Phantom Open at Shoreham Sailing Club

Some superb sea sailing conditions for the Phantoms at Shoreham © Warwick Baker

Some superb sea sailing conditions for the Phantoms at Shoreham © Warwick Baker

Some superb sea sailing conditions for the Phantoms at Shoreham © Warwick Baker

The Phantoms shared some superb sea sailing conditions with the Fireballs at Shoreham over the weekend of 16/17 June. Despite a disappointing turnout following a busy few weekends a superb weekends sailing was had by all.

The fleet ventured out of the harbour in 20 knots of breeze from the South West, and a lumpy sea. Jez Taylor turned back at the harbour entry to watch the Rugby, in what proved to be an inspired move, as the fleet battled the elements for an 80 minute race. Complete confusion over the start saw most of the fleet start on the 1 minute gun, and Simon Childs, Simon Feilden and Peter Barrett headed the blast round the course. Feilden adopted the fast and furious approach racking up around 5 capsizes, while Childs went for a more cautious one which failed after a capsize on the run let through Barrett, who was looking very safe despite giving away 20 kilos.

The rest of the fleet swam their way round until giving up, except for guest jockey – Ross Jackson who, with a small sail, got his 70kgs round intact and having, with Ivan Walsh, been the only 2 to have started correctly, took the honours.

Following the intervention of the Lifeboat collecting Fireballs, the second race was abandoned, and the ride in to the harbour over the waves was immense!

With everyone out on Sunday, 3 races were held back to back, in a 15 knot South Westerly dropping off to 10 knots as the day progressed. Race 1 saw Feilden lead round the windward mark only to see Childs pull through and clear off downwind. Sun and Waves saw some awesome reaches and the fleet spread out to finish in that order with Bennett 3rd. Race 2 saw Steve Popple cream the start and get the early lead, with the fleet all bunched at the windward mark. Childs again came through downwind to win comfortably as Feilden and Bennett pulled through as Popple finished a lap early. Race 3 was the lightest wind of the day, and the top 3 repeated the result with Childs leading from start to finish.

Thanks to Shoreham for a great weekend sailing and social, a Pig Roast and camping on site overnight, allied with sun, wind and waves made it memorable. A must in your diaries for next year!

Overall Results: