Phantom Open at Fishers Green Sailing Club
by Godfrey Clark 11 Apr 2018 16:04 BST
7 April 2018
Phantoms at Fishers Green © Rob Mancini
The Phantoms made their regular visit to Fishers Green SC in the Lea Valley Park on Sat 7th April as part of their Eastern Series & were joined by the Comets as part of their Area series.
With the forecast of a southerly breeze of 10-12knots it was worrying to see glassy batches of calm during the briefing at 10:30. Patience was rewarded, as after a short postponement, the forecast breeze duly filled in, enabling a true beat, the full length of the lake. This was followed by a combination of reaches and a dead run to a temporary leeward mark at the north tip of the lake. The 15 Phantoms started first and were nearly to the top mark by the time the Comets started, covering the 1100metre long upwind leg in around 7 minutes. Two races were run before lunch to be sure of getting in some decent sailing, just in case the wind died away later.
Matt House won the first race after converting a very short lead at the end of the first lap into a more comfortable win, once he had escaped from the chasing group. The course was adjusted for the second race in response to some significant starboard lifts that had been forecast to appear. Matt House made no mistake in what was the shiftiest period of wind, taking the second race from Chris Roberts once again, before the fleet went ashore for a hot lunch.
With the breeze holding up really well it was Bob Portway's moment to shine, working his way past Matt and Chris on the longer of the two upwind legs to take the win and claim the overall runner up spot on tie-break.
The racing was a pleasure to watch, before those with aching legs headed for the bar. Next year FGSC will offer a perpetual trophy now that this event occupies a regular spot in the annual programme. A worthy mention goes to Matt Aldous-Horne (FGSC) finishing 8th in a 1970s vintage stitch & glue Phantom.
Overall Results:
1st 1432, Matt House (Royal Harwich YC) 2pts
2nd 1334, Bob Portway (Royal Harwich YC) 4pts
2nd 1395, Chris Roberts (Creeksea SC) 4pts
Best Fishers Green Boat: Nick Yannakoyorgos (4th overall)