Eastern Series Fisher Green Open
I would like to congratulate the great people at Fishers Green for their lovely welcome and hospitality. Fifteen boats took part ranging from a very early woody to the newest Ovington boat.
Bacon rolls on arrival, curry for lunch plus a very nice snacking buffet at the prize giving - the way to any Phantom open event sailor's heart. All that and some fantastic racing. What a blast!
But it could have all been so different. Not the food and the hospitality, that was a given, but because we arrived to a zephyr of a breeze and a not too promising forecast.
After the bacon rolls and briefing the decision was made to drift out to the course and at least attempt some sort of racing. Then, out of nowhere, wham a good strong southerly which set up a windward leeward course using the full length of the lake.
Three great races followed. There were casualties, there was some incidents, people swam. Most sailors headed out in clothing suitable for a light wind drifter and found the water temperature not to their liking. The sometimes strong and shifting gusts made the beats very interesting with the whole width of the lake opening up for use, islands could be passed on different sides and as I found out by following local Nick Yannakoyoros, there was even a fantastic lifter up the edge of a forest.
Matt House showed that a consistent winter racing regime pays dividends with a convincing double race winning victory.
Bob Portway and Chris Roberts had nothing between them by the end of the day except on count back.
Another great sail was had by the three woodies but unfortunately Ian Simpson lost his forestay so could only complete the first race.
Matt Aldous-Horne was a little too good in his woody 438 and really showed what a well sailed £200 boat could do. His third race start was textbook stuff and it looked very much as though he would be first round the windward mark.
After the let down of the first round at Island Barn being all but wiped out by the Beast from the East it was great to get going again. Until the next one at Waveney and Oulton Broad Yacht Club on 9th June thanks to everyone both afloat and ashore that made this a memorable event. Did I mention I was fifth?
1. Matthew House 1432 Alton Water SC
2. Bob Portway 1334 Alton Water SC
3. Chris Roberts 1395 Creeksea SC
4. Nick Yannakoyoros 1291 Fishers Green SC
5. Eric Howe 1404 Creeksea SC
