Phantom Northern Series 2012 Report
Forty three boats entered the Phantom Northern Travellers Series2012, sponsored by Standards Plus Ltd, and all of the sailors had a lot of fun!
There were six events sailed, spread over the summer months, with a mixture of inland, estuary and sea sailing. The sailing was close and competitive at many events, with places often only being decided on the last lap of the last race. The average attendance was 13 boats, up from previous years.
The series started with some race training at Leigh and Lowton SC, the day before their Open. Some sailors were a bit rusty after their winter break, and some just added another layer of rust! The winner of the event, Andrew Wilde, went on to become the National Champion. There are plans for more race training at LLSC in 2013.
The Blithfield Open in July was the “North –v- Midlands” event and attracted the highest number of entrants (21). Amusingly, it was won by Simon Hawkes, a sailor from the South! The Port Dinorwic Open probably wins the “best venue” award!
Being a good natured bunch of sailors, it has been heard that some club Race Officers actually volunteer to run the Phantom opens – which makes it enjoyable for everyone!
The final event at Elton Sailing Club on 6th October was wisely abandoned by the race officer, Mr Haines, due to a lack of wind and the final series results were:
1st Ed Thomas, 1342, Pilkington SC
2nd Martin Knott, 1198, Ribble SC
3rd Adam Perry, 1281, Pennine SC
The 2103 series, again sponsored by Standards Plus Ltd, has some new venues, including an event at Scaling Dam in the north east, which will hopefully become the “Scotland –v- North” event. Full list of events to be published on a separate discussion topic. A warm welcome awaits Phantom sailors at the 2013 Northern Traveller events.
Ollie Shaw
