Phantom Midland Series Round 1 at Shustoke Sailing Club

Phantom Midland Series at Shustoke © Ria Burgoine

Phantom Midland Series at Shustoke © Jim Hopton

Phantom Midland Series at Shustoke © Ria Burgoine

Five visitors and five locals squared up at Shustoke, sharing the day with the Laser fleet, ready for a full day's racing with the promise of the (apparently) settled westerly breeze steadily building through the day.

30 minutes before the start the wind went on a merry-go-round with an eventual light wind easterly start. The committee boat end appeared favoured, but Steve Ward shunned that opting for clear wind and ghosted around us to reach the first mark at the same time as Adam Froggatt and Andy Pyett, with the rest of the fleet following and on the return leg spreading out for the long run to the other end of the reservoir. Adam had crept ahead down the centre with Steve, Andy, John Tailby and Jim Hopton opting for the edge. Half-way through the leg, the wind filled in from the expected direction and the whole of the Phantom and Laser fleets took Adam's wind leaving him stranded. Jim rounded first and held this to the end of the race, Steve holding second for a while, but eventually losing out to Adam. Early lunch called to let the wind settle and further opportunity to look at John's refurbished 1036. An excellent example of what can be done with an older boat.

For the rest of the day the wind settled into a westerly giving us very long beats. The second race started well with Adam taking an early lead with Jim, Adam, John and local sailor Jaime Cuxson settling into a steady nip and tuck race. At the finish no gun for Adam, the result of missing the gate on one lap, leaving a very close finish between John and Jim, John just taking it. Jamie came in third and Steve fourth.

Going into the last race we had a potential of three winners with Jim and John both having a first and Adam with a second. The race started well with Adam and Jim closely watching each other and being caught out by a wind shift at the mark bringing both Andy Pyett and John into the mix. Downwind, Jim went hunting after Adam to his cost with robust defence and Jim doing a 720...The race concluded with Adam winning, Andy second and Jim third.

My thanks to the race officers of Cole and Olly who delivered and excellent day's racing in difficult conditions.

Next Midland circuit race is at Northampton 26th / 27th April.

Overall Results: