Phantom Inland Championship at Northampton Sailing Club

Andy Couch wins the Phantom Inlands at Northampton © Dave Hawkins

Will Gulliver during the Phantom Inlands at Northampton © Dave Hawkins

Andy Couch wins the Phantom Inlands at Northampton © Dave Hawkins

Northampton Sailing Club hosted the Phantom class Inland Championship sponsored by Bespoke Safety Solutions over the weekend of 17-18 May.

Light winds were forecast and it looked like Saturday's racing was going to be a drift and the woolly hats which were provided to every competitor by the events sponsor Bespoke Safety Solutions were going to be used as sun shades.

After a postponement to allow the wind to fill in, race one was to set the theme for the weekend with Will Gulliver and Andy Couch sailing having a close tussle in the light and variable conditions. Gulliver's new boat had its first win followed by Couch and Adam Padro enjoying the light wind.

Racing resumed after lunch with 3 races back to back. Couch and Gulliver gave a display by matching racing each other and pulling away from the fleet. Couch trumped Gulliver and once again Padro was third.

Race 3 and 4 once again saw Gulliver and Couch trading places and having another win apiece, with Ian sullivan and Mike webster collecting 3rd positions and proving how well Phantoms can carry weight in the light stuff.

Northampton SC provided one of it normal superb evening meals and left all concerned full to overflowing after 2nd and 3rd helpings.

The promised stronger breeze arrived on Sunday giving great hiking conditions. With all to play for Couch scored another Bullet and it looked like the title was his unless Gulliver won the final race. Ian Sullivan continued his run of consistent sailing with another 3rd place holding off Matthew House, and guaranteeing himself 3rd overall.

The final race started with a large swing to the left. Gulliver was first round the mark closely followed by Couch and House who had finally found his upwind speed.

Couch overhauled Gulliver taking the win and the championship. The battle for third was close with House and Sullivan exchanging places on each windward leg, only for Sullivan to lose out to Mike Webster on the final reach.

Overall Results: