Photos are available in the gallery.
Everyone had a really good time at the Phantom Open at Port Dinorwic SC on 23 September 2012.
The Race Office Andy Long was apologetic about the wind direction saying 99% of the time the wind blows straight-up or straight-down the Menai Straits, in North Wales. This time the wind blew over Snowdon then "dumped" onto the water, making it "gusty and shifty". At the briefing he did warn competitors that it may become like the Whacky Races!
Before the start, a few boats were swept onto the sandbank on the Anglesey shore. They all managed to right their boats, compose themselves and make very seaman-like manoeuvres setting sail from a lee shore, with their dignity intact – as if this was all part of their race preparation!
Short triangular courses were set, including two tidal crossing each lap – which was an added interest and a challenge to the inland sailors! Competitors were well behaved at the start line, mindful of being swept over it or missing it completely! Towards the end of the day visiting competitors were just about getting the hang of the tides.
The first race was gusty and shifty with quite a few unusual and entertaining manoeuvres by sailors who should know better! Ian Middleton from Crosby SC sailing 1190 took first place from Adam Perry of Pennine SC sailing 1281. In the second race Ian Middleton took first place from Martin Knott of Ribble SC sailing 1198.
An excellent lunch of steak and chips followed, which is very important to Phantom Sailors! Someone accidentally left half a plate of chips, but the other sailors soon corrected that!
In race 3 it was Middleton and Perry again. Race 4 saw delight and joy as Martin Knott won his first Phantom race. We are not sure if there was some gentlemanly conduct, or just sporting bad luck, but Middleton only managed second place in that last race, having had three firsts and already won the event! Race 4 also saw an armada of yachts heading north along the Straits, sailing though the middle of our race track, presumably trying to get through the "Swellies at slack water" – whatever that means!
Thanks go to the Race Officer, rescue crew and galley for making Phantoms feel very welcome. It is a superb venue, stunning scenery, clean water with a relaxed atmosphere, thank you.
Results:
Position, Name, Sail number, Club.
1st Ian Middleton, 1190, Crosby SC.
2nd Martin Knott, 1198, Ribble SC.
3rd Adam Perry, 1281, Pennine SC.
4th Lindsay Price, 1315, Port Dinorwic SC.
5th Steve Norris, 1229, Red Wharf Bay SC.
6th John Edwards, 1279, Port Dinorwic SC.
7th Alan Knock, 1263, Port Dinorwic SC.
8th Ollie Shaw, 1111, Leigh and Lowton SC.
9th Dave Kelsall, 1154, Leigh and Lowton SC.
