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YouTube footage by@BSCWeather (posted by Jeremy Deacon)
Broadwater Sailing Club hosted the final round of the 2023 Phantom South East Traveller Series on Saturday 7th October. The weather was unseasonably warm with a south westerly wind which varied between 3 and 8 mph. 8 visitors joined 7 boats from the home fleet to give a total of 15 boats on the water.
The races were started from a rather short line set between one of the club pontoons and the adjacent island. Getting a good start and mastering the first short beat tended to be critical and a lot of the time it was the boat that was first round the windward mark that went on to win the race. For Race 1 this was Bill Taylor who went on to finish a good way ahead of the fleet. Local sailor Jeremy Deacon was second and Chris Shelton third.
In Race 2 it was Jim Hopton’s turn to get the first beat right and sail away from the rest of the fleet. The wind had dropped slightly for this race and was proving to be very shifty in places and this, together with the wind shadows behind the islands resulted in various place changes during the race. Local knowledge must have paid off, as at the finish it was Jeremy Deacon in second place again and Brian Deacon third.
Race 3 was sailed in very similar conditions to Race 2, and the result was similar. Jim Hopton was again first, Jeremy Deacon second and another Broadwater boat, Tim Davies, third.
The wind had increased slightly for the final race and this time it was Jeremy Deacon first around the windward closely followed by Chris Shelton. These two places remained the same until the finish. Further behind, Bill Taylor was obviously getting too hot and decided to fall out of his boat to cool down. Meanwhile, after a poor first beat, Jim Hopton was working his way through the fleet to eventually finish third.
When the points were tallied up, there was a tie for the first two places, but on count back the winner was Jeremy Deacon. The organisation by Broadwater SC was impeccable and all competitors enjoyed a sandwich tea before travelling home.
Well, "That's a wrap" as they say in Pinewood, the Tinsel Town of the south of England. Up here in Abersoch, on the beautiful Llyn Peninsular (which surely, must have been used as a film set in the past?) the lights have been turned off, the dollies dismantled and the scraps of cut tape brushed off the editing room floor.
Luckily, the important tape was safely in the can - 5 races sailed over 2 days of mixed conditions allowing every one to shine for the cameras. No excuses - we had great race management and superb, friendly hospitality from everyone here at the South Caernarvonshire YC.
The fleet rose today to see a glorious 15-18 knots blowing in the bay - massaging sore muscles and ruing that "Just one more beer" the night before. Who could have predicted then, 'THE ONE' "Not normally like this" combination of the Easterly wind direction and high spring tide that made it impossible for the launches to safely come alongside the club jetty to take the race management and safety boat volunteers out to their boats on the offshore moorings?
A postponement for an hour simply delayed the inevitable with large waves still crashing on a totally water covered stone jetty under the club balcony.
"Cut" was called, A over P hoisted and the Prize Giving organised in the cub bar, allowing those who were leaving a more leisurely drive home to the four corners of the UK and N. Ireland.
The results stay the same as the night before with Harry Briddon, after a 2year sojourn from the class, taking a very well earned and popular victory. His score line belies his achievement - it wasn't easy and his races were hard won - even he reported sore legs after yesterday's hiking - hope for us all!
Second was Nick Orman (Note to self - name Spelling?). A previous young firebrand in the class, he displayed immense sailing maturity and consistency to recover from a broken kicker in Race 2 to continue to fight to the silver step of the podium.
On the bronze step of the podium(but standing equally tall) was man-mountain, Martin Watts. I predicted a possible win from him before this event started and he nearly did it - who knows what a further 2 races in 15-18 knots today might have brought?
"Magic" Mike Webster took fourth and the Vets prize along with it and in 5th was rising star from the South-West, Jon Rickard. Extremely fast in the wind when he could utilise his long levers, I'm sure a winter of working on his downwind technique will see him on the podium very soon.
That's it for now - I'm sure there will be a full report with who did what, shift by shift and tack by tack, bar karate but I'm off the SCYC Bar to watch the rugby. The Welsh won last night - now it's time for England to shine in the glow of the Cherry Blossoms - wish me luck!
The show is over for the Phantom Nationals 2023 - long live Sunderland Phantom Nationals 2024!
After an hour's postponement for lack of wind and a hold on shore to allow The Rock Triathlon and a paddle board race to finish on the beach, the fleet sailed out into a building ENE wind eventually reaching 12knts for the start of Race 3.
Pin end bias spread the fleet down the line with Briddon popping out clear ahead, tacking off the right to pick up a nice lifting breeze on the starboard lay-line into the first windward mark. He wasn't challenged from there with Martin Watts, Mike Webster and Nick Oram fighting for the podium places. Boring Briddon took another bullet.
The wind continued to build to 14/15knots for races 4 and 5 with 7-10degree, regular shifts and nice building swell waves. Finally, proper sea sailing that the Phantom revels in!
Briddon led round the course in Race 4 only to cross the finish line to silence at the end of long, alternating, two windward - leeward and 1 triangle laps. This gave the win to fast improving Jon Rickard (Hooe Point SC, Plymouth) who is blistering fast upwind in breeze. The medium to strong winds brought a new crop of sailors into the front of the fleet with Mike Tustin, Duncan Adams, Adam Froggat and Richard Cumberbatch all showing consistent speed to challenge the established class performers.
Race 5 saw normal service resumed with Briddon taking another well-deserved win. His upwind speed and tactics can't be faulted and he works hard on the waves upwind and down- all skills he no doubt learned sailing a Finn in the GB squad in a previous life.
The entire fleet revelled in the perfect angle, high-speed surfing plane back to the beach pushing exhausted hiking muscles for one last grinning buzz!
It was fantastic to see the entire fleet, including the winners rally round to help everyone onto trolleys and ashore through the surf on the beach. This show of class support has been echoed down then fleet throughout the last two days. Simon Hawkes lent a mast to a fellow sailor to keep him sailing and Martin Watts showed his boat work skills to fix Nick Oram's kicker to enable him to keep fighting for the overall podium.
Earlier during the pre-race postponement / hold on the beach, tension gauges and tape and rig set up tutorials were given, helping new sailors to fleet get to grips with the complexities of the very adjustable Phantom rig. Great to see.
Tonight, sees the Daily Prizegiving and Class AGM squeezed in around the WC Rugby (apparently, Religion no up here in Wales this evening?). That's followed by a Pie & Mash Supper for all the fleet, volunteers and supporters.
Tomorrow sees the fleet tackle the final two races in similar conditions to today. I'm no mathematician but I'm not sure Harry Briddon can't be beaten. However, the increased breeze has really opened up the top 20 so everyone has skin in the game tomorrow. Watch this space!
50 boats went to the line in 10-14kts SSW for day one of the Phantom Nationals. PRO Mike Crompton set 2 W/L courses, squeezing a 2 lap second race in with a fading breeze.
After a 2 year absence from the class, Harry Briddon (Ogston SC) started where he left off, winning both races in commanding style.
He was pushed hard in each race by Rob Cook from (Northampton SC) and Martin Watts (Netley SC) who currently sit in 2nd and 3rd overall.
Class legends Mike Webster and Titch Wayling, both from Northampton SC complete the top 5, Titch clearly benefitting from a summer of big fleet racing at the OK Class Worlds.
In both races, the wind threatened to shift hard right as the breeze faded but the left, with a lifting port tack approach to the WW mark kept coming good. With the wind reducing to 8kts for Race 2, many competitors struggled to find the rare streaks of backing pressure across the course.
It's also great to see so many new sailors in the class with so much support, tuning and sailing advice being freely offered to bring everyone up to speed. The strong fleet of 50 boats have travelled from as far afield as Northern Ireland, Scotland and Guernsey.
4 races are planned for tomorrow in potentially 15-20knots southerly.
This evening, the fleet are enjoying the Commodore's Reception and Class Curry night at the South Caernarvonshire YC, fuelling up for tomorrow's extra race.
Starting this Friday (16th September) and running until Sunday, the Phantom Class are visiting Lyme Regis Sailing Club for this year's National Championships. Here is a guide to the Runners & Riders from my inside source in the fleet.
With last year's National Champion, Ian Stone, not yet entered we will have a new National Champion this year so it's wide open.
In no particular order:
The Denby Brothers - Broadstairs SC
Like an East End gangster film, these two must always be mentioned in the same breath. Blistering quick when they think they're sailing the 'right' boat or have an unbreakable Dutch mast, they are always up there at the first windward mark.
Beware though, if you meet them in the bar, especially with their "muscle" side-kick Stewart Jarvis - they will make sure you'll not sail the next morning without a hangover!
Bob Portway - Royal Harwich YC
The unassuming "Grey man" from the East. Tall, thin and light - no one works harder upwind & down, with a very smart head. With light-moderate, shifty, offshore winds predicted he will be right up there. Second at the recent Eastern Championships at Burnham on Crouch, I predict, Bob will win this year's Veterans prize. A definite top ten for sure - could easily be in the top 3 if the youngsters don't hike hard.
Richard Nurse - Northampton SC
My Bookie has heard he's blisteringly quick and also been working on his boat - no doubt adding P&B go faster goodness! Part of the Northampton posse, another winner this year in an Eastern Region muddy ditch, he has raw speed and a lake sailor's mindset which will suit the anticipated offshore conditions. Young and fit, my bookie says top three but don't get caught over the line with that hair colour!
John "Titch" Wayling - Northampton SC
What more can be said that hasn't already been said about this "Giant" of a sailor. Another of the Northampton posse, he's got good upwind speed across the range and starts reasonably well. A strong second at Lee on Solent. Watch out for him on the runs (and go with him) as he heads off on the opposite gybe - guaranteed to reach the mark 10 places ahead if you don't follow. My bookie says 5-10th.
All-round, multi-class champion and coach, he'll never start with a hangover. Good all-round speed, excellent boat handling and tactically sound. He may not be there from the start but I guarantee he'll be there inside the top ten by the end of every race. Relentless, like a dog with a juicy bone, Nigel is very hard to shake off. If he has a good weekend, a top 5 for sure!
Olly Hopkins - Bowmoor SC
Another pond sailor my bookie has never met but he's sailed in the class so long he can do it blind folded. Fast, an ideal Phantom bod (allegedly!) and another puddle sailor, he should appear in the top 10 in most races, especially given the forecast.
Mike Webster - Northampton SC
The aged assassin - smiles a lot, behaves like a gent off the water and a honed killer on it! Don't be deceived - You think you've got rid of him up the beat but he still smiles at you as he tacks inside and ahead at the weather mark. He's got a great all-round game, not many weaknesses and I'd be surprised if he finishes lower than 10th. Big contender to Bob Portway for the Vets prize (along with Graham Dale Jones if it's light winds).
Richard Simms - Carsington Water SC
Mike Webster's assassin apprentice - traveling the country to learn from the Master and the rest of the Northampton posse. Another pond sailor well suited to the forecast, he's always there. If it's not too windy - inside the top 10 - if it is windy, then just outside.
Simon Heusen - Lyme Regis SC
The local favourite and another good all-round competitor. At POSH in May he was very consistent and up there most of the time. He'll be keen to perform in front of the home crowd and keen to get home early to the club facilities following his Thursday evening Class curry night!
Stephen Popple - Shoreham SC
Very fast, particularly upwind in moderate conditions and good most of the rest of the time. Immaculately prepared boat, he's fast when he's enjoying himself. The winner at the Easter Shoreham open. Has the odd stinker which can throw him off his stride but if he gets his head stuck in, completes all the races, on a good day should make the top 5.
Martin Watts - Netley SC
Swapping three hulls for one, he's my bookie's top tip for this year's Champ! Fast upwind and down in all conditions, he'll be fully hiked and de-powering in 2-3 knots less wind than anyone else in the fleet - despite being a giant at 6'4" and 115kg! A top 5 finisher last year, he won Plymouth's Final Fling and Lee on Solent and my spies say he may have been privately training on the water since then.
Chris Shelton - Downs SC
The quiet man of the fleet and Mr Consistency. Another guy you can never shake off, he doesn't say much but let's his results do the talking. Winner at Broadstairs in breeze, second at Shoreham and 4th at Lee on Solent, he's particularly quick in the light, so well suited to the forecast. I think he'll make the top ten.
Mark Spruce - Lee on Solent SC
The big man from the emerging Lee on Solent fleet, he starts well, has good upwind speed and will hopefully make top ten at the weather mark in most races. After that he'll just hang on and hope not to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. That means hanging on downwind in the light and not capsizing downhill in the breeze!
Neil Boughton - Royal Western Yacht Club
Another man swapping big multi-hulls for a dinghy and the Round Britain & Ireland Race for a smaller round the cans, dinghy course. Consistently good at last year's Final Fling in Plymouth, his sailing brain will keep him competitive with this forecast.
Ed Child - Lee on Solent SC
Ed, another big yacht Captain, is swapping his twin, multi-thousand HP Super Charged Yacht diesels for his Phantom. After two months at sea he's keen, young & fit! A good all-rounder with excellent speed he's very good when his head is looking outside the boat. He'll be working hard to match his Dad's (Graham Child) record as Albacore World Champion in the mid-80s.
Rob Cook - Northampton SC
I can't see him on the list of entries but my bookie's snout says Rob has been seen practising in Lyme Regis for some time now. He would say that Rob is one of the in-form riders - a new boat, fast sailor, used to shifty puddle sailing (Northampton Posse), young (relatively!) and fit. As long as he chooses the right sail from his quiver (not the POSH development sail), he's in my top 3 and a contender for Champion!
Ian Stone - Maidenhead SC
Again, not seen on the Entry List but THE quiet man of the fleet and current National Champion. A master of every condition, he's recently changed sailmaker. Not so fast at POSH in May (his new sail's luff curve didn't look right on his stiff Selden S3 mast) he must have modified hi rig & sail as I see he cleaned up in July at Northampton. My bookie says top 3 and I agree.
Last notable addition:
Simon Hawkes - Castle Cove SC
Injured back, allegedly caused by lifting a wine bottle at last year's prize-giving, has kept Mr H off the water for most of the season. He's even building a spare parts boat for this event - expect it to have a Contender rudder blade and an Osprey boom but atleast he'll be on the water. Another class stalwarts who can do it blind folded, if his thighs can remember what a hiking strap is, he will be there or there abouts. Top 25 on the water, top 5 in the bar!
I understand Couchey is being taught how to sail properly by the Finn fleet? For a bit of light relief, he blitzed it in Abersoch this summer, so confidence should high if he turns up. A Master of the class, he'll be top 3 - hope to see him on the entry list and I will miss him demonstrating his light, downwind steering and trimming skills!
Nick Oram won POSH overall (all classes - 76 boats) as well as taking the Phantoms. Aggressive starter and lane holder off the line, pretty quick upwind, even quicker down. A definite top 3 if a) He turns up and b) He completes all the races even if he has a bad one! Currently parenting a young family, I'm sure hell turn up eventually when he's old and greying like the rest of us!
Harry Bridon - Bookie's snout says he's too busy playing with Lego Bricks?
So, that's the minor competition but what about the most important prize - the Team Club Prize?
Northampton Posse must be favourites but Lee on Solent are growing and the home team, Lyme Regis, look to have a good turnout, no doubt supported and cheered on by all those French Lieutenant's woman lining the Cobb. Bringing up the rear is the Creeksea Massive but I think they maybe be pushing for the OAP Club prize?
South Western Series - 'Coast Water Sports' @ Lee on Solent SC
by Gordon Kingston-Minnis 14/08/23 19.12
**ALL PICTURES COURTESY OF JAMIE ROBINSON
Phantom Open Meeting at Lee on The Solent SC on 12th &13th August 2023 sponsored by Rooster Sailing. The event was combined with Contenders, Blaze and the Solution Nationals. Saturday was aiming for a 1pm Start but with the wind blowing F6 and later F7 gusts, the start was delayed allowing for launching in difficult waves.
On the first beat Ian Stone (1280) powered over most of the fleet and took a shift to the right. Coming in from the left at the windward mark Martin Watts (1499) was just behind Ian, with Gordon (1465 & Author) 3rd, Chris Shelton (1491) 4th and Jeremy Deacon (1423) 5th. We were sailing a Triangle-Sausage course and the first reach was frankly a case of avoiding ploughing the bow into the large very short waves, Kevin Clarke of the Solution fleet has a video showing how not to do it! I had said I wasn’t going to gybe but hadn’t reckoned on being near the front, stupid boy. After several eskimo roles I had to be helped by the safety team and headed home. On the next beat Ian and Martin stayed close but part way down the run Ian stuck the bow into a wave and ended his race and weekend with boat damage and mast down. Martin took the win; Jeremy had been closing on Chris only to swim at the leeward buoy.
Race 1 - 1st 1499, 2nd 1491, 3rd 1423. Evening drinks and food at the club and watching England play Wales Sunday dawned with South Westerly 4 gusting 5 which built during the day. 4 races had been scheduled with the start time bought forward to 10am.
Race 2. First at the windward mark showing once again his blistering pace was Martin, followed by Gordon, Bill Taylor (1273) Chris, Jeremy and only able to sail Sunday, Adam Byford (1486). On the reaches I managed to close on Martin and Bill closed in on me. Second beat Martin pulled away again and Bill crossed me, then before the windward mark I managed to pass Bill and tacked tight on the RRstarboard lay line allowing for tide. Positions stayed like that until the finish. Race 2 - 1st 1499, 2nd 1465, 3rd 1273, 4th 1491.
Results: Race 3. Again Martin was leading at the windward mark followed by Gordon and Bill. Chris and Jeremy were close, and I didn’t see which of the two finished 4th.
Martin had held his distance on the chasing pack by the leeward mark and pulled away again up the beat. Bill and Gordon stayed close with Gordon just holding on at the windward mark only to relax for a minute and not watch Bill who gybed away and passed down the run never to be caught again despite my best efforts. Chris again 4th, Jeremy 5th, Adam 6th and joining us Dave Patrick (1303) 7th. Note two other LOSSC members had entered but thought better of it and helped as part of the beach team.
Race 4. First beat Martin followed by Bill, Gordon, Chris, Jeremy, and Adam. Wind now had picked up a notch. Positions stayed the same only until Bill after 2 laps decided to head in. I thought the race had ended pulled the rig back up eased kicker and slumped only to look upwind to see the Contenders on the top reach, this had allowed Chris, Jeremy and Adam to close. Luckily, I eased away up the beat and onto the reach which had got broader and was now a tricky angle to set yourself in the boat. Just before the gybe mark I buried the nose in a wave and capsized to windward. For me a quick roll and then righting and beached whale impression back into the boat. I carried on and chicken gybed and was bearing away just as Chris got to the mark. Had he gybed he would have got in front but no, sensible guy that he is, he followed my fine example of seamanship allowing me to hang on for second. Race 4 - 1st 1499, 2nd 1465, 3rd 1491, 4th 1423.
The race team who had done an excellent job in difficult conditions decided that both we and them had had enough and sent us all ashore. At the shore on both days the competitors from all fleets worked with the beach team to ensure all boats and safety boats were recovered safely.
Thanks must go to Peter Weeks, Commodore Race Officer, and the large band of volunteers that it takes to run open meetings. Prize giving in our Phantastic club house hosted by Kathryn Clarke of the Solution fleet.
Results: Martin 1st 1499 Gordon 2nd 1465 Chris 3rd 1423
