Allen Brothers

Phantom Nationals 2019

Lee-on-Solent SC, 6-8^th September

It was the least I could do, really, to offer to write the report after being loaned a boat for the event. Normally I’m not a fan of the Solent chop due to a PTSD-inducing event there a few years ago, but when someone offers to lend you their boat it would be churlish to turn it down. ‘Just bring it back in one piece’, they said. ‘No problem’, I said. More on that later.

Luckily for us lightweights the racing was called off on the first day as 30 knots blew in straight onshore. Although the Phantom fleet is well known for being the perfect ship for the, er, more generously proportioned athlete there were, in fact, many who were more than relieved to be held ashore. This was especially fortuitous for me as, a) it wouldn’t have looked good to trash a borrowed boat in the shore dump, and b) it gave me time to get my head round the super-adjustable rig. Shrouds, adjustable forestay, adjustable lowers, what are they all about?

So, onto the racing. Saturday was far more amenable weather-wise. The sun was out, making the Solent look almost inviting and the wind was blowing 12-15 knots from sort of North West but it wasn’t as steady as it might have been.

Race 1 and Harry Briddon (2016 and 2018 National Champ) sailed over me off the line so I tacked off to clear my wind. And capsized. I can exclusively reveal that boom on the Phantom is lower than that of the RS300 I normally sail. Another 300 sailor, Richard Le Mare, did exactly the same. He had polished his hull though and kept sliding off. Anyway, Andy Couch, who has basically won just about every Nationals since he was 14, won from Martin Watts, Ian Stone and Harry.

Race 2 was a peculiarity. Following a large left shift just before the start, Simon Clark and I were the only boats at the pin end so you can imagine our delight when we tacked and easily crossed the fleet. Joy upon joy as we stretched our legs and the new breeze didn’t reach the boats at the committee boat end until we were well up the beat. Simon got caught on the second lap as the chasing group organised itself but I managed to stay clear to the end ahead of Ian Stone, Andy Couch and Harry Briddon. Happy days! However, I thought it a little uncharitable that Nick Orman had to ask three separate people before he believed the result.

Harry Briddon had race 3 all wrapped up until 100 metres from the finish when, as the wind went sloppy, he allowed both Norman Byrd and me past on the final reach to the finish with Ian Stone also in close attendance. Maybe this Solent chop isn’t so bad after all.

However, Briddon made no mistake in race 4 and finished ahead of Martin Watt, Norman Byrd and Andy Couch.

Back on shore I had the double realisation that the metallic bouncing sound I had heard in race 3 was, indeed, a spreader bolt hitting the deck before launching overboard and that I had been UFDd in the day’s final race. Outrageous! Apparently I was over the line not once but twice. If you’re going to do something, I guess you have to do it properly.

At the top it was extremely close, a real testament to the consistency of the leading guys. Harry Briddon was leading from Martin Watts, Andy Couch and Ian Stone but with a few more lurking once the first discard kicked in.

Day 3, the wind was slightly lighter, had kicked right a bit and was shiftier than a second-hand car salesman. My Nationals nearly ended at the start of race 5 as my shroud parted company from the deck as I sheeted in. Discovering that the real use of lowers is to hold the mast in one piece until you stop panicking, I managed to lash the shroud to the deck and was able to carry on.

Nick Norman led for the first lap of race 5 and looked to have it in the bag but was overtaken by Andy Couch, Norman Byrd, Terry Crook and Jon Nuttall by the finish. I had to ask three separate people before I believed he hadn’t won.

Having got in a bit of a pickle at the start of race 6 I went right just to find clear wind so you can imagine my delight when I got a private gust and planed into the top mark on a broad reach while everyone else was still actually beating. You make your own luck in this game. Couch wasn’t to be denied though, spotting the new wind on the right of the run before everyone else, going on to win form Alister Morley, who was beginning to find form, Nick Orman and myself.

Bob Portway then sailed an absolute blinder in the 7^th and final race. Backing up his 5^th place in the previous race, he won from Mike Webster, Andy Couch and Alister Morley.

With all racing done we headed back to shore to be greeted by free beer which had warmed nicely in the sun. The prize-giving was a tour de force with everyone, and I mean everyone, getting a prize thanks to the extremely generous sponsors. I won a nice Ovington t-shirt and bit of glass for being top old bloke, but not as old as Chris Roberts who won the really old bloke’s prize.

It was then just a matter of packing up and marking the critical shroud-holding-up bit of dyneema so the owner could recreate the setting. I’m thoughtful like that.

Looking forward to next year’s Nationals already, at Rock from 11-13 September 2020.

Optimum Time Phantom Southern Traveller Series at Salcombe Yacht Club - Preview

Full details can be found here

https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/222977/Phantoms-at-Salcomber-preview

The Allen Brothers Phantom Nationals from the 6^th to the 8^th September with 52 entries to date and a few names missing who are supposed to be coming who is in the running for the top spots.

Harry Briddon last years winner and very fast especially in the breezey stuff and with the Solent chop he is a strong bet. 

Andy Couch runner up last year and multi times champion in the past. You would be foolish not to believe he will do it again.

Will Gulliver another past champion who also likes a bit of breeze. He will have been having missing training with Titch for a few weeks will that make him slower or quicker?

Ian Stone was the bearded wonder but showed up at POSH earlier in the year clean shaven and 5 stone lighter, this might stop him pulling his boat apart.  After being in the running last year has the bit between his teeth for this year.

Nick Orman (not entered yet but supposed to becoming) always in the running just needs more consistency to put it together.

Martin Watts has had more time this year and with a newer ship should be quick.

Alistair Morley another not yet entered but he is late for everything except around the course in anything below force 5. If it’s a light wind event a real flyer. Winner of POSH fast handicap and he was last to arrive.

Titch Wayling recently been resting due to back problems but is going to see how it goes. Good luck mate.

Ivan Walsh texted your correspondent to say if its light in his new ship Bruce he is flying so I have taken him at his word and included him in the list.

Welcome to Visitors to the fleet

Steve Bolland RS300 God and Dzero previous winner took him a few days last year to work out how to

Make it go. If his memory hasn’t faltered (it probably will have alcohol has that effect) should be quick.

Fernando Gamboa a local Aero 9 sailor from Portugal knows the local tide and chop.

Richard Le Mare another top 300 sailor sailing the Ollie Hopkins fast ship.  Is he here to check up on what Steve’s up to prior to the 300 nationals?

Written by Gordon Kingston-Minnis

Phantom Nationals 6-8 September Lee on Solent Sailing Club

Dates 6-8 September
Lee on Solent Sailing Club
http://www.lossc.co/

Entry £150 - 30% discount so £105 up to 11 August

Enter Here - http://www.phantomclass.org.uk/events/phantom-national-2019-online-entry

Entry includes Friday Saturday meal, Saturday Sunday bacon roll and every competitor gets a momento

Allen is title sponsor

Notice of Race can be viewed here

Unofficial Solent Champs!

Weston Open for Single Handers WOSH 17th &18th August. Us southerners have nothing in the calendar in August. We could declare this the unofficial Solent Champs.

Optimum Time Watches Southern Travellers Round 3

Castle Cove Sailing Club 13th - 14th July
The Phantom fleet will contest round 3 of the southern travellers series as part of the Weymouth Dinghy Regatta and base ourselves at the ever popular Castle Cove Sailing Club for the weekend.
SCHEDULE
Registration will be from 08:30 with a competitors briefing at 10:30 on Saturday 13
th July.
The scheduled time of the first warning signal is 12:55 on Saturday 13
th and 10:25 on Sunday 14
th July.
There are 3 races scheduled each day.
No World cup this year to keep people in the club watching football so expect the fabulous balcony overlooking the bay to be busy in the evening.
There will be an evening meal and a well stocked bar !!
Get your B&B booked now

Eastern Series Creeksea Open 15-16 June 2019

The weekend started early for those that arrived on Friday evening with a BBQ and the chance to sample the free beer that was very generously on offer from the members of Creeksea Sailing Club.  This also played into the hands of those that arrived on Saturday, or those that took it easy in readiness for Burnham-on-Crouch Parkrun Saturday morning!

Saturday dawned with a light breeze and a few heavy heads, having polished a box of the lovely Wibblers Dengie Gold.  With a South West wind forecasted for the Saturday, not the best direct for Creeksea, and increasing strength over Saturday and Sunday, the standard course of Cliff Canewdon was set by PRO Edwin Buckley with a quick dash down river towards Burnham to get an upwind start.

With a flood tide for the first start, there was a battle to be windward boat but also staying out of the main channel of the river, as the fleet set of for Navigation Buoy No.11.  The gusty condition caught some napping with a few capsizes on the way and a few notable fallers at No.11 for the bear away up river.  A fleet of Royal Burnham One Designs, also on the famous Cliff Canewdon course, didn’t help on the long reach down to Cliff, with some constant place changing as the fleet moved passed the RB’s.  Current Eastern Series Champion made the best of the conditions with a first, with local sailor Bill Taylor and Roger Smith taking second and third.

Race 2 followed the same course as race one, but tactics had changed following a turn of the tide.  This race included an extra loop around the top of the course taking in Tony Glaze and Bridgemarsh Buoys, which also meant a gybe mark and some more place changing as people inspected the underside of their phantoms!  The wind continued to increase during the race and left a difficult and long fetch to the finish line with continuous gusts and shifts of the south back of the Crouch.  Bill Taylor was loving the conditions and left the rest of the fleet in his wake for an infatic win and his first Phantom open race win, Titch Wayling returned to form with a second place followed by Clive Morley in third, thanks to capsizes from Bob Portway and Terry Crook as they approached the finish

The standard, excellent Creeksea lunch was served and then a depleted fleet return to the water for the third race of the day.  The same course was followed as race 2, I am sure that lots happened during the race, but I was quite tired by this point and don’t really remember.  Bill took another win followed by Terry and then Roger.

The rest of the day was then spent talking about fetching, capsizing and how much we all like Wibblers Dengie Gold, followed by a stroll into Burnham and an Indian at The Polash, who also happen to sponsor Creeksea Sailing Club!

Sunday dawned and the forecasted wind was already starting to build.  An even smaller fleet took to the water for three back to back races over a new course, with the windward buoy now Tony Glaze, but then a downwind leg and gybe at Cliff, returning to Tony Glaze and a final dash back to the club line.  When the small and selective fleet got to Cliff for the first time of the day, the upwind leg to Tony Glaze was looking very daunting with standing waves and large gusts that challenged the complete fleet.  Everyone really enjoyed the gybe at Cliff with the increased wind from Saturday, with a few sailors checking their centre boards for weed.  Titch found his normal form and won race 4 of the weekend and was followed home by Terry and Warren Martin, who were sailing well in the conditions, however overnight leader Bill was not having such a good day, with problems rounding Cliff.  

Race 5 took a similar pattern with Titch out the front, with just Terry to keep him company and taking second place.  Following a bad start, Clive made his way from the back to take a well-deserved third place.  Local hero Bill, was not enjoying the conditions as much as yesterday and retired following another problem at Cliff.

The sixth and final race of the weekend, got underway with rain clouds gathering over the windward mark!  Titch nailed the start and resumed his normal position at the front of the pack, he was closely followed by local sailors Warren and Roger.  With the rain, came the gusts and the inevitable capsizes on the upwind leg and the gybe mark.  Titch secured his clean sweep for the day and thus taking the event from a disappointed Bill.

Lunch was served in the marquee, with much talk about Cliff Buoy and capsizing.  Creeksea member Graham Dale-Jones was tasked with prize giving duties, Bill Taylor was congratulated with a well-earned second place and a large cheer from the crowd.  Titch was awarded the overall win and presented with an ironic bottle of ‘Taylors’ Port!  During titches winner speech, Titch thanked Creeksea Sailing club for another excellent event, Edwin the PRO and safety boat crews.  Titch also mentioned the un-touchable Bill for his 2 race wins on Saturday.

The Eastern Series circus now moves onto Royal Harwich for another 2 day event over the weekend 20-21 July.

Phantom P+B Inland Championships

1st/2nd June - Northampton Sailing Club

The weekend started earlier for some of the further traveling Phantoms and the customary Friday night get together. With free camping they made themselves at home in tents and motorhomes overlooking the 420 hectare lake, set in the beautiful Northamptonshire countryside.

The event format and NOR planned for 4 races on Saturday and 2 races on Sunday.

Saturday dawned to sun and a light  southerly breeze of 7- 10 kts which fluctuated constantly throughout the day with some interesting stronger patches producing some significant shifts. It was going to be a game of snakes and ladders with big decisions on both the upwind and downwind legs to take full advantage of the shifting winds and bands of breeze. Nerves of steel were going to be required.

The PRO – Miles Odell and the race team set a great course despite tricky conditions, consisting of a windward leeward and inverted P making full use of the lake.

The fleet of 22 boats were keen from the start with general recalls in each of the days races. The strength in depth of the fleet ensured close racing with no great distance between the front and back of the fleet. One mistake and places were lost, it was going to be a tough days racing where consistency would pay.

Races 1 showed signs of things to come with defending Inland Champion – Andy Couch posting his first bullet closely followed by Will Gulliver, Nick Orman, Alister Morley and Ian Stone finishing in the top five.

Race 2 provided equally challenging conditions with at least four leaders during the game of significant snakes and few ladders. Andy posted another bullet with Nick and Alister beginning to show their consistency and Martin Watt and  Mike Webster punching into the top five …….. it was going to tough at the top !

After a lunch break Race 3 saw another closely contested affair with yet another bullet to Andy who seemed to pull off what was needed to cross the line in pole position, was anybody going to stop a clean sweep? Will, Nick and Alister winning the gambling shifts to finish in that order.

PRO – Miles Odell decided to ‘can’ the scheduled race 4 until Sunday when the wind forecast showed much better conditions. A great call which was much appreciated by the fleet allowing an early dinner and extended time for liquid refreshment !
As expected the tales of ‘if only’ and ‘missed shifts’ interspursed with Champions league football were plentiful …… as was the Doombar !

Sunday morning was an early start due the extra race scheduled with breakfast at 8.00am and preparatory signal at 8.55am. Not the best start for the day with some side effects from the night before, but the fresh breeze soon cleared the heads. The wind was now a south westerly direction blowing 12 -15 knts straight down the lake and building, it was champagne sailing conditions with blue skies and 24C.

Race 4 saw another general recall but the second start got away cleanly. With now less shifty conditions boat speed came more into play, still extremely close racing with Andy doing what he does best,  yes you’ve guessed it ….. another bullet. The chasing ‘brat pack’ of Nick, Will, Alister and Ian producing more consistent top five results.

The PRO decided enough was enough and hoisted the black flag for Race 5 to discourage any overly keen sailors, but John ‘Titch’ Wayling, Ian  and Andy were all caught out with an OCS …….. ouch ! This allowed Will to post his eagerly awaited bullet with Martin Watts clearly loving the breeze finishing second, Nick third and Mike Webster punching into the top four for the first time.

The final Race 6 provided more of the same, excellent racing conditions, great courses, close competitive racing with a compact fleet. Yet another bullet for Andy showing the fleet how to race a Phantom at its best with Ian, Alister, Will and Mike all pushing for top five places finishing in that order.

Those who travelled were rewarded with a great weekend of competitive sailing, amazing weather, food and drink and a friendly social, what more could anyone ask for?

Congratulations to Andy Couch for such an emphatic event winning performance, retaining the Phantom Inland Championship title.    

Thanks were given to Northampton Sailing Club for hosting the event and to P+B for kindly sponsoring the event and for providing great prizes.

Phantom P+B Inland Championships – Preview

Just a few days to go before the 2019 Phantom Inland Championships on the 1st /2nd June hosted at Northampton Sailing Club and kindly sponsored by P+B.

The forecast for the weekend is looking great with the rare combination sun and wind !

If turnouts at events early in the season are anything to go by we are hoping for a bumper entry this year, particularly with the event being centrally located for all regions.

It’s too early to call who the front runners may be, but promising performances have been noted at other events so far this season and with support likely to be from all across the country the challenge to be crowned Inland Champion could be from a number of individuals.

From the South Alister Morely, Mike Tustin and Nick Orman all have form and have consistently been seen at the top of the fleet.

The Eastern gang will no doubt provide a large contingent from the ‘Creeksea Massive’ with Bob Portway, Matt House, Chris Roberts and Phil Longley all with potential to pull off a winning performance and not forgetting ‘new boy’ Terry Crook.

The Midlands fleet boast three recent national champions, Harry Bridden, Will Gulliver and Andy Couch - last years winner. In addition John ‘Titch’ Wayling is currently showing pace and on home waters he could pull off the big one.  

Not forgetting the Northern contingent headed up by Adam Perry, Richard Knott and Ed Thomas who can all perform well.

The Inland Championships forms the first event of the P+B Phantom Midland Series consisting of five events including Carsington S.C.(13th July), Shustoke S.C. (22nd September) Blithfield S.C. (6th October)culminating at Graham Water S.C – Winter Championships  (26/27th October)   -   3 out of 5 events to count.

STONE PHANTOM EASTERN SERIES Open 27/28TH APRIL 2019

The forecast Storm Hannah delivered 40 mph gusts on Saturday 27th April so many stayed away but a hardy bunch of 8 Phantom sailors made the journey to Stone Sailing Club on the River Blackwater to enjoy the clubs excellent facilities and open water.  
The very experienced race officer Wendy Robinson cancelled racing for Saturday so it was a good opportunity to get the boats weighed and measured and certificates issued.  Some boats were a little on the light side and others surprisingly over weight so lead correctors went in and on some it came out!
After a bimble on the boats the gang relaxed and enjoyed the Grand Prix qualifying to fill the time before the evening curry night and beers.  John Wayling decided that Somersby Cider would be rocket fuel for the following days racing so consumed as much of the stuff as possible resulting in a  slightly heavy head as the sun rose into his camper van window on Sunday morning.  
Sundays forecast of 15mph winds gusting 20mph was a tad under the actual conditions.  The sailors stood on the sea wall and gazed out a white rollers and gusts hitting a force 6.  Undeterred the fleet were briefed by the Class Association secretary Phil Longley in his usual monotone booming voice and then Wendy Robinson took over and we all then understood what was going to happen.  4 races sailed back to back off the club line, with quick turn around and each race on average 40 mins.  3 laps were planned but in the end each race was shortened to 2 laps.  
The fleet launched and was surprised to see Matt House carrying out some last minute boat tuning on the beach hitting his rudder pintles with a house brick as the countdown commenced! It worked but he was late to the line.  Race 1 saw lots of the fleet all misjudging the tide and Terry Crook using some local knowledge led the way closely followed by John Wayling and Eric Howe.  The gusts were pretty strong at times and the course included two gybes so there were some nervous, tentative bear aways and sounds of screaming, but the fleet managed to perform the gybes without any issues. This soon changed!
The course was the same for all 4 races and it meant hugging the left shore as we headed West before crossing the strong outgoing tide.  Clive Morley pinched high and made some gains on the leaders before race 1 finished with John ‘the Cider man’ Wayling grabbing the first bullet of what would be a clean sweep at the event.  Mrs Wayling had promised John some treats if he managed to secure 4 bullets – she would live to regret those words!  Terry Crook finished second close behind with Clive Morley in third, with Eric Howe a close fourth.
Race 2 saw the entire fleet actually make it close to the start line at the gun and a tight beat between all the fleet with Bill Taylor and Bob Portway hugging the shore and making good gains.  John Wayling rounded the windward mark followed by Terry Crook and then Bob Portway.  This was how is stayed until the finish line as the wind grew stronger and the hiking legs were starting to scream please stop!
Race 3 and Terry Crook got off the line first and held the lead for lap 1 only to suffer gear failure half way into lap 2 that would end his event and John Wayling, just a whisker behind took the lead and again didn’t look back.  Bill Taylor fancied a swim at the gybe mark to test his fully breathable dry suit and stayed nice and warm but the hands and fingers were starting to feel the chilly northerly wind.  Bob Portway held off Clive Morley to take 2nd and Warren Martin sailing well into 4th.
Race 4 and Bob Portway pushed the limits and ended up OCS and the last dash of the day up the shore avoiding the tide saw Matt House putting the pressure on John Wayling who was now thinking about Cider again and getting back to the club house bar as quickly as possible.  Eric Howe felt sorry for Bill Taylor and joined him in a gybe and a swim.  Eric’s drysuit also worked as it should.  The race ended with Matt House close behind John on the line, then Clive Morley who had battled well despite being at the lighter end of the weight range and then Warren Martin gabbing a sequential 4th place.
Despite losing out on Saturday everyone had a great days racing in some testing conditions after the light winds at Alton Water and Fishers Green.  No microphone need for Phil Longley at the prize giving and the Stone Mugs were awarded to Bob Portway - Bronze, and to a surprised but worthy Silver award for Clive Morley.  John Wayling, who by now was reminding his wife of her promises, took Gold with 4 bullets and a dominant win.  A fine acceptance speech with thanks to Stone Sailing Club for a great bar, excellent food and well run racing.
The next event is the Inlands at Northampton Sailing club on the 1st and 2nd June followed by the next Eastern Series open meeting at Creaksea Sailing Club on the 15th and 16th June.