Phantom National Championship at Highcliffe Sailing Club - Day 1

After a lengthy delay with wind gusting to over 40 knots and a wild sea state out in the bay the fleet were released to Race. A good call by the Race Officer as a window of weather arrived and the majority of the assembled sixty-plus boat fleet launched.

It was to be a trying affair. The conditions were a test for anyone who ventured out and all skill levels.

The first start resulted in a general recall due to a bit of tide pushing over the line but pointing out the pin end was the place to be. Hawkes in 'Bruce' the only grey in the fleet won the pin in the company of Will Gulliver and Nick Orman.

High winds on day 1 of the Phantom Nationals at Highcliffe - photo © Sarah Desjonqueres

I could tell you all the exciting ins and outs but suffice to say, it was lumpy and bumpy, sea sick inducing for some. Some people changed places and others stopped to admire the view.

The wind returned with ferocity three quarters of the way through the race causing more people to park on the race course.

High winds on day 1 of the Phantom Nationals at Highcliffe - photo © Sarah Desjonqueres

The results kindly recorded by the race committee can tell the story of who went fastest and who did not.

At the end, Harry had sailed a good race closely followed by Andy Couch and Will Gulliver. I think most people had some form of mishaps from capsizes to mast breakages and just falling out of the boat.

Ex-Commodore of HSC Paul jumped straight in and eskimo rolled the boat clinging on to the centreboard under water as it went full circle and keeping it from flipping again when it righted itself.

High winds on day 1 of the Phantom Nationals at Highcliffe - photo © Sarah Desjonqueres

Race 2 did not take place due to the severity of the conditions and the fleet returned to the Club to do what they do best. Tall stories of bravado and daring escapades whilst doing there very best to drink the bar dry. That is the real challenge.

Well done to the race team for getting one in the bank. Four more tomorrow and a slightly kinder forecast will probably cause a few naps to be had before concentrating on the renewing of contacts with old friends and general displays of manliness before fatigue takes over.

Quotes of the day:

"I ran out of paunch", Cabbage / Richard Cumberbatch

"Great sailing, good decision to go out, even better decision to come back again after one race! Top Race Officer!", Ivan

Results after Day 1: