The 4th Round of the Tempera Tech / JJ Boats Eastern Series took place over the Whitsun Bank Holiday at Southwold Sailing Club. Training was held on the Saturday followed by racing on the Sunday and Monday.

27 boats set out through Southwold harbour and where greeted by a blustery 4-5 with gusts close to a 6 at times.

The course set was trapezoid with a sausage thrown in for good measure. The first race got off without any hitches and the fleet enjoyed some interesting runs and flat out reaches. Jim Hunt from Sutton SC was first followed by Simon Childs and Neil Fulcher in third.

With the wind increasing  many boats headed for home and at one point 8 helms were seen inspecting their hulls all at the same time (checking for seaweed).

This time Simon Childs took pole position followed by Charlie Cumbley and then Jim Hunt.

Sunday night was John Waylings 50th birthday so after chilly and rice and ice cream and jelly we had a little drink to celebrate.

Monday dawned with a number of helms wishing they hadn't had that last wafer thin mint.

27 became 15.

Three races were sailed back to back in the best winds of the weekend. Lawrence Crispin (who went home) stepped up a gear and won all 3 races with Jim Hunt, Simon Childs and Neil Fulcher battling it out behind.

With Lawrence, Jim and Simon all on 8 points the winner was decided on the last race.

Lawrence Crispin was first followed by Simon Childs and Jim Hunt.

A big thank you to all at Southworld especially Jez for all his hard work behind the scenes and to the "Sundance Bar" which has now become an integral part to the travelling Phantoms.

Phantom Open Shoreham SC  15th / 16th May
A select but perfectly formed (well for Phantom sailors) arrived at Shoreham on Saturday morning  for the next round of the Southern series sponsored by The Beast , from Exmoor Ales, to be greeted with sunshine and a pleasant force 3 from the south west.

Thanks to Rene Kalff (photographer) and David & Grant (geezers who got them to the site) there is a selection of photos taken from the recent Europa Cup at Medemblik. There are more photos on Rene's gallery at http://gallery.me.com/renekalff