Phantom Open Hunts SC 2006
The picture could have been described as serene, tranquil or even at a push picturesque. Such was the lack of a breeze and mirror image reflections that greeted the 11 sailors at Hunts SC for their Phantom Open meeting on Saturday 22nd April. Hunts SC provided 7 boats with the visitors travelling from Wilsonian, Haversham, North Herts, East Beds and RYA.
Not an ideal start to the day, however the Race Officer set what course he could with the gentle drift of air. The hope was that at least one of the legs of the figure of eight course would produce a beat, and that all points of sailing would be experienced by the competitors. Little did they expect to experience all points on one leg!!!
In the first race, on the first beat most boats were probably able to claim they had the lead and it wasn’t until the end of the second leg that a distinct leader emerged, Andy Couch of the RYA. Amongst the rest of the fleet the positions appeared to change frequently but Richard Parkin of Hunts SC managed to secure second spot, leaving the rest to fight it out for the remaining positions. In the search for the wind, some found it on one leg and improved their position only to lose out on the next leg – it was a frustrating race
After lunch, race 2 proved to be no different in weather conditions or levels of frustration. Andy Couch again found enough wind to take the lead, and the trailing fleet were at one stage five abreast at the leeward mark – the cause of much conversation!
Race three started in similarly light conditions but Richard Parkin managed to take the lead away from Andy and retained it, whilst again the rest of the fleet again jostled for position.
Whilst many went home with at least a start of a suntan, the desire had been for more wind, alas it didn't appear & there's always next year.
1st Andy Couch (RYA)
2ndRichard Parkin (Hunts SC
3rd Andy Shipp (Hunts SC)
4th Gordon Banning (Haversham)