Phantom Southeast Traveller Series 2022
by Chris Shelton 10 Nov 09:16 GMT
Phantom class South East Traveller Series at Lee on Solent © Kevin Clark
The Phantom class South East Traveller Series started this year at Easter where the class joined in with Shoreham SC's Easter Cup races.
Conditions were pretty much perfect on the Sunday morning as 8 Phantoms sailed out of the harbour to join a mixed fleet of 23 other boats. Steve Popple quickly showed everyone that he had not forgotten how to sail over the winter months, taking two bullets with some impressive boat speed. Monday morning dawned very light, but after a short delay the fleet launched in light winds that built gradually during the day. Steve was still fast and won Race 3 which gave him the overall win for the weekend. Chris Shelton won Race 4 and was second overall, whilst Mark Spruce was third.
In May the fleet travelled east to Downs SC at Deal. The wind gradually built during the Saturday and by the time the fleet launched there was a good southerly F4-5 and a north flowing tide. This meant long beats against the tide and fast downwind legs around the trapezoid course. Steve Popple again showed good speed to take 3 first places this day before the tired sailors returned to shore to enjoy a well earned BBQ.
Phantom class South East Traveller Series at Downs - photo © Brian Mumford
On Sunday morning the wind was still southerly, but much lighter and this time the tide was flowing south. This meant that the beats were relatively quick, but the downwind legs were very slow. Paddy Denby seemed to like these conditions taking 3 first places whilst Steve was struggling in the light airs. Paddy also had good results on the Saturday which meant that he took the event overall, with Steve second and Ben Falat third, who had travelled all the way from Waveney & Oulton Broad.
June saw the fleet travel even further east to the picturesque Broadstairs SC, although F5 winds meant that there were not many sunbathers on the sandy beach. Wind against tide produced some fair size waves and the order of the day meant staying upright to be at the front of the fleet. Most sailors managed two races, but at the end of Race 3 there were only 2 finishers. If the sailors were hoping for a more restful day on Sunday they did not get it. The wind was even stronger, but with the tide flowing in the opposite direction the sea was slightly flatter. A much depleted fleet took to the water and Mark Spruce seemed to like the conditions taking two first places. However with only 2 boats left racing and the conditions worsening the sensible decision was made to abandon the final race of the day. Only 1 point separated first and second overall, but it was Chris Shelton first, Mark Spruce second and local sailor Al Baker third.
Following a slight break, the fleet re-convened at Lee-on-the-Solent SC at the beginning of August. Held jointly with the South West region this event attracted a larger entry of 12 boats. The wind was a total contrast to Broadstairs with very light and extremely shifty conditions over the whole weekend. The racing was very close with plenty of place changes but in the end it was generally the same bunch of sailors at the front of the fleet, and at the finish line it was normally Martin Watts (Netley SC) first. Martin achieved 4 bullets over the 6 races to give him first place overall. Second was John Wayling from Northampton with Nigel King (Lymington Town SC) third.
The final event of the series was held at Broadwater SC in the middle of October. The only inland venue of the series, this normally attracts a good entry. However this year a number of sailors were down with Covid, and a forecast for strong winds meant that there were only 9 boats. It was a day of big gusts and big shifts which resulted in quite a bit of swimming practice for some sailors. Four races back-to-back took it's toll, but at the end the first two boats were level on points and the result had to be decided on count back by the winner of the last race. This gave local sailor Leigh Riddell first, 2021 National Champion Ian Stone second and Jeremy Deacon third.
Overall the series attracted 33 different sailors, some of whom travelled considerable distances to compete. A big thank you to all of the clubs who hosted the events and also to Dover Trussed Roof Company who donated tankards as prizes for the overall results. Before the final event any one of 3 sailors could have taken the overall result, but as usual, consistency of attendance paid off with the sailors who attended most events being at the top of the overall series results. Overall it was Chris Shelton (Downs SC) first, Mark Spruce (Lee-on-the-Solent SC) second and Steve Popple (Sussex YC) third.
Congratulations Chris
Overall Results:
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Burton Sailing Club Phantom Open and Midlands Series Overall
by Mike Webster 8 Nov 15:06 GMT23 October 2022
The final event of the HD Sails/Ceildeh Phantom Midlands Traveller Series took place at Burton Sailing Club on the 23rd October.
The autumn storms had been rolling in over the week leading up to the event with the prospects of more over the weekend. That didn't deter the 16 Phantoms made up of 7 visitors and a great turnout of 9 home boats and would have been even higher if 5 other regular racers had been able make the event, but half term put paid to that.
As with most inland venues the water levels were down leading to gusty conditions, but the RO set some short lines and weaving courses providing extremely close racing in all four races.
Race 1
Mike Webster - Northampton SC leading the fleet round the course from the first mark being pushed all the way by Carl Gibbon - Burton SC with some close covering needed for most of the race, however Adam Froggatt - Chase SC pulled through the fleet and with a leg to go took the lead and line honors, with Mike and Carl finishing very close behind.
Race 2
A different battle at the front of the fleet between Carl and Rich Nurse - Northampton SC, Sam Hirst - Burton SC and Josh Hyland - Chase SC. The short legs rewarded good boat handling and looking outside the boat for the big gusts across the lake. Carl managing to hold off Rich with Sam finishing ahead of Josh. A hearty lunch was had by all with the sailors being met by a ray of sunshine after a morning of rain.
Race 3
A true start line made it competitive at the off with Adam leading at the first mark followed by Stuart Turnbill - Burton SC and Mike. As the race progressed Adam and Stuart pulling out an unassailable gap with Adam finishing a leg ahead of Stuart and Carl managing to take 3rd place ahead of Mike.
Race 4
The final windward/leeward race made it all to play for with five possible helms able to take home the chocolates. Rich, Sam and Mike leading at the windward mark stretching out down the run with Carl and Adam back in 5th and 6th. As the race continued it was cat and mouse between the three leaders with changing places up wind and downwind. On the final run Sam leading went right, Rich took the middle and Mike aimed left. By a whisker left paid allowing Mike to take the line a boat length ahead of Rich and Sam putting in another top three finish. Adam and Carl having their own battle with Adam claiming a crucial and event winning 4th place.
With only 3 points separating the top four positions demonstrating how close the days racing had been. Congratulations to Adam on winning the event and an impressive second open in a row, clearly getting used to his new Phantom and one to watch next season!
Overall Results:
HD Sails/Ceildeh Phantom Midlands Series Overall
After the final event at Burton SC the closely contested 2022 Midlands Series was concluded with a total of 50 helms taking part, from a range of 21 different clubs. The series this year has been a great success but always looking for more local Midland club sailors top take part. It’s a great way to meet fellow ‘Phantomers’ from outside your own club and learn and develop your skills from experience but friendly sailors.
The series had a mix of regular racers, guest appearances for other classes, new faces in the fleet and the challenge of Inland Championships included in this years mix. With 7 events making up the programme and the generous two event discard the overall results were as follows:
Congratulations to Rob Cook – Northampton Sailing Club on winning the series doubling up with his overall win of the South West Series too !!
A huge thank you to Taxi @ HD Sails and Ceildeh Carbon Spars for again kindly sponsoring the series and for providing the much sought after tee shirt prizes. With plans already being put in place for next years series , soon to be published the class can look forward to more great sailing across the Midlands in 2023.
Congratulation to Rob Cook - Midland Series Winner
Midlands Series Overall Results:
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Phantoms for Halloween at Oulton Broad
by Bill Taylor 1 Nov 18:45 GMT29-30 October 2022
Because the original venue for the last event on the Phantom Eastern series calendar was suffering from a lack of water and excessive weed there was a risk of cancellation; however following brief discussion at the Class Championship, Waveney and Oulton Broad Yacht Club stepped in to host at short notice.
A few sailors arrived on the Friday and took up residence at the historic Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club for the weekend, also enjoying a Class dinner table on Saturday evening.
Arriving at WOBYC on Saturday morning for racing to a forecast south-easterly 10 knots (gusting 20) breeze, four races planned for Saturday and three on Sunday; committee boat starts on the Saturday and from the club line on Sunday.
The committee boat, positioned at the far end of the broad, got the start of race 1 under way. Beating towards moorings at the other end of the broad it was clear to see there were many gains to be won or lost in the shifts. After making a good start and showing good boat speed newcomer to the fleet Duncan Russell (Deben YC) was caught out in a tack by a gust and gave his slot gasket a quick check; there were a few riders caught doing the same during the day. There were many place changes throughout the fleet; local Ben Falat showed the fleet the way around until very late-on when Richard Nurse (Northampton SC) overtook to win and Matthew House (a former local) 3rd.
The same course was used for race 2. With a good start by Ben he managed to keep the rest of the fleet chasing him round the track to take the win, Matthew House 2nd, Richard Nurse 3rd. The sailors paused for a well-earned buffet lunch that the club had laid on. The fleet was then joined by one more sailor Andrew Hunt who, following an impromptu fleet-poll, was pleased to hear that there would now be 2 discards from the 7 planned races; Andrew was back-in-the-'hunt' (pun !).
With late news that a memorial service was due to be held at Raveningham Church, Norfolk, for Betty Taylor, wife of Phantom designer and herself for many years first Class Secretary, the race officer was asked to coordinate an "Afloat Silence" at the next 2 o'clock warning-signal for the fleet to mark respect by all collecting on the same tack, stand-up in their boats and let-sheets-fly.
For race 3 the committee boat was moved to the club end of the broad as the wind had dropped unexpectedly and shifted to the south, with a shorter beat the windward mark got quite congested; the leeward mark at the other end of the broad split the fleet and with further shiftiness a shortened course flag was raised giving Nurse 1st, House 2nd, Bill Taylor (Creeksea SC) 3rd.
Race 4 saw the wind dropping even more to drifting conditions at times, but there seemed to be a trend developing with the top 3 Nurse, Falat and House finishing in that order. The day's racing completed, the fleet headed for the club-house discussing who got what shift right or wrong.
Sunday morning greeted the fleet with rain, more rain and not much wind; using the club line racing soon got under way as a first separate start ahead of the club racing series. Local Nick Crickmore taking an early lead was closely followed by Nurse and Hunt, that would be how they finished.
For race 6 the rain had briefly stopped letting House show the fleet he still had good pace even after complaining about a bad knee all weekend, he took the win with Falat 2nd, Nurse 3rd.
The wind dropping considerably, race 7 was advanced. Falat stormed into an 'unassailable' position and promptly fell into a wind-hole; left-handers Eric Howe and Graham Dale-Jones (both Creeksea) glided in on a gust and right-handers House and Nurse pulled up on a lift dropping Falat from 1st to 9th within only 6 boat-lengths of the first mark. House loudly expressing his "SchadenFreude" now continued his new-found form in the light; GD-J and Howe in 2nd and 3rd eventually couldn't hold off Nurse for long enough to finish it in that order, so House 1st, Nurse 2nd, GD-J 3rd.
All the races over and results in, it was Ben Falat 3rd, Matt House 2nd and Richard Nurse winning his second event in the Eastern series, Richard thanked the club and volunteers for putting on a great event at such short notice, and added that Phantoms would love to come back next year.
Also picking up a major trophy was Bill Taylor for winning the Eastern Travellers series overall from Chris Roberts (non-attendee here) on countback.
Overall Results:
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Phantoms at The Final Fling in Plymouth
by Mark Spruce 28 Oct 18:36 BST15-16 October 2022
The weekend of 15th & 16th October saw the Phantom class visit Plymouth for the Final Fling, a multi-class end of season regatta hosted by the Royal Western Yacht Club.
The forecast for lots of breeze put some sailors off and others to choose a different, less physical boat but the 5 sailors who did enter completed all four races in what can only be described as "Challenging* - rough* - windy* - very windy* - crazy*" conditions (* Delete or select as appropriate!) Saturday saw an increasing SW breeze as the fleet sailed to the racecourse. By the time the first start came the mean wind speed was around 22knots with regular, sustained gusts of 28-30knots!
Race 1 - Mark (Sprucey) Spruce won the pin end after a GP14 snatched disaster from perfection, wrapping itself around the pin-biased mark, allowing Sprucey to take a 50m lead on the Phantom fleet. He increased his lead as a war of attrition decimated the rest of the fleet, taking the race on handicap despite waring round instead of gybing at all three leeward marks. There was relief all round when the RO sent us ashore, all boats in one piece ready to sail on Sunday.
5 bruised and battered Phantom bods took to the water on Sunday, sailing to the start south of Drake's Island in a building Southerly wind, backing left to the SSE / SE as the day went on.
Race 2 - In ideal conditions Jon Rickard powered off the middle of the line to lead throughout while Sprucey emulated the GP14 with a close encounter with the pin end! Second was Neil Boughton, swapping his 50+foot catamaran for his Phantom with local, Matt Blakeston 3rd.
Race 3 - Wind increased to 18knots backing to the left. Sprucey won the pin again and lead by 50m at the weather mark only to be ground down on downwind by Jon Rickard who went on to a comfortable win. New boy, Stephen McDonald sailing his first Phantom open since joining the class, slipped into 2nd when Sprucey took a swim on the last gybe!
Race 4 - By now the breeze had increased to over 20knots with some interesting swells coming I from the western breakwater entrance into Plymouth Sound. Sprucey again won the start and led at the windward mark but a close battle with Jon Rickard saw the lead swap downwind. As Sprucey commented ashore later "then Rickard just opened the afterburners with a really impressive turn of speed on the second beat and extended his lead to take his third bullet and the overall win. I could not touch him." Sprucey crossed 2nd to claim second overall and another impressive performance from Stephen McDonald in this strong breeze gave him a well-deserved third place.
With four great races in the bag and a big storm in the Western Approaches, the RO made the sensible call to send the fleet back to Queen Anne's Battery Marina for tea and medals.
Jon Rickard dominated the Phantom class with his 3 bullets on Sunday - not enough to beat the GP14 who took the overall on handicap but giving Jon 2nd overall and Sprucey 3rd overall - a good show from the Phantom Class.
Overall Results:
That completes the www.coastwatersports.co.uk sponsored Phantom South West traveller series for the season. Five events across the South West region with three to count, saw a total of 32 Phantom sailors entered and completing at least one event.
Congratulations must go to Rob Cook who took the series in commanding style, winning one event and finishing on the podium in 2 others. Second, by dint of turning up and consistently finishing three events was Mark (Sprucey) Spruce. Third was Nick Orman, after winning two events. Fourth & fifth were Mike Webster and Simo Heusen, all who could have stood on the traveller series podium if they had just completed one more event in the series! Rob, Mark and Nick all win Vouchers from www.coastwatersports.co.uk
South-West Traveller Series 2022 Results:
2023 sees a big effort to present a strong South-West Series with events from Plymouth in the West to Lee on Solent in the East of the region. We have chosen 5 events with strong Phantom fleets and will be offering at least one training day (probably in the Plymouth area) to encourage more local boats to take part in these competitive but friendly events. Watch this space and the Class Association and SW Phantom Facebook pages for further details.
As always, big thanks to the continued sponsorship from www.coastwatersports.co.uk who have provided fabulous support to the Phantom Class throughout the season.
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Phantom SE Travellers Series at Broadwater Sailing Club
by Dave Patrick 18 Oct 12:14 BST15 October 2022
Broadwater SC ran its second Phantom Open on October 15th, the last event in the SE series. After a terrific turnout of 17 last year we had high hopes for similar, but commitments, Covid and other age-related problems took their toll on the SE fleet and 9 helms were greeted by coffee and bacon rolls prepared by the Commodore.
The fleet gathered for briefing by RO Dave Weatherhead and with sun shining and wind on the strong side of fresh from the south-west it promised to be a good day. 4 races back-to-back with quick turnaround was planned and a course that was an anti-clockwise lap of the lake (we know the sea boys don’t like too many marks).
Ian Stone got off to a flying start in race 1, leading the way from starboard to the first mark and followed by Leigh Riddell and Jeremy Deacon who had favoured the port end. It was at about that point that the wind got really tricky. Big shifts, lulls and then banging back in big gusts. Hilgard in FSB had his work cut out pinging from one upturned phantom hull to another. 3 boats retired in these tricky almost unpleasant conditions for which no amount of local knowledge could have prepared anyone. Jeremy and Leigh fought for second, with Jeremy taking it but Ian had kept on going and built an unassailable lead to take the first honours.
Race 2 saw Ian get off to another fast start, but on the wrong side of the IDM and he was called back. This left Leigh and Jeremy Deacon duelling for the lead. Ian came back strong and in a luffing battle at the end pipped Jeremy for second, but Leigh took the bullet.
Race 3 and Ian was first to the mark again with Leigh, Dave and Jeremy in close pursuit. Jeremy got past Dave for third and then almost caught Leigh, Ian showed his form and stayed ahead to the end.
Race 4 started well for event organiser Dave Patrick, who lead to the last mark of the first lap before the excitement got too much and with a banging gust took another swim. Local sailor Steve Swinchatt found form, moving up from fourth to take second place from Ian with Leigh taking the bullet for the second time.
With Ian and Leigh on level points the last race win for Leigh Riddell gained him the Broadwater SC trophy for the second year running. Congratulations to Leigh and thanks to the travellers and to Broadwater SC for another smooth and well catered event (hic).
Overall Results: (top three)
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Phantom HD Sails/Ceildeh Midlands Traveller Series at Chase Sailing Club
by Mike Webster 17 Oct 17:11 BST9 October 2022
The penultimate event of the Phantom 'HD Sails/Ceildeh' Midlands Traveller Series was help at Chase Sailing Club. With the forecast predicting high winds and gusts of 30 knts, the windguru fraternity were clearly not tempted, a lower than average series turnout with only five home and five visiting boats.
The day turned out to be less extreme, however the south westerly direction created very gusty and shifty conditions for all.
The Race Officer, ex Phantom sailor Alex Walton set short lines and weaving courses around the lake for the three race event.
Race 1
The sailors got off to a clean start as the gusts pounded the boats up the first beat. Mike Webster - Northampton SC rounded first closely followed by new boy to the Phantom class Adam Froggatt - Chase SC and Duncan Adams - Attenborough SC. The fleet zigzagged down the lake with the front three boats pushing each other into a growing lead. Adam pressing downwind squeezed past to take pole position at the leeward mark with Mike having to complete penalty turns for a 'minor' altercation also letting Duncan through. The beats proved tricky with seemingly no pattern to the extreme shifts and gusts with the left, right and centre all having gains and losses. After several laps the finish at the end of the run saw Adam holding onto first place with Mike pulling back to second and Duncan claiming third.
Race 3
With the wind and gusts strengthening some of the fleet remained ashore. Rob reveling in the tricky conditions happy with his choice of his flat sail leading at the first mark stretching out a small gap from Adam and Josh. The longest race of the day providing some breathtaking reaches and challenging upwind legs. With Rob clear ahead the shorten course was sounded on the final run to the leeward mark, but with one final twist he slowed in a lull allowing Adam and Josh to scream down on one of the days extreme gusts. The finish line had all three boats spread bow to bow but Rob held on by his finger nails with Adam and Josh claiming second and third in a photo finish.
Congratulation to Adam for winning in his first month of Phantom sailing fresh out of his Solo, clearly enjoying the exhilarating ride in his new boat. Definitely one to be watch in future events.
Thanks to Chase Sailing Club for providing an interesting day's racing in difficult conditions providing a friendly welcome to the visitors.
Thanks also to HD Sails and Ceildeh carbon spars for their sponsorship of the event as part of the 2023 Midlands series.
The class is looking forward to the final event and prize-giving which will be held at Burton Sailing Club on the 23rd October.
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Phantom HD Sails/ Ceildeh Midlands Series 2022 final two events in October
by Mike Webster 1 Oct 13:45 BST9 & 23 October 2022
Richard Nurse during the Phantom Midlands Traveller Series 2021 finale at Burton © Phil Base
The Phantom Midlands Traveller Series, having had a short break over the summer months, concludes in October with its final two events at Chase Sailing Club and Burton Sailing Club.
- Chase Sailing Club - 9th October Entry online only - closing date 7th October - www.chasesc.org.uk/event/723947
- Burton Sailing Club - 23rd October NOR/SI's to be advised#
With thirty eight boats taking part in the series so far and represented from nineteen different clubs, the top of the leader board is dominated by Rob Cook from Northampton SC who has sailed all five events to date. Fresh from his 5th overall placing at the Nationals 'in form' Rob will be feeling confident to close off the series in top spot.
Richard Sims - Carsington SC also having completed a full complement of events with consistent results lies in second place, with Jim Hopton - Shustoke SC in third.
However the final two events in October brings in the shake up of the discards, which could make for some interesting changes.
Also one to watch is 'in form' Josh Hyland - Chase SC who finished 9th overall at the Nationals who will be wanting to capitalize on home turf in early October as will the other Chase locals. But Josh can only post four results if he sails the last two events, he'll be kicking himself he didn't travel earlier in the season.
The south west Bowmoor posse are sure to make a come back if they've got enough brownie points in the bank and hopefully with the events being close to the northern clubs they too will be tempted to make the journey south on the M6 to infiltrate the midlands series. If the events are on John Evans - Derwant Water SC '2022 tour list' he'll be there for sure. The strong showing at the Nationals from 'Team Northampton' with be pushing for a great finish to the series as will 'Classic' challenger Mike Blunt who's finally found a home at Nottingham SC.
It's the last chance to get your hands on the much sought after HD Sails/Ceildeh tee shirts, you don't have to be on the podium to win one, just the highest placed finisher who hasn't yet received one in the series.
Current Placings after Five Events:
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