by Andy Robinson (Lyme Regis SC), Carl and followed by Mike, Carl and Rob.

As the leaders headed upwind on the final beat, Mike gained to second while Rob headed out to the left. With only 50m to the line Jimmy attempted to cover, but in the ensuing tacking duel, Mike pulled into the lead and Rob sneaked in from port to take second ahead of a frustrated Jimmy.

So, Andy "Taxi" Davies takes another class National Championships with what can only be described as an immaculate performance in enormously challenging conditions. The only competitor to keep a single digit net score for the 5 counting races!

Mike Webster sailed out of his skin to take second on 17points net - and first over 60yrs trophy. As another veteran said "It's something when you have to finish higher than second overall in an event to win the over 60yrs prize!"

Third was Simon Hawkes on 25points.

The following 7 places in the top ten had a spread of 43points which shows how challenging the conditions were!

Even more encouraging was seeing three, approximately 18year old 1200 sail number boats in the top ten (1st, 7th and 10th). Last year's Nationals was also won by Number 1280. You don't need a brand-new boat to be competitive in the Phantom class!

As always, an event like this could not happen without a wonderful organising club and their volunteer members and our stalwart class sponsors.

Lyme Regis Sailing SC is not a big club - I understand they utilized 81 separate volunteers - more than the participating competitors! They kept us organized, fed and watered and the event ran very smoothly. Thank you!

In particular, hats off to the Race Officer Allan Tyler. The shifty offshore northerly conditions were challenging enough for us sailors - it was one of the most challenging events I have sailed for many years. Allan and his team got seven good races away, moved and re-set courses on the fly in the most professional manor. They should be very proud of what they achieved. I gather the windward mark boat now needs an engine re-build from the work it did re-setting the mark!

Class and event sponsors stepped up to support the Championships - many thanks to Ovington Boats, Allen Bros, Pinnell &Bax, and HD Sails; we could not run the event without your support!

The final words must go to our worthy Champion, Andy "Taxi" Davies: "All I can say is how well it was run, I thought the club nailed it, the race team especially. Lyme is one of my favourite venues and they delivered. Being a volunteer club, it's impressive how everyone pulls together and we're utterly grateful for them taking the time out so we can enjoy their hospitality.

It was great to see everyone getting a prize as well, the sponsors were very generous.

Lastly, I'd say the Fleet were all very welcoming with great banter and great close racing, it was a shame it was only three days, great fun!"

Roll on Abersoch in September 2023.

Race 1 Winner - Mike Webster
Race 2 Winner - Martin Watts
Race 3 Winner - Andy Davies
Race 4 Winner - Andy Davies
Race 5 Winner - Andy Davies
Race 6 Winner - Andy Davies
Race 7 Winner - Mike Webster

Under 30 Trophy - Jake Stow
Over 30 Trophy - Andy Davies
Over 40 Trophy - Nick Orman
Over 50 Trophy - Simon Hawkes
Over 60 Trophy - Mike Webster
Over 70 Trophy - Graham Dale-Jones

Highest placed classic Trophy - Dean Saxton
Endeavour Trophy (lowest placed completing all races) Mike Blunt
Team Trophy - Northampton Sailing Club (Mike Webster 2nd, Rob Cook 5th, Titch Wayling 13th, Rich Nurse 20th)

Overall Results:

If you finished in the top ten at the Phantom nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here

For more photos - click the link below

Phantom Nationals - Pauline Rook Photography

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The Queen

It is with great sadness that we, as part of the sailing community, mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

She was steadfast in her commitment to the country and her people.

She will be sorely missed, not just by people in the UK but across the World.

Our condolences to the Royal Family. RIP Ma’am.

God save the King

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Ovington Phantom National Championships at Lyme Regis Sailing Club - Preview

by Michael Webster 7 Sep 22:46 BST16-18 September 2022

The Phantom Class Association are pleased to announce the up and coming National Championships and are delighted to be returning the Lyme Regis, one of the UK's premier sailing destinations.

With just over a week to go, final plans are being put into place to make the three day event one to remember with the traditional social scene over the course of the event and some classic racing provided by the experienced race officer - Allan Tyler and team.

It's too early to predict the forecast but the fleet are looking forward to the famous rolling seas off the Dorset coast.

The Phantom is just one of the many boats produced by Ovington Boats and the Class Association are thrilled they have decided to agree to be headline sponsors at this years event. Ovington Boats is one of the worlds most successful small boat building businesses specialising in the high-performance dinghy market, producing Olympic, international and national championship winning boats.

The class has also attracted other sponsors for the event from their long association with Allen Brothers - Performance Sailing Hardware together with Pinnell and Bax - the One Stop Sailing Shop and not forgetting the regular support from Vicky's Embroidery Service.

Runners, Riders and names in the frame.......who knows? There's lots of new talent out there with many of the recent National Champions in the entry list alongside some earlier winners returning the class.

It's going to be a tough call, however you can't ignore some of the big names in the class, but who knows there could be an new name on the National champions trophy in 2022!

NOR and SIs are available on the Lyme Regis Sailing Club website: lymeregissailingclub.com ...or on the article below.

Note no hard copies will be available at registration.

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