Round one of the Exmoor Ales Phantom Southern Series at Wimbleball S.C.

March 19th. 2011
The first round of the Phantom Southern Series kindly sponsored for the second successive season by Exmoor Ales got off to a great start at picturesque Wimbleball Lake on March 19th. Fourteen visitors joined three local boats and prepared their boats under clear blue skies with a sun already imbued with early season warmth. The only slight concern was the capricious nature of the gentle breeze. Race Officer Ken Heap was unfazed however and set an ambitious triangle / sausage course, and race one commenced at the scheduled time.
With everybody keen to make a good start the relatively short start line was a busy place. Simon Hawkes appeared to get the jump, but on hearing a second sound signal adjudged himself to be over and took the safe option of going back. The remainder meanwhile, making the best of what was a fitful breeze, headed towards the distant windward mark. Pete Barnstable got there first with Simon making up ground in second
slot. The wind had now eased right off and while the lead two returned down the course the rest of the fleet struggled to make the windward mark. Simon overtook Pete mid race and that’s how they finished. Mark Weston took third slot with Alex Fastenedge forth.
After a splendid all inclusive lunch the fleet took to the water for two back to back races. Race Officer Ken shortened the course and with the breeze now filled in a fairer contest seemed likely. After the usual snakes and ladders of the first beat Simon, Gavin Young, Mark and Nick Orman broke clear of the field. Simon was harried by Gavin but held on to the finish. Mark and Nick tussled for third position with Mark taking the spot at the finish.
The final race had another course tweak, this time an extra offwind mark being dropped in. This almost led to the undoing of race leader Nick. After establishing a tidy lead over the first half lap Nick continued on the original course. Whether guided by a helpful call from behind or simply noticing his pursuers on a different track Nick corrected his course with a reduced but still useful lead. This Nick held to the end. Behind, the race for positions closed right up on the final reach to the finish. Simon snuck passed Mark for second place and Ian Jay did likewise to Gavin to claim forth.
A splendid days racing at Wimbleball in testing conditions for the Race Officer. The prize giving followed with bottles of our title sponsors excellent product being given out to all competitors.
Top five positions.
1st Simon Hawkes
2nd Nick Orman
3rd Mark Weston
4th Gavin Young
5th Pete Barnstable