Phantom Open – Creeksea SC 26/27th June.
Twenty Phantoms gathered for their annual fix of the Creeksea experience. Despite the close proximity of more auspicious clubs on the shores of the Crouch, Creeksea continues to be a popular and unique venue for the Eastern Series.
Saturday’s first race was set to give an uptide beat, followed by the traditional route of Cliff, Canewden & home. Neil Fulcher quickly found his tacking rhythm & led the fleet round, avoiding the temptation of taking a few extra boat lengths inshore; the Crouch mudbanks claimed a couple of victims opposite the marina. At the leeward mark, Canewden, Fulcher held a good lead from Case, Crispin, & Roberts. During the long beat home Crispin pulled through to finish a close second, with Nick Radley making it a StoneSC top three.
Having satisfied the food cravings of the fleet, two races were sailed on a more compact course after lunch. The freshening breeze and strong ebb tide gave some exciting conditions over the three lap races. The glorious weather had drawn a full entourage of vessels onto the water, adding to the spectacle of a summer’s day on the Crouch.
Once again Crispin & Fulcher fought it out at the front, with Crispin winning both races. James Jarvey posted a third, fleet newcomer Ben Falat, showed his potential with a fifth in race 2.After over five hours on the water, the weary fleet came ashore to ready themselves for the next days racing.
Sundays clear blue skies, on one of the hottest days of the year, led to a postponement due to the lack of breeze. A couple of boats tried in vain to coax a start from Race Officer Edwin Buckley. After two hours of waiting, he concluded that fair racing was virtually impossible; due to the predominant flood tide. This meant all three results from Saturday counted, giving Lawrence Crispin the narrowest of wins.
Thanks to the Race Officer & his team, and to all the Creeksea members, whose efforts ensure that the Phantom fleet always mark this event as a favourite.
Author
Topic: Creeksea Open Meeting 26th / 27th June - Round 6. (Read 4561 times)