The 2013 ‘Tim Hemsley’ Southern series for the Phantom class kicked off with the first event at Wimbleball lake in the picturesque setting of Exmoor. With most of the country under snow, storms and fog, there were a fair number of last minute cancellations …. Some more credible than others! Even so, a hardy bunch of 11 Phantomers braved the elements and once they found the club in the midst of the Exmoor fog, were greeted on arrival with steady 12 kt E / NE breeze. Even the Southern area co-ordinator managed to make an appearance around lunchtime, looking a little worse for wear – presumably the extreme weather conditions in Weymouth the night before?
Congratulations to the young race officers Charlie Maunder and Ben Hawkes, who did a great job of running the racing in the difficult cold and shifty breeze. All competitors are now familiar with the unique Somerset code flags, which apparently have a different F and K flag than those used in the international code of signals!
Race one started in a steady 12 kts with gusts up to 18 kts making for some big grins on the tight reaches …. and plenty of effort to warm all the competitors up with an air temp of only 2 deg and considerable wind chill in the biting easterly gusts. Simon Hawkes and Nick Mason took up the front running and battled it out all the way to the finish with Simon taking the gun just ahead of Nick and followed up by Olly Hopkins.
After a sumptuous lunch, race 2 started in a slightly gentler breeze and Jeremy Hudson nailed the start to lead up the first beat …. Only to suffer a broken kicker - (one of 4 kickers broken in the gusty conditions …. perhaps time for some spring maintenance eh boys?). The race progressed and finished with the same top three as the first. The third race followed back to back and the breeze freshened once more to make for some exciting planning reaches. Simon Hawkes called it a day and returned to the warmth of the clubhouse and Nick Mason took full advantage, by controlling the race with a commanding lead. He was followed home by Chris Dyer and Gordon Keyworth.
Overall all a great, (if a little nippy!) days sailing, with close battles from front to back of the fleet and plenty of friendly Phantom camaraderie.
Many thanks to the Series sponsors, Monkey Marine and Exmoor ales …. The Exmoor Beast ale was especially appreciated at the end of a hard days sail. We look forward to a big turnout for round 2 at Frensham pond on 21st April – everyone welcome.
Results:
1. Simon Hawkes
2. Nick Mason
3. Chris Dyer
4. Olly Hopkins
5. Jeremy Hudson
6. Gordon Keyworth
7. Paul Birbeck
8. Richard Cumberbatch
9. Mike Allard
10. Ian Jay
11. Nick Orman
