The  ‘Phantom’ 50th Anniversary year round up

With 2021 coming to a close it seems fitting that we reflect back on a unforgettable year of Phantom’ing and the class’s celebration of fifty wonderful years of the Phantom.
It all began in the late 1960’s when good friends Brian Taylor and Paul Wright, co-designers, got together through their love of boats and sailing…… and hence the birth of the Phantom

Betty Taylor (class secretary for the first 10 years) reflects back to the days when it all began…..

“Many times Brian and Paul had discussed their ideal singlehander;  In 1969, they started making cardboard models and adjusted them until they got one that looked right.  During the winter of 1970/ 71, Brian took the plunge and started to build.  He spent hours in the garage; there were SOSs to Paul to come over when snags arose and there were nights when all our electric fires were rushed into the garage to heat up the boat, which was under sheets of plastic, to make resin ‘go off’.  Brian bought a secondhand sail when on a caravanning holiday  and also bought a length of mast extrusion; when we tried to load it on to the top of the car it hit the caravan so he had to hack a piece off so that we could get it home without damaging the van.  Thankfully it was long enough when he made the mast.  

Paul Wright – Buckenham Ferry

Finally, in May 1971, the great day came and what was to be the Phantom prototype was launched at Buckenham Ferry.  Brian had intended it as a ‘one-off’ for himself, but when Paul saw it sailing he realised it could have good commercial possibilities.  He made the second boat and slightly modified the deck layout to make it easier to build from a kit or plans. 

Choosing a name proved difficult. One Sunday both families gathered at Paul’s house, armed with lists of names and dictionaries.  Several ideas were tried, but it was not until ‘Phantom’ was suggested that we could all agree.  During the summer of 1971 the two boats were taken to several sailing venues and were enthusiastically received by all who tried them. 

It was first shown at the Crystal Palace in 1972 and by the September enough boats had been built to hold the first championships at Oulton Broad. 

Our first National Champion was Peter Shanks - No.11 from Reading Sailing Club.  During the same weekend the inaugural meeting of the Phantom Class Association was held on 19^th September.  Brian was in the Chair and read the proposed Constitution and Rules; after some discussion the one- design class rules were adopted.

The families of Brian and Paul still have reassuringly close links with the class and help provide the heart warming continuity from its birthplace to current times.  In 2009 an agreement was made to share the mandate to approve any changes to the external dimensions of the hull or sail plan, with the Association having sole rights for other class design changes.

 Moira Nash daughter of Brian Taylor says……

“I felt it was a milestone in the boat and Association coming of age, as it ensures that those who sail the boat have a key say in the key decisions.”

Since its original wood ‘stitch and glue’ build process the class has had several builders involved over the years. Vandercraft being the early GRP builders and now with the Epoxy design, Ovington Boats provide the all epoxy solution with James Jarvey Boats developing the epoxy/wood combination. The advancement from metal to carbon rig has also made significant changes to the performance of the boat, enabling a broader range of crew weights using the ever advancing flexible carbon masts and super stiff booms together with a range of high quality sail design from many of the leading sail lofts.

In 2021….

 The  Phantom Class wanted to make 2021 a special year to commemorate the 50^th Anniversary with regional traveller series in the North, Midlands, Southern and South East, together with a National Regattas series and our National Championships in September.

The  crazy Covid year did have a negative impact on some of the early season when the country was in lockdown and restrictions on travel.

The Regional Series were inevitably disrupted, particularly in the North and Southern regions with only two out of the five planned event taking place. In the slightly reduced Eastern region, Bob Portway from Royal Harwich Y.C.  won the series.   The South East Series completed five out of the planned six events with Chris Shelton from Downs S.C. topping the table and the Midland Series also managed to complete four out of the five planned events with Charlie Chandler from Bowmoor S.C. taking home the chocolates.  

The Regatta Series provided the opportunity for sailors to travel further afield where one event was held in each region.  Ian Stone from  Maidenhead S.C. was crowned regatta champion.

The Inland Championships hosted by Northampton Sailing Club in June were sailed in very light wind conditions with a great turnout of 34 boats. The popular winner of this years championship was Simon Hawkes from Castle Cove S.C

The National Championships help in September at Stone Sailing Club in the south east of England was sailed over a glorious Indian summer long weekend of sun and breeze ending in a huge thunderstorm during the prize giving !

A near record entry of seventy-six boats provided a spectacular sight and was keenly competed over seven races, across three days.

The depth of talent within the fleet ranging from some of the more experienced sailors to a growing number of younger sailors provided an exciting and challenging event. Probably one of the closest results in recent years, with only three points separating the top four places.  It was also great to see that you don’t necessarily need a new boat to be at the front of the fleet !

Congratulation to Ian stone from Maidenhead S.C. in win his first Phantom Nationals.

1^st  Place   1280 - Ian Stone  Maidenhead S.C.                    23pts

2^nd Place   1456 - Andy Couch  Blithfield S.C.                     24pts

3^rd Place    1270 - Charlie Chandler  Bowmoors S.C.        24pts

4^th Place    1312  - Lawrence Crispin  Stone S.C.                25pts

Ian Stone 2021 National Champion

The Team Trophy for the National was won by the home club – Stone Sailing Club.

A huge part of the enjoyment of Phantom sailing is the friendly social side of the fleet, the enjoyment of meeting friends from across the country, having fun and talking about sailing. The 70’s themed night at the National Championships with some interesting dress code !

There is a natural cross fertilization of knowledge by sailors, always wanting to improve their boat speed and sailing . However the class initiated a number of popular training days, which were tagged onto open events this year. Where the more experienced sailors were able to impart their knowledge and pass on valuable boat tuning and on water skills and techniques.

Despite the obvious down sides to 2021… there have been a number of positives; Our realization of getting back to basics, the enjoyment of being in the outdoors and the physical and mental benefits of exercise. Sailing has been one of the winners in sport with the joy of being in the fresh air and away from the restrictions of everyday life. Phantom sailing has certainly gained in popularity, with an increase in sailors from a wider age range. This was partly due to the restrictions of double handed sailing in the early part of the year, but once you’ve sailed a Phantom it’s difficult to change. So much so that the the second hand market went crazy in the summer months with  buyers  being gazumped !! The Phantom boats sales  market remains extremely buoyant and points to a bright future for the class.

Class Association Chairman Phil Longley comments…….

“With a difficult 2020 and having to cancel the nationals that year, the committee was hoping for a better 2021, as we all know lockdowns hampered early events, but a brilliant turn out for the inlands and a truly unexpected 76 boats at the nationals, at my home club, new boats being made and second hand boats not hanging about for long it really shows the class is thriving and building on the last 50 years, with a full calendar and an nationals at another class favorite of Lyme Regis 2022 is lining up to be another epic year.”

Looking forward to 2022.  Plans are well underway within the regions to finalize their traveller series and with popular multi class regattas, the Inland Championships at Draycote Water S.C. over the weekend of the 9^th/10^th July and the National Championships fixed for the 16^th-18^th September at Lyme Regis, 2022 is looking to be another great year to sail the  Phantom.

Happy New Year and here’s to a Phantastic 2022

Early Christmas present for Phantom Sailors

Phantom sailors are in for a treat in 2022 with the new Midlands Travellers Series being recently finalized. After the success of this year’s series, which saw 44 competitors taking part, the aim is to build on the already popular events in the midlands, adding some new venues for 2022.

The class is delighted to yet again partner with sponsors HD Sails and Ceilidh who are one of the leading Phantom sail and carbon rig combinations. Together HD Sails and Ceilidh have come up with a new mast section for the Phantom. ‘Just like the Merlin mast development, the Phantom mast has brought a narrower sectioned teardrop shape with an integrated track. The new section boom boast 50% more stiffness than the traditional oval boom. Combining with the established HD sail completes the package.’

The Phantom Midlands Traveller Series, due to it’s central location and dare I say it’s reputation for good racing attracts not just local sailors but also boats from neighbouring regions.  The programme of mainly one day events has something for everyone. If you’ve not yet taken part in any open meeting previously, why not try out some of the great venues up for offer in 2022. There is a mix of abilities and it’s a great way to learn from some of the regulars who are a friendly bunch, keen to offer advice and support in boat set up and on the water tactics.  

This years series winner Charlie Chandler (pic.top right), from Bowmoor Sailing Club reflects….

“After all the Covid rubbish and lockdown the 2021 Midlands Traveller Series was just what I wanted. Single day events, all relatively close to home, great racing and good turnouts. I only got a Phantom 12 months ago, so it was good to get to speak to different people about how they sail the boat, how they rig it and what their in-boat priorities are. I loved how welcoming and open the people were and after all the virtual working it was great being with groups of people face to face……. all with a love of Phantom’ing ”

With Christmas just around the corner, new season isn’t that far away and it’s set to be a cracker !!

With lots of midland clubs wanting to get involved in 2022** it has been difficult putting together the perfect selection box of events, but with good feedback from this years participants, hopefully we have a blend to suit all. Best five results from seven events.

HD/Ceilidh  Phantom Midlands Traveller Series 2022

Why not make a news years resolution to travel more in 2022 !!

 ** Full Listings of 2022 Phantom Open Meetings will be listed as they become available

Happy Christmas and a Phantastic New Year

Mike Webster

Midlands Area Representative

'Optimum Time' - Phantom South East Traveller Series 

The Optimum Time Phantom South East Traveller Series concluded recently with the final event at Broadwater SC. Back in 2020 the class decided to split the rather large Southern region into smaller South East and South West sections. However Covid-19 meant that all Open events in 2020 were cancelled, so 2021 was the first season for the new South East Series.

Unfortunately Covid travelling restrictions were still in place at Easter 2021 which forced the cancellation of the first event at Shoreham SC. Restrictions were eased in May which meant that the event at Downs SC became the Open Meeting of the series. Conditions were extremely mixed with the wind dropping to nothing during the first race on Saturday afternoon, swiftly followed by torrential rain. With all of the competitors drifting backwards on the tide towards Dover the Race Officer had no choice but to abandon and arrange for the fleet to be towed home. Sunday morning dawned with a Southerly F5 and a rising forecast. It was just possible to get 2 quick races in before the conditions became too extreme. Local sailor Chris Shelton took the honours, followed by Nick Mason from Island Barn SC in second place and Clive Morley from Minnis Bay SC in third.

June saw the fleet travel further east for the first ever Phantom event at the picturesque Broadstairs SC. A F2 Northerly on Saturday produced very close racing between the 9 strong fleet. Sunday morning dawned without a breath, but after a short postponement the breeze started to build and the fleet ventured afloat. Again the racing was very close with places changing throughout the fleet as the wind gradually built during the day. At the end it was John Wayling from Northampton SC in first place, followed by Chris Shelton (Downs SC) second and Tim Denby (Broadstairs SC) third.

Following a summer break, the fleet re-convened at Lee-on-the-Solent SC at the beginning of September. Held jointly with the club’s annual Regatta, it was another light wind weekend for the Phantom sailors. Nick Orman had the best day on Saturday afternoon with 2 firsts and a second, and all of the sailors enjoyed a Regatta dinner in the club’s brand new clubhouse overlooking the Solent. With similar conditions on the Sunday, this time it was Chris Shelton with the best speed closely follow by Leigh Riddell. Further down the fleet the racing was again close with a number of different helms achieving top 3 finishes. At the prizegiving (again in the new clubhouse) it was Chris Shelton in first place, Nigel King (Lymington Town SC) in second and Martin Watts (Netley SC) third.

The fifth event of the series was to have been at Felpham SC at the beginning of October. However with gale force winds and heavy rain forecast for the weekend the decision was rightly made to cancel the event in advance to avoid people from travelling needlessly.

The final event of the series was held at Broadwater SC later in October. The only inland venue of the series attracted the best entry of 17 boats, with sailors traveling from Kent, Suffolk and Hampshire to join the strong local fleet. Once again the sailors arrived to no wind and a short postponement. However the wind slowly built and the Race Officer managed to get in 4 races during the day. Being inland, the racing was even closer than at the coastal venues with plenty of place changes during all of the races. However local knowledge obviously paid off with Leigh Riddell (Broadwater SC) taking first overall with an impressive 3 wins out of 4 races. In second place was Bob Portway from Royal Harwich YC with Nigel King from Lymington Town SC third.

Overall the series attracted 30 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 Optimum Time who donated watches as prizes for the overall results. Consistency of attendance certainly 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, Dave Patrick (Broadwater SC) second and Paddy Denby (Broadstairs SC) third.

HD Sails/Ceildeh  Phantom Midland Traveller Series

Burton Sailing Club 23rd October 2021 – Finale’

Burton Sailing Club hosted the final event of the Phantom Midland Traveller series this year. It was all close at the top of the placings leading into this event with Charlie Chandler (Bowmoor S.C.) currently topping the series by one point from Mike Webster (Northampton S.C.) closely followed by Jim Hopton (Shustoke S.C.)

Burton welcomed the visitors joining the home club boats and put together a tidy set of four races in testing gusty and shifty conditions.
Race one saw the much improved Tom ‘hotdog’ Gissane (Bowmoor S.C.)with his new HD Sail still warm form the sail loft, lead most of the race with lots of action and changing places behind him in very close racing. However Charley pulled through on the down wind leg to take the line with Tom in second and Mike managing third in front of Ollie Hopkins (Bowmoor S.C.) desperately wanting to stop a 1,2,3 from Bowmoor !

Race two followed back to back with a change to the course and saw Charlie lead the fleet with Mike closely chasing him round the race track. Richard Nurse (Northampton S.C.) and Jim Hopton (ShustokeS.C.) also had there own battle in third and forth. Mike managed to sniff out a cheeky shift on the last beat to pull into the lead and take line honors with Charlie, Richard and Jim following.

After brief lunch, races three and four got underway with Charlie showing his pace ahead of Jim, with Tom again showing his new boat speed…. One two three in that order.

The final race was dominated by Richard who lead from start to finish pushing him up the results with Charlie another consistent second and Steve Ward ( Bartley S.C.) ghosting past Mike on the last run to the finish.

Barton SC – Overall
1st -  Charlie Chandler  (Bowmoor S.C.)
2nd - Richard Nurse (Northampton S.C.)
3rd  - Mike Webster (Northampton S.C.)

The overall series amended from five events to four, has now been completed which has seen 44 entrants and a core group of sailors competing in most of the regional events.
Congratulations to Charlie Chandler for winning the 2021 Midland Traveller Series title for 2021



A full set of results can be seen on the Phantom Website : http://www.phantomclass.org.uk

A special thanks must go to all those who travelled to the events from outside the region as far away as the Lake District, North Yorkshire and the South West…. Well done you guys,  you know who you are !

Most notable improved sailors of the series has to go to three individuals who are all new to the class this year,  Matt Velamail – Beaver S.C. , Tom ‘hotdog’ Gissane – Bowmoor S.C. and Evan Base – Midland S.C.

Also our thanks to HD Sails and Ceildeh carbon masts for their continued support and kind sponsorship of the series this year.

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Phantom ‘50^th Anniversary’ National Championships – 2021

sponsored by Allen and Seabrook Developments

Notice Of Race - Click Here

The Phantom Class commemorates it’s 50^th anniversary this year, originally launching onto the sailing scene in 1971. The memorable year of decimalization when Clint Eastwood starred as Dirty Harry “do you feel lucky…. punk “, Rod Stewart was singing Maggie May on Top of the Pops and a pint of beer cost a whopping 16p…… 3s-3d in old money!!

Paul Wright and Brian Taylor the designers of the Phantom dinghy wanted to produce a single hander that was exciting to sail, easily managed and affordable to build. This design concept not only produced on all these points but has also stood the test of time against many modern designs and still remains one of the most popular single-handed classes.

The one design performance single hander has a hard chine with a deep ‘v’ bow and flat aft section making it a joy to sail upwind and thrilling to sail off wind with its easy planning and stable shape. The light weight hull (61 kg) has progressed through all forms of construction from wood, GRP to the now super stiff composite epoxy sandwich. The new lightweight carbon rig also provides the opportunity for a wider range of crew weights.

The Phantom has been a prominent single hander over the last 50 years even with stiff competition from other modern designs and the class has continued to grow and has seen a surge in popularity in recent times. It not only provides a great and competitive sailing experience but the class the prides itself on being a friendly and social group, always supporting and encouraging new members and keen to party.

To help make 2021 a special year celebrating the classes 50^th anniversary, a national regatta series has been introduced with four events spread across different regions of the country and a special National Championships in September which will be going back to its roots in the south east of England.

The class are please to announce the 2021 Phantom National Championships will be hosted by Stone Sailing club between the 17^th-19^th September and are delighted to again partner with headline sponsors Allen Bros of Southminster in Essex, who are no stranger to the Phantom Class and have over the years, been keen supporters for Phantom sailing across the country. The Allen Brothers company has grown in the past 60 years plus, to become a major exporter, selling high-performance sailing hardware to the UK and the rest of the world. The event is also sponsored by Seabrook Developments  from South Hanningfeild which is a  Construction company building on over 25 years’ experience that provides building services to the food processing industry. 

Entries are already close to 70 boats and sailors are looking forward to a long weekend of festivities and close racing with some familiar faces in the line up together with a few new ones to shake up the fleet. The event is such a draw there is even ex national champions that last sailed the boat nearly 10 years ago throwing their hat in the ring, but, who knows we could be looking at a new name on the trophy this year.

For those keen to get started early, Thursday will see some on and off the water training, measuring and tweaking and of course the traditional Thursday night curry and a few pints ….. unfortunately not at 16p !

Friday brings the start of the Championships with registration, briefing followed by two back to back races, not forgetting the obligatory AGM and evening meal. 

Saturday morning commences with Champagne breakfast (sponsored by Seabrook Developments) then back to business on the water with 4 races. The evening will see a 50^th Anniversary Championship three course dinner in 70’s style dress.

Sunday starts with bacon rolls and the final day of racing with the overall prize giving to follow.

Although the discounted entry has been missed, its still not too late to enter and join in what will be an epic event

Our thanks to our sponsors :

Headline Sponsor - Allen Bros  - ‘lots of sailing stuff’

Headline Sponsor - Seabrook Developments Champagne Breakfast, special phantom anniversary wine.

Designers family Wright and Taylor – 50^th Anniversary trophy

Age group and classic boat prizes

If anyone has a spare boat and happy to lend out please get in touch with the class, as there are lots who would keen to take part in this special event.

With a busy weekend ahead if anyone is attending but not sailing or can pop along we could always do with volunteers to help with launching/ recovery or on the safety boats, if you can help in anyway then let us know

All we need now is a great forecast to make the championship even more amazing celebrating Phifty Phantastic Years  !