Phantoms Return to Bassenthwaite
Some of the phantom boys returned to Bassenthwaite to take part in their annual handicap regatta. It's a pity that only three phantoms turned up this year but it was another great event.
Saturday started with plenty of wind blowing from the north east but as racing approached the wind dropped but was still enough to push the fleet around the course. After a 1st for Colin Barrie and 2nd for Eddie Brookes in the first race things were looking good for the phantoms. Barrie suffered a broken kicker just before the second start and so it was up to Andy Downie to take up the phantom flag with a 3rd place, just behind a 59er and a Javelin.
Hopes were high amongst the phantom sailors on Sunday but the winds had picked up and were blowing from the south. The result was some very long beats down the lake with a lot of running. As a result honours were taken by the 59er and an RS400 in the 3rd and 4th races.
In the end our phantom boys held up our reputation for good competitive sailing and for keeping up the bar takings on the Saturday evening but could only manage to finish 4th, 5th and 8th in the final standings.
In all, a great weekends sailing was had by all and I sincerely hope we can convince a few more phantom boys to turn out next year. Thanks to Bassenthwaite Sailing Club for hosting another fantastic event, their hospitality was as outstanding as ever.
1st (4th overall) Colin Barrie 1214
2nd (5th overall) Andy Downie 1173
3rd (8th overall) Eddie Brookes 1229
