Crosby SC held their very first Phantom open on Sunday 7th October. The fleet has grown over the last year to six boats. The day dawned with blue skies and a very light breeze. Notes from mothers were sent to the Northern Rep saying that thick fog and severe frosts had put some off travelling out, but at Crosby on the Mersey Riviera saw shorts and T shirts being worn.
The PRO Andy Fox, held the fleet whilst the wind veered around and around, the local wind turbines facing all directions. Race 1 saw local ace helm, Ed Thomas streak way to an unassailable lead, whilst the following combatants swapped places with a top three placing to back of the fleet in a leg. The final places were Ed, Martin Knott and Tim Mercer. Ollie Shaw had got to within inches of a podium place to drop to 5th.
The fleet refuelled and sunbathed whilst our PRO attempted to set a windward mark. Races 2 and 3 were sailed back to back. The podium places were Ed Thomas, Phil Worth and Tim Mercer, Ian Middleton. The racing so close that a degree in maths was needed to work out the final results, that’s bar first place. Race 3 had a rumour that Ed had won and was going to get an early shower, but when most of the fleet had passed him, he changed his mind to power through the fleet.
A fantastic day was had by all, and arrangements are in hand for 2013 already. The Club juniors did themselves proud by acting as lead boat and safety crew. The club next hosts their Frostbite series and welcomes all comers, especially phantoms.
What a friendly fleet, and a visitor from South Shields !
1st Ed Thomas Pilkington SC
2nd Phil Worth Delph SC
3rd Tim Mercer Crosby SC
4th Martin Knott Ribble
5th Ian Middleton Crosby SC
6th Adam Perry Pennine
7th John Harrison Liverpool YC
8th Ollie Shaw Leigh & lowton
9th Chris Cooper Rotherham
10th Cliff English South Sheilds
