Thanks Chris,
Things looking good for getting back to open meetings next year. Shoreham should be on ok and hope Felpham is confirmed. Joint open at Broadwater in October as was planned this year would be great too.
Ivan 1454

UPDATED 15/03/2021
Thanks to Covid-19 the first ever South East Phantom Series was a complete non-event. However we are not deterred and, government rules permitting, have planned a series of South East Open meetings for 2021. We have gone for a similar format/number of events to those planned for 2020. Depending on how well events are supported, the series can be developed over future years to favour the most popular venues.

Confirmed dates are currently:
4th/5th April - Shoreham SC Postponed/cancelled due to Covid restrictions
22nd/23rd May - Downs SC
19th/20th June - Broadstairs SC
4th/5th September - Lee-on-the-Solent (joint with Club Regatta)
2nd October - Felpham SC (joint with Finn class)
23rd October - Broadwater SC (joint with South West region)

Everything will be subject to the latest Covid restrictions, so please keep an eye on this Forum page for the latest news.

Chris Shelton
1473

Hi Matt,
Thanks for reply, however you look at it the class is not what it was. I blame Facebook use for fragmenting things. Some of us are just out of the loop now. Wish I had a pound for every time a Facebook user complained about it and stopped using it.
See you at a venue next year...
Ivan 1454

Hi Ivan
Thanks for commenting - really do appreciate your feedback and sorry you feel you have been left out. While I have only been involved with the Northern Circuit for a couple of years, it feels like people have voted with their virtual feet in terms of what communication method they want to use. We seem to get very little engagement with content posted here.

Personally, I dont mind which platform I use to communicate with members, but I need to use the one which elicits the greatest response - which right now I would say is Facebook.

Outside of Facebook and the Forum is there any other communication method which you think could bring in those left out by Facebook? WhatsApp groups are quite common, but they are truly closed off to those not involved, where as Facebook groups are open to anyone with an account but who isnt necessarily a member.

Hi Matt,
Probably not what you want to hear but Facebook has not done the class any favours. It's a social network not a sailing site. Many don't use if for personal and work reasons. Closed groups and class page where people can't comment or ask questions is not good.
Everything Phantom should be on the website and banter on the forum as it was, we might get back to decent event turnouts and have laugh.
I used to chat with all region before Facebook.
I don't feel part of the Phantom family anymore after 20 years...
Ivan 1454
South East Area

As the majority who will read this are probably aware, the Northern Circuit has an fairly active FaceBook group where discussions on events and general chat take place. Can be found here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1622240501356271

That said - I am conscious that not everyone uses this platform and keen not to exclude those who prefer the forum as a means of keeping up to date.

Event information will continue to be posted here regardless, but if anyone who is actively checking the forum for updates could just leave a quick comment to let me know that would be helpful - thanks!

HI Clive
As both the inlands and Nationals are well behind us can we change the tone of the front page to something more positive.
Do we have dates for the Ovington event/ winters as yet?
Regards
Gordon

Looks like a sensible option.

Can we have a section on here for members to ask questions and expect an answer ?
This would avoid the committee members having to reply to emails and phone calls and give answers to common questions and stop multiple emails about the same things from different members to committee...
Cheers
Ivan 1454

Hi Gordon,
It would be nice to see on the website future venues for Nationals Inlands Europeans ect.
If we had a list of fantastic venues I'm sure it would attract new Phantom sailors.
Will come down for a drink and a look at the new clubhouse sometime...
Ivan 1454