Pinnell & Bax Phantom Nationals 2025 at Hooe Point Sailing Club - Day 2
by Alex Spurgeon 21 Sep 10:18 BST
19-21 September 2025
Pinnell & Bax Phantom Nationals at Hooe Point - Day 2 © Nicola Davies
The forecast for slightly more wind was delivered in spades. The RO planned three races: two outside the Breakwater and one inside. Increased wind strength and rain made launching challenging, especially for those with fixed rudders.
A few sailors picked up minor injuries and decided against sailing, and others, whilst passing Drake's Island, wisely decided to turn back. Similar to day one, Sailors were met with a 45-minute beat towards the starting zone with winds exceeding 20kts in a medium chop.
There was a short delay whilst the Phantoms congregated, most seeking refuge in the flat water behind the Breakwater until all boats were in the zone. The day's course was planned as a 2-lap sausage triangle.
Race Three : 25kts+
Now outside the Breakwater the southerly wind had increased and at times the swell was close to 2 metres, some found the conditions tricky and capsized prestart. In these challenging conditions sailors conservatively started having no appetite for a general recall and additional start sequence. Jon Rickard, 1506 Hooe Point, SC, took an early lead and maintained for the duration, closely followed by Will Gulliver, 1481 Northampton, SC.
The beat into the large swell was demanding, and some got stuck in "irons". The short reach to the spreader mark, which was electric; however, the run was a mix of fear and adrenaline, mostly fear. It was terrifying. The gybing was extremely testing, the waves and gusts took no prisoners and experienced, and novice sailors alike capsized.
Whilst the leaders were on the second beat and the safety crews were being overwhelmed assisting stricken boats, the RO sensibly decided to abandon the race; however, getting back inside the Breakwater was tough and a challenge.
Race four : 25kts+
There was a reasonable delay whilst the course was being reset inside the Breakwater and safety boats helped retirees return to shore. The wind was marginally less, but most importantly, the wave height was much lower. The Phantoms, already soaked through from spray and capsizes, received a huge downpour just prior to the start.
The race got under way, Mark Spruce 1342 Lee on Solent SC timing the start perfectly; however, the faster Nick Orman, Will Guliver, Harry Briddon and Jon Rickard soon got out in front. Will Guliver was first to the windward mark and led throughout.
Harry and Nick had close battles, with Harry coming out on top and taking 2nd place, and Nick in 3rd.
Race five cancelled
The wind had continued to strengthen, registering gusts of 31kts on the course and 40+ knots high up at Rame head. Considering the exposure and tiredness of the safety crews, committee boat and competitors, the RO prudently decided to cancel the 5th race.
Weary sailors made their return to the slipway after finishing, however, still giving maximum focus as the conditions proved shiftier and gustier towards the shore, making the approaches tough.
Awards
The day wrapped up in true style: a magnificent pasty, a pint of cider, a modest prize-giving ceremony, and of course... the most coveted accolade - the legendary "D of the Day" award.
And the nominations were nothing short of spectacular:
- Andy Smith - For being convinced that the massive luxury superyacht moored inside the breakwater definitely belonged to Harry Briddon's parents. Dream big, Andy. Dream big.
- Mark Spruce - For attempting to one-up Ben Hawkes' day one slipway approach capsize by pulling off an even more dramatic rudder-detachment special. The fleet watched in awe (and mild concern) as Mark swam valiantly after his rogue rudder, before being hauled in by the safety boat like a soggy, confused walrus.
- Mike Webster - For an impressive display of illegal pumping that would've made the Olympic judges weep. Rule 42 was not so much bent as body-slammed. Bonus points for showering without a towel or change of clothes, shocking everyone concerned. A performance both on and off the water.
And the winner is "Magic Mike" Webster. Wear your prize with honour, my friend.
Honourable Mentions - Car Key Chaos Edition:
- Will Gulliver - Locked his keys in the car before racing. Fortunately, a mysterious individual came to the rescue and broke in suspiciously fast. No questions asked. Probably best that way.
- Dave Patrick - Broadwater's smiling assassin didn't race, wisely. But fate had other plans: returning early, only to discover his clothes and shower kit were locked in someone else's car, still racing. He spent the day shoreside, soaking wet and marinating in regret.
Special mention to John Tailby 1036 Notts County SC - not only did he rock up in his beautifully self-restored grey and orange vintage boat and throw down some serious competition on Day 1, but as one of (if not the) lightest sailors in the fleet, he took on both races with grit and style.
Despite occasionally wrestling his boat like it wanted to kill him, John showed off some impressive boat-handling skills and definitely didn't finish last. We watched in a mix of awe and mild panic as he battled for control - heroic stuff.
Three races are planned on day 3; the current forecast, as of writing, is a direction change to the north 10 - 20Kts. The competition is currently led by Nick Orman, 15pts, closely followed by Rob Cook, 18 pts, and Ben Dancer, 22pts. With only one discard and three more races, the competition remains close and all to play for entering the final day. Full results to follow.
This year's event sponsors:
P&B
HD sails
Optimum Time
Ovington Boats
Allen Brothers
Allspars
Sailors Direct Insurance
LIFTECH Ltd
Vicky's Embroidery