Phantom Midland & North Series at Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club

Rob Here © John Wayling

Part of the Phantom Super Series Sponsored by Craftinsure

Day 1 - Friday

Eight boats arrived early for the training run by Rob Cook our class chair ably assisted by Super Coach Ian Escritt and Clive Harries on the camera.

As the wind was actually "on" Rob quickly got the boats afloat and into some 3 min starting practice with a short upwind leg, followed by downwind boat speed, Trim and sailing angles. We rinsed and repeated this sequence with each person getting some solid advise on both legs. They then moved onto Trigger pulls and boat control holding station on the line, by this time the wind had pretty much evaporated so this was a particularly interesting challenge and we were worried the beer would be getting too cold so came ashore for a thorough De-brief in the wonderful club house with its stunning views. Clive Had been tasked with shooting some video from the rib and this really made the de-brief particularly helpful. A great job by the coaching team.

In no time the pizzas arrived and it was warm enough to sit outside on the picnic benches and take in the sunset. Sip the nice cold bear and talk boat rubbish.....

Day 2 - Saturday

The wind gods has decided to walk out on us but in the process had left a slipstream of breeze, enough to go sailing, I'll let other 11 Sailors reply to that question, but we all set off for the far side of the lake, which seems narrow from the Clubhouse viewing area but that is deceptive due to the impending Hills all around, fortunately with not many trees so that what wind was available was not slowed down in velocity and presents a great racing area. The event was jointly held with the Contenders and they were setting of first so we had good opportunity to work out the best way up the beat.

Race 1 with a clean start soon proved a game of join the dots, searching for pressure more than shifts seemed to pay. Place changes were frequent with some big overtakes or were they just on a ladder which would soon become a snake? Phil Worth just managed to pip John Wayling to the bullet, followed round by Rob Cook in 3rd.

Race 2 another clean start and once we were off the line the wind veered and the beat looked like a fetch, but the locals knew different and 200yds later is was a beat with some free tacks, by free tacks I mean sail the same angle just put the sail on the other side, some of the pressure hunters did really well and eked out a lead, Phil managed to pull past Rob with local legend Clive Harries coming in 3rd.

Race 3 and the changing breeze direction had now settled with good sitting out pressure, all be it from another direction, the race team quickly reset the course and got us away, although my start was a disaster, I blame Cooky because after an immaculate stopping the boat ready for my "Trigger Pull" I was still going backwards and then into irons, note to self, need more practice! On the other hand Andy Pyett had perfected his trigger pull and stormed into an invincible lead, sailing in clean air with great Boat speed he was never caught, even with the concerted efforts of Rob in 2nd and Wayne Fletcher in 3rd.

Although it had not been a Physically hard days sailing my Brain hurt so we need some light refreshment's before the Chicken n Leak pie, Tiramisu, followed by Cheese n Biscuits provided by the wonderful Clubhouse Galley staff who kept up fed all day with an excellent value for money service. With the added bonus of Jessica singing to the Bose beat box, Including Pink Pony Club (Just for Rob) the beer sold out and were all mentally rested and ready for Day 3.

Day 3 - Sunday

With an addition of 2 more sailors Martin Knott and John Harrison the fleet was now 13 strong, and following the Saturday where the Phantoms has caught the Contenders in a few areas the race committee decide to give us a turn first.

Race 4 We now had a good steady breeze, from the Clubhouse / Dam area which gives a good beat until you get close and then the disturbed air can challenge your plans, Martin Knott in his first race of the weekend showed no mercy and nailed the start and found clean air, but he didn't have it all his own way with Wayne keeping him honest, he did prevail in the end and found his way round the cans to take the bullet from Wayne and then Rob in 3rd.

Race 5 The breeze was still enabling a comfortable sitting position with the odd hike in the pressure,, but with everybody trying a bit harder and a committee boat end biased it was a general recall, The race team quickly postponed, reset the line to allow for the shifting breeze and got us away again, on his second attempt Martin once again perfected his start and found clean air. On the other hand Rob got bounced out and started on the back row, managing to climb back to forth but would it be enough to keep the lead in the event. Meanwhile Martin was having to fight for every inch of his lead, getting round to take the bullet from Wayne with Phil getting back into the chocolates in 3rd, Cooky may have done better if he had carried on sailing, asking me are we still racing with a lap to go! Uh yes, well I am!

Race 6 and it was all very tight at the top, Wayne was enjoying his weekend so much he didn't realise until Rob told him it was all to play for, so he put his game face on and off we went. Martin and Wayne changed places on each lap and Clive played interference with Rob for a tight battle to the finish, Wayne, Martin and Clive.

With Martin only doing one day he was out of the running, but watch this space for when he can make all the starts!

So the results were in, boats packed away, and prize-giving completed in record time make for nice early departure.

1st Wayne Fletcher - Scailing Dam
2nd Rob Cook - Northampton
3rd & 1st Master - Philip Worth - Delph
4th & 1st Grand Master - Clive Harries - Yorkshire Dales
5th & 2nd Grand Master & Report writer John Wayling - Northampton
8th & 2nd Master - Matt Nield - Royal Windermere
10th & 3rd Master - Ian Shaw - Royal Windermere
13th & 3rd Grand Master - Paul Long - Leigh & Lowton

Overall Results: