Crewsaver Phantom Series at Sutton Bingham Sailing Club

Roger Battersby leads Ian Jay during the Sutton Bingham Phantom open © Bex Fraser

Nick Orman rounds the windward mark during the Sutton Bingham Phantom open © Bex Fraser

Gavin Young battles for the lead with Ian Jay during the Sutton Bingham Phantom open © Bex Fraser

Sutton Bingham S.C. played host to the first round of the Crewsaver Phantom Super Series on Sunday April 29th. A sizable proportion of the competitors turned up on the preceding Saturday for a Phantom training day under the watchful eye of Mr Red Eye Sails, Andrew Elliott.

Twenty one competitors prepared for an 11:00 start on Sunday. Race Officer Tom Abbott however held the fleet on shore for a further 30 minutes whilst what little wind there was settled into some sort of consistent direction. A fitful breeze held up just long enough to complete a single lap before fading away again. Roger Battersby and Colin Walters made the early running and reached the penultimate mark in that order. The final leg changed from a beat, to a reach and finally to a run as the wind swung and faded. Colin held on for a win, Roger came becalmed and finished well down, as the pack behind was reshuffled. Pete Barnstable slipped through for 2nd place and Simon Heuson took 3rd.

Thankfully a useable breeze appeared after lunch and two sensible races took place during the afternoon. Ian Jay from the home club was now able to stamp his authority on the event winning both races. The first involved a tussle with Nick Orman and the second required the chasing down and eventual passing of the, luckless in race one, Roger Battersby.

Overall Results:

Full results at www.phantomclass.org.uk