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Ovington Phantom National Championship 2022 at Lyme Regis Sailing Club

by Mike Webster 25 Sep 13:32 BST16-18 September 2022

Ovington Phantom Nationals 2022 at Lyme Regis © Ian Wallace

 

The 67-strong fleet arrived early to take in the atmosphere and the beauty of Lyme Regis and practice ahead of the three-day event.

The much-anticipated south-westerlies and famous swell of Lyme Bay were not to be this year - the forecast was for northerly breeze ranging from 6 -18 kts on the first day easing to lighter winds over the rest of the weekend. Not such a bad thing for the lighter sailors in the fleet and provided more challenging conditions, unbiased to any weight-range.

The hype of the Runners and Riders preview had raised expectations with a large cohort of potential winners. Multiple National Champions from other classes, ex. Phantom National Champions, new boats with new drivers, old hands with lots of experience, local helms and Phantom guest appearances. This year sailors came from representatives from all regions of the UK - from East Lothian in Scotland and Guernsey in the Channel Islands.

The traditional 'Thursday Curry Night' was well attended giving the chance to catch up with old friends and meet some of the new faces in the class. Alongside the delicious food provided by the club there was much talk and banter on what the next three days would hold. Will there be an upset at the top? A new National Champion? Mid-fleet battles and the contest of the classics.

Lyme Regis is a working fishing harbour and the boat park was amiably controlled by the ever-present 'Mighty Sally' - a sight to be feared, keeping the fleet in order before parking, launching & recovering - Rob Cook and Mike Webster becoming the first on her hit list, with Nick Orman trying his best to get in Sally's good book!

Ovington Phantom Nationals 2022 at Lyme Regis - photo © Ian Wallace

Friday morning dawned with clear blue skies and breeze, the perfect start to the seven race, Championships series.

The RO released the fleet to sail out on the long 6km run offshore to the racing area.

Friday Race 1

Allan Tyler, the Race Officer set the Sausage and Triangle course perfectly with a slightly biased port end line. The ultra-competitive fleet keen to get off to the best start pushed the line with the inevitable general recall, repeated on the second start. The 'U' flag was hoisted taking the heat out of the aggressive T-Rex's of the fleet.

It was Mike Webster (Northampton SC) who led the pack round the first mark followed by Andy 'Taxi' Davies (South Staffs SC) and Simon Hawkes (Castle Cove SC) in third with local Jake Stowe (Lyme Regis SC) close behind. The 15 kts allowed for some tactical downwind wave technique. The left side paid up the first beat but the fleet split at the gate in the freshening shifty breeze. Huge shifts caused big gains & losses through the fleet. On the final beat the lighter breeze saw Simon take the lead, Mike in second and Rob Cook (Northampton SC) pulling through the fleet. The final run was tense but, by the leeward mark, Mike pulled through with his first bullet of the week, followed by Simon, Rob and Taxi with Jake holding onto fifth.

Friday Race 2

15-18kts very gusty northerly, clean start at first attempt on a port biased line. The waves picked up and capsizes dotted the course, testing the expertise of the stronger wind specialists in the fleet. Martin Watts (Netley SC) led at the windward mark followed by Nick Orman, Carl Gibbon (Burton SC) and Chris Yelland (Lee on Solent SC). The fleet surfed out to sea with the leaders holding position and the middle order changing across a widespread fleet with Duncan Adams - (Aldborough SC) pulling up to 5th.

The final sausage was shortened to allow the tired fleet to finish at the next windward mark, making for a shorter sail home.

Martin took the bullet ahead of Nick in second with Chris finishing in third. Jake holding off Taxi who had pulled through the fleet to take 6th.

Ovington Phantom Nationals 2022 at Lyme Regis - photo © Ian Wallace

 

Saturday Race 3

Much lighter breeze with patches of pressure and clear blue skies.

A square line with the,now customary, U-flag spread the fleet along the line. The first beat was all about finding a clear lane, finding pressure and synching the shifts. Andy Davies took full advantage of the conditions to show his expertise and rounded in first with Simon Hawkes 20m behind. Some new faces at the front end of the fleet saw Josh Hyland (Chasewater SC), Mike Tustin (Bowmoor SC), Simon Heuson (Lyme Regis SC) and Paddy Denby - (Broadstairs SC) all battling it out for a top three position. At the finish, Andy "Taxi" Davies took his first bullet with Simon Hawkes a well-deserved second and local boy Simon Heusen in third.

Saturday Race 4

A lightening breeze and short postponement saw Andy start to stretch his legs in his borrowed Phantom. He led at the first mark and was unchallenged for the rest of the race. Simon Hawkes settled into to his customary second position with the light wind specialists Bob Portway (Royal Harwich YC) and Chris Roberts (Creeksea SC) now making their presence known at the front end of the fleet.

It was great to see Jeff Vanderbought (Lyme Regis SC) and Tom 'hotdog' Gissane (Bowmoor SC) punching up there in the mix.

Saturday Race 5

The final race of the day was sailed in the same conditions with Taxi again dominating the field and showing how to link pressure and shifts, rounding the windward mark first, starting to make it look easy. Simon Hawkes, Rob and Mike climbed back from the wilderness only to suffer severe nerves on the light run with large chasing pack closing down on building pressure!

The covering battles began on the last beat with Taxi taking his third bullet, Simon another second and Mike just holding off Rob for third and fourth. Paddy and John 'Titch' Wayling (Northamton SC) showing their prowess in the lighter airs in their own battle for fifth and sixth.

With the final day looming, Taxi had put himself in a great position after an amazing "Super Saturday" Not yet mathematically a Champion, it was difficult to see anyone knocking him off the top spot. However, the battle for podium places was far from over with the all-important second discard coming in if the full seven-race series was completed.

Overnight, Nick Orman was on 15 points, Simon Hawkes on 19 points and Mike Webster on 23 points... all to play for!

Sunday morning weather was much like the previous day only lighter! With an earlier start, the fleet sailed the long procession to the race area on the horizon, 8km out to sea. After an hour and twenty minutes the fleet reached the starting area to see the AP flag flying, the Race Team waiting for the pressure to arrive.

Sunday Race 6

After a half-hour delay the course was set. With a port-end biased line the fleet got away searching for pressure and clear air.

Taxi rounded in first clear ahead of Bob, Chris and Mike, holding onto their position at the leeward gate.

With the wind dropping at the front and the chasing pack coming down rapidly with new fresher breeze from the north, nerves had to be held. Jim Hopton (Shustoke SC) leading the chasing pack went low on the final reach to the finish staying in the pressure as long as he could but at the line Taxi took another bullet, closely followed by Bob, Mike, Chris and Jim.

The win for Taxi had sealed the title with an impressive four wins in a row. However, the other podium places were still up for grabs. Nick had dropped back to fourth overall with an 11th place and Simon Hawkes still hung onto second overall with a 6th. Mike capitalized on his result to keep him in third place overall.

Sunday Race 7

Tense nerves as a further postponement was displayed waiting for wind and yet another course re-set. The forecast had been for the wind to freshen later in the day but with a 13.55hrs last race warning signal, the RO couldn't wait too long.

A 7-10kt breeze began to appear and the race got away on a perfect line. The fleet split left and right with big gains being made up the middle. Jimmy Sandison (East Lothian SC) led followed by Andy Robinson (Lyme Regis SC), Carl and followed by Mike, Carl and Rob.

As the leaders headed upwind on the final beat, Mike gained to second while Rob headed out to the left. With only 50m to the line Jimmy attempted to cover, but in the ensuing tacking duel, Mike pulled into the lead and Rob sneaked in from port to take second ahead of a frustrated Jimmy.

So, Andy "Taxi" Davies takes another class National Championships with what can only be described as an immaculate performance in enormously challenging conditions. The only competitor to keep a single digit net score for the 5 counting races!

Mike Webster sailed out of his skin to take second on 17points net - and first over 60yrs trophy. As another veteran said "It's something when you have to finish higher than second overall in an event to win the over 60yrs prize!"

Third was Simon Hawkes on 25points.

The following 7 places in the top ten had a spread of 43points which shows how challenging the conditions were!

Even more encouraging was seeing three, approximately 18year old 1200 sail number boats in the top ten (1st, 7th and 10th). Last year's Nationals was also won by Number 1280. You don't need a brand-new boat to be competitive in the Phantom class!

As always, an event like this could not happen without a wonderful organising club and their volunteer members and our stalwart class sponsors.

Lyme Regis Sailing SC is not a big club - I understand they utilized 81 separate volunteers - more than the participating competitors! They kept us organized, fed and watered and the event ran very smoothly. Thank you!

In particular, hats off to the Race Officer Allan Tyler. The shifty offshore northerly conditions were challenging enough for us sailors - it was one of the most challenging events I have sailed for many years. Allan and his team got seven good races away, moved and re-set courses on the fly in the most professional manor. They should be very proud of what they achieved. I gather the windward mark boat now needs an engine re-build from the work it did re-setting the mark!

Class and event sponsors stepped up to support the Championships - many thanks to Ovington BoatsAllen Bros, Pinnell &Bax, and HD Sails; we could not run the event without your support!

The final words must go to our worthy Champion, Andy "Taxi" Davies: "All I can say is how well it was run, I thought the club nailed it, the race team especially. Lyme is one of my favourite venues and they delivered. Being a volunteer club, it's impressive how everyone pulls together and we're utterly grateful for them taking the time out so we can enjoy their hospitality.

It was great to see everyone getting a prize as well, the sponsors were very generous.

Lastly, I'd say the Fleet were all very welcoming with great banter and great close racing, it was a shame it was only three days, great fun!"

Roll on Abersoch in September 2023.

 

  • Race 1 Winner - Mike Webster
  • Race 2 Winner - Martin Watts
  • Race 3 Winner - Andy Davies
  • Race 4 Winner - Andy Davies
  • Race 5 Winner - Andy Davies
  • Race 6 Winner - Andy Davies
  • Race 7 Winner - Mike Webster
  • Under 30 Trophy - Jake Stow
  • Over 30 Trophy - Andy Davies
  • Over 40 Trophy - Nick Orman
  • Over 50 Trophy - Simon Hawkes
  • Over 60 Trophy - Mike Webster
  • Over 70 Trophy - Graham Dale-Jones
  • Highest placed classic Trophy - Dean Saxton
  • Endeavour Trophy (lowest placed completing all races) Mike Blunt
  • Team Trophy - Northampton Sailing Club (Mike Webster 2nd, Rob Cook 5th, Titch Wayling 13th, Rich Nurse 20th)

Overall Results:

If you finished in the top ten at the Phantom nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here 

 

For more photos - click the link below

Phantom Nationals - Pauline Rook Photography

 

 

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The Queen

 

It is with great sadness that we, as part of the sailing community, mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

 

She was steadfast in her commitment to the country and her people.

 

She will be sorely missed, not just by people in the UK but across the World.

Our condolences to the Royal Family. RIP Ma’am.

 

God save the King

 

 

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Ovington Phantom National Championships at Lyme Regis Sailing Club - Preview

by Michael Webster 7 Sep 22:46 BST16-18 September 2022

(left) Phantom nationals at Lyme Regis © Mike Rice / www.fotoboat.com                                                                   (right) © Ella Woodhouse

The Phantom Class Association are pleased to announce the up and coming National Championships and are delighted to be returning the Lyme Regis, one of the UK's premier sailing destinations.

With just over a week to go, final plans are being put into place to make the three day event one to remember with the traditional social scene over the course of the event and some classic racing provided by the experienced race officer - Allan Tyler and team.

It's too early to predict the forecast but the fleet are looking forward to the famous rolling seas off the Dorset coast.

The Phantom is just one of the many boats produced by Ovington Boats and the Class Association are thrilled they have decided to agree to be headline sponsors at this years event. Ovington Boats is one of the worlds most successful small boat building businesses specialising in the high-performance dinghy market, producing Olympic, international and national championship winning boats.

The class has also attracted other sponsors for the event from their long association with Allen Brothers - Performance Sailing Hardware together with Pinnell and Bax - the One Stop Sailing Shop and not forgetting the regular support from Vicky's Embroidery Service.

Runners, Riders and names in the frame.......who knows? There's lots of new talent out there with many of the recent National Champions in the entry list alongside some earlier winners returning the class.

It's going to be a tough call, however you can't ignore some of the big names in the class, but who knows there could be an new name on the National champions trophy in 2022!

 

NOR and SIs are available on the Lyme Regis Sailing Club website: lymeregissailingclub.com  ...or on the article below.

 

Note no hard copies will be available at registration.

 
Phantom nationals at Lyme Regis - photo © Ian Wallace

 

 

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Phantom East Coast Championship at Burnham Week 2022

by Chris Roberts 7 Sep 06:39 BST27-29 August 2022

Phantoms from the air at Burnham Week 2022 © Roger Mant

The three-day Bank Holiday weekend is the start of Burnham Week and the Phantoms race as a class with a fleet start to compete for their East Coast Championship.

Winds were forecast to initially be from the North but were mainly from the East, with occasional swings and a somewhat blustery force four and above. The first two days of racing were sailed from the Burnham Sailing Club line on courses that ensured Quay based spectators could enjoy the sight of these powerful dinghies racing. The final day saw a reversion to the Pile House Committee boat starts with courses being the more traditional downriver racing including the River Roach.

In addition to a strong entry from the local Creeksea SC fleet, visitors came from Lee-on-Solent, Royal Harwich and Ardleigh Sailing Club. The close proximity of the event to the forthcoming National Championships may have reduced entries but those that took part were firmly of the opinion that with boats and bodies tested to the maximum this was the best form of preparation.

 (left) Graham Dale-Jones in his Phantom at Burnham Week 2022 ©Alan Hanna                                                    (right) Mark Spruce in his Phantom at Burnham Week 2022 ©Alan Hanna

And so on to the racing. Day one saw Bill Taylor put down a marker with a great start but he was unable to hold off Bob Portway who took the win after a ding dong battle with Taylor. A delighted Warren Martin took third place after Roberts picked up weed and almost capsized close to the finish letting Matt House through for fourth place.

Taylor again started well in race 2 and had a convincing win ahead of House and Portway. The run to the finish was however a classic Burnham dilemma of choosing either the North or South Shore. House was keeping a close eye on Roberts who had reached over to the North shore to avoid the tide. Taylor kept his cool though to win on the South shore and Roberts failed to receive a finishing gun as he and Warren Martin had been judged to be OCS. House took second having benefited from heading to the town shore whilst Portway took third having followed Taylor on the South bank with the rest of the fleet.

 (left) Chris Roberts in his Phantom on Burnham Week 2022 Day 1 ©Alan Hanna                                                (right) Bill Taylor in his Phantom on Burnham Week 2022 Day 3 ©Alan Hanna

That evening a barbecue was hosted by Spruce and Taylor in the motorhome corral and the local delights of local butchers were sampled by the fleet. Anxious to avoid temptation and maintain his lead Taylor was seen to be drinking non-alcoholic beverages and the fleet knew that tomorrow was going to be hard work.

Day 2 saw a slight tweak to the courses with a figure of eight course being set that allowed the fleet to show their reaching speed with a fantastic cross river reach to a dumpy mark laid off the town Quay. The beats were shorted which was a relief as the previous days had been over a mile and a half against a flooding tide.

Taylor revelled in the strong breeze to take two wins with second places being shared between Portway and House.

By now it was fairly clear that Taylor could wrap the event up with only one decent result required on the final day but the change of course and race area seemed likely to present a chance to Portway who has form at performing under pressure.

The first race produced a surprise for the local boats when visitors Spruce and Portway started at the pin end of the line and powered ahead of those that had started lower down the line in the hope of getting to the North shore sooner. Spruce looked comfortable on this new course and tore off across the river to reach into and out of the River Roach before the run back to the line. House took a clear second ahead of Taylor.

Taylor had achieved a great result that looked likely to seal the Championship having capsized on the first short tacking beat, hit a mark but recovered well to pull back through the fleet.

Rather than rest on his laurels and perhaps mindful of Portways determination he stayed out on the course to complete the final race. Making no mistakes he won this race as well and Portway had to be content with a second place in the race and the series overall.

Bill Taylor Phantom East Coast Champion at Burnham Week 2022 ©Alan Hanna

At the prize-giving a huge cheer greeted the ever popular Bill Taylor when he was awarded the bespoke trophy that was originally conceived by his late club mate John Torrance and donated by the late Kim Allen of Allen Bros.

The next and final event in the Eastern Series was scheduled to be held at Ardleigh Sailing Club in October however water levels are such that it is likely that an alternative venue will be found.

The fleet now looks forward to their National Championships at Lyme Regis SC over 16th-18th September.

Overall Results:

 

 

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Phantom Open at Lee-on-the-Solent Sailing Club

by Mark Spruce 10 Aug 22:04 BST   6-7 August 2022

"That was the week(end) that was!"

The weather forecast was, shall we say, less than ideal. With high pressure centred firmly over the UK the weather charts showed not a single isobar in sight! With very light Northerly gradient winds the omens weren't good for thermal breezes from either of the usual directions.

How often have we heard it? "It's not normally like this here!"

However, the sun shone and the race officer was having none of it and started the 12-boat fleet off on-time on their triangle - sausage course, deciding he could always scrap it if it turned inside out. Instead, the fleet enjoyed light 4 - 6 knot winds oscillating from the off shore gradient NW to a light WSW thermal breeze. At times, the breeze blew from all points of the compass, occasionally in the same 100square meters of water at the same time but as shifty as it was, three good races were completed.

Not everyone had a good day, the heavyweights struggled and it was an eyes out of the boat on a swivel head kind of day but as always, the good sailors made less bad decisions than the rest and rose to the top with consistent sailing. Perceived wisdom is you can't win a regatta on the first day but you can lose it and after the first day, the top sailors had kept themselves firmly in contention.

A day for "Little & Large"

As the fleet came ashore after the first day, Martin Watts (at 6ft 4" and 115kg) led with 5 points, 1 point ahead of class stalwart John 'Titch' Wayling (who, as the name suggests, is not 6ft 4" and 115kg!).

Nigel King and Chris Shelton filled 3rd and 4th and Rob Starling brought his inland Burghfield SC gravel pit skills to the fore to sit in 5th.

This event was shared with the Contenders and the Solution Class (who were sailing their National Championships). It made for a great social mix at the event dinner in the club house that evening - the lantern was swung, the rum bottle tops thrown away and discussion topics ranged from boat tuning tips, how to solve falling numbers at post-covid dinghy events, how we learnt to sail (more extreme than Monty Python's Yorkshire Men sketch that!) and rash statements made "Only one more" when the shots appeared later in the evening!

A lot of happy sailors retired to their bunks ready to do battle on Sunday morning.

Sunday brought a light gradient NE and the RO let us all know he was starting on time. He had 4knots of breeze and time & tide waits for no man - or Phantom Sailor!

Three great races were sailed in the sunshine and the overall results started to take shape.

Race 4 was sailed in a more consistent, building 6-8 knot ESE thermal breeze. A late shift brought port bias to the start line allowing Pete Harlow from Lilliput SC in Poole to pull off the perfect start, crossing the fleet from the pin on port tack straight off the line! Chapeau my friend.

Titch Wayling took the gun to share the overall lead with Martin Watts (2nd) closely followed by Chris Shelton and Nigel King.

In Race 5, the breeze built up to 10-12 knots, sparkling waves and white caps, champagne sailing conditions and full hiking conditions for the Phantoms.. Mark Spruce won the pin and led at the first mark from Titch Wayling and Martin Watts. He held them off on the first triangle but they both slid ahead with Martin demonstrating superb power and fitness to build an impressive 100m lead after the second beat. By the end, Nigel King powered through to second pushing Titch Wayling to 3rd to upset the top of the leader board. Mark Spruce held onto 4th ahead of Chris Shelton in 5th.

The wind eased to 8-10knots for Race 6, the last of the day. Martin Watts had built a comfortable (?) 2point overall lead over Titch Wayling with Nigel King a further 3 points behind so, in these lighter conditions, it was all to play for.

In an impressive display, Martin Watts came off the middle of the line to power to an impressive win with John Wayling, Chris Shelton and Nigel King filling the remaining places. On the very last short beat from the leeward mark to the Finish line the ESE breeze started to shut down to be slowly replaced by the more normal SW sea breeze. The Race officer's intuition and action to start on-time paid off and all three of the day's races were completed on a fair and reasonably consistent race course.

Two different days, two different conditions but 6 races successfully completed in trying conditions for any race team. There were no complaints from the competitors and, as a true test, the best sailors on both days emerged to fill the top of the leader board.

Congratulations to overall winner Martin Watts, an impressive performance and great preparation for the Phantom Nationals in September. John Wayling, Nigel King and Chris Shelton were always up there applying pressure, displaying good consistency over the two days of shifty and light winds.

A race is never over until you cross the finish line and commendation goes to those competitors who stuck at it through all the races, particularly newbies Mark Robinson and Dave Brewster. Both showed big improvement through the two days of racing.

Congratulations also to the Lee on Solent SC Shore and Race teams who ran a very successful two days of sailing and socialising.

The fleet now moves on to Torpoint Mosquito SC regatta just over the Devon border into Cornwall on 20th &21st August and then moves up to the last weekend of Burnham on Crouch Week on the summer Bank Holiday weekend of 27th - 29th August.

The last opportunity for training before the all-important 2022 Phantom Nationals at Lyme Regis on the 16th - 18th September; if you haven't done so already get your entry in now - it's going to be a good one!

Overall Results:

 

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Phantoms at Abersoch Dinghy Week

by Mike Webster 3 Aug 07:00 BST23-29 July 2022

South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club celebrated its 50th Anniversary of Dinghy Week this year, I suspect a very different looking regatta to the 70's, where sailing saw an explosion of dinghy designs. It's still great to see so many of the classic fleets at the regatta of which the Phantom is one.

The Phantom Class also had its 50th Anniversary last year which has seen the class grow from strength to strength, modernizing with the usual carbon appendages, epoxy moldings etc. but still keeping its roots and great to see some of the original 'Woodies' and tin rigs still hitting the water on the open circuit.

Abersoch is located on the northern edge of Cardigan Bay jutting out on the end of the Llyn peninsula, which attracts its very own Mediterranean style micro climate. The club is positioned at the end of a mile-long golden sandy beach, adorned by colourful beach huts, overlooking the two islands with the Snowdonia mountains as a back drop across the bay... a sailors' paradise.

The Phantoms arrived in the 'Soch' on Saturday in preparation for the six-day-long regatta commencing the following day. The fleet providing a cross section of the class with a number of the more senior long standing sailors, up and coming stars, a smattering of newbies and a multiple national champion, all supported by their experienced and very helpful shore teams.

A big shout out to the newbies John Harrison from Rudyard Lake SC, John Evans Derwent Water SC and Tom Baker Millington from Ballyhome YC near Belfast Northern Ireland. Great to see so many new faces all keen to learn the ropes from some of the more experienced in the class.

This year saw SCYC mix up the format with two, back-to-back races for each fleet, with the Phantoms taking the midday slot. Plenty of time for the younger end of the fleet's advanced party to set up the beach base camp and empty the boats full of windbreaks, rugs, buckets, spades body boards, kites, deckchairs, frisbies..... did I miss anything? The first task of the day once the main party arrived was of course to build sand castles and dig holes. Despite many request none of the Phantom sailors put themselves forward to be buried alive by the kids... funny that!

The morning allowed lots of time for 'Phantom Group Huddles' with lots of banter and an opportunity to gather go fast sailing techniques and rig tuning settings. Never turn down a tip from Andy Couch in my humble opinion, every day's a school day even for the more experience end of the fleet.

The early part of the week's forecast looked decidedly fruity with 25mph and predicted larger gusts, there was some thought that day one might get binned. But the fleet gathered on the sheltered beach on Sunday morning eagerly looking up to the club for signs of flags. Oh no... was murmured as the fleet were cleared for launch! Once outside the shelter of the sand dunes the full force of the 25 mph run to the starting area wasn't for the faint hearted. The whole fleet were keen to get the regatta underway but some were already doubting their decision to launch.

The Race Officer set a perfect line and windward leg followed by a outer loop trapezoid. Not that anyone cared... looking upwind was a sight to behold, a sea of white horses speckled with distant craft. After a clean start the Phantoms battled the waves and super strong gusts arriving at the windward mark with aching limbs. The top reach was spectacular with Andy Couch - Blithfiled SC leading the pack with Mike Webster - Northampton SC close behind, conferring through the spray where the wing mark might be. With no-one particularly looking forward to the run, some deciding the tighter/safer angle flying off to Barmouth. However the brave soul digging deep saw gains, but others and in Mike's case big losses with spectacular capsizes. Not all made it to the finish, but the six that did deserved a well-earned result, Andy clear ahead in 1st, Oli Hopkins - Bowmoor SC in 2nd and Phil Worth - Delph SC in 3rd.

With the forecast for building breeze to 40mph later in the afternoon the second race didn't go ahead, much to the relief of the competitors.

Day two looked more sailable from the shore, but looks can be deceiving. Again a hairy run to the race course and some sailors decided safety over valour as conditions were as extreme as the first day.

A repeat of the trapezoid course saw Andy showing the fleet some impressive strong wind technique, Mike trying his best to keep upright finishing in 2nd and John H thoroughly enjoying his new Phantom in an impressive 3rd.

The second back-to-back race quickly followed with, yes you've guest it, Andy stretching his legs to a commanding lead, but only after a tussle with Oli now getting his sea-legs, with Mike pushing him all the way, eventually showing that experience outguns youth sometimes.

The tired fleet returned to shore to compare notes and assess damage. Matt Neild - Royal Windermere YC coming off worst with a broken spreader bracket, skilfully making it back to shore spreader-less and a mast in one piece. Mike also had carbon issues resulting in cutting 30mm of the top of the mast!

After the athletic start to the week, day three provided a welcomed moderate breeze, treating the fleet to some classic Abersoch champagne sailing and testing the fleet in more shifty conditions. A general recall showed the intention of the helms, helped by an out-flowing tide pushing boats upwind. Oli showing great pace upwind again leading at the windward mark closely followed by Andy, Phil and Tom 'Hotdog' Gissane - Bowmoor SC now getting into his stride. The downwind legs providing new challenges for some in finding pressure and surfing those waves as the fleet spread out wide. Andy proved his National Championship titles by posting yet another bullet, with Oli taking a well deserved 2nd with Phil and Tom G close behind. But it's not over till the fat lady sings as Mike nipped past on the final reach to the finish to take 3rd.

The second race of the day had some new faces at the front, Phil hitting the corner up the beat pushed him close to Andy at the top mark with Tom G sailing conservatively up the middle shifts saw him in 3rd. Richard Sims - Carsington SC, John E and John H, Oli, Mike battling it out with a close race and Tom BM hanging on to the pack, learning lots on the way. Phil held 2nd behind you know who, Tom G slowed down the last run allowing Mike to pass with a clear reach to the finishing 3rd and Richard wining the middle order over the two Johns.

Clearly the weather front had passed through as day four provided an extended 'Phantom Huddle' on the beach waiting for the wind. It didn't arrive so a welcome relaxing beach day was much appreciated, sampling the many delicious flavours of the local Two Islands ice-cream. Well it would be rude not to!

Finally after an express delivery by Ovington Boats and on beach repair, a much relieved Matt was back on the water, clearly with a point to prove. Both races of the day had the same top three positions Andy 2x bullets, Mike 2 x 2nd and Phil 2x 3rd with Matt punching a 5th and 4th as did Oli and John E pushing into the top five for the first time.

The week had started with extreme conditions but ended with a drifter. The Race Officer decided on an inshore, windward-leeward course through the moorings with a shore based start line. A few decided to take an early shower as the rest of the fleet drifted down to the starting area. The first race being abandoned due to a big left shift, the second race started with Andy and Richard leading at the top mark very closely followed by the drifting pack. As one sailor once said, "There's only two big decisions in life - Mint Choc Chip vs. Raspberry Ripple and which side of the run you take." The fleet spread and Andy and Richard relishing the light airs lead at the bottom mark. One more lap completed showed an impressive clean sweep on bullets by Andy, Mike managing to squeeze past Richard who posted 3rd finishing on a high.

A great week's sailing, learning lots, meeting new and catching up with old friends.... what could be better.

Overall Results:

 

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