Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo M600

Couch wins DSC Phantom Open

by Assoc on 13 Mar 2008
Traditionally this weekend starts with a Training Session, 15 helms arrived Friday evening and early Saturday morning to take advantage of the expertise of Simon Childs. The weather however was not on our side as a strong 6 to 7 SSW blew straight down the river, not to be put off seven or eight took to the water, which quickly resulted in almost, if not all, capsizing over and over again.

Due to the excessive work load this put on the two safety boat crews, as well as it was quite obvious that there was little going to be learnt on the water in that weather, Simon decided to hold the rest of the training inside. Many thanks to Simon and Val, despite not being able to get on the water a great deal was learnt, and greatly appreciated by all that attended.

Sunday started the Phantom Open season, along with the first round of the Tempera-tech Ltd sponsored Eastern Series. After the excessive wind on Saturday’s training day, we were lucky to have almost perfect weather on the Sunday morning. With 22 boats rigging for what promised to be a great day. After a briefing at 10:30, we were set for a prompt 11:00 start.

Race 1

Following the start sequence everybody got off to a good start, Couch took a strong lead off the line. The beat saw little action other than a good deal of calling for water, starboard etc. A strong consistent wind meant that everybody could settle into the groove and sail their boats to their best.

The fleet slowly began to spread, Couch was first round the mark onto a steady reach, however Ingram, and Gulliver were hot on his heels. Couch however responded to the threat and maintained a strong position until he continued past 4 towards 3, losing his lead by 8 places; he is probably still kicking himself over that one.

Meanwhile Jarvey lead the second wave of boats into the mark. By this time the wind had shifted, which resulted in a mass of boats tacking across reaching boats.

Ingram and Gulliver were battling for first on the dash back to the line, whilst Couch was clawing places back, and starting to threaten the podium positions once again. As boats rounded the final mark, there was more conflict for water but no collisions.

With Ed Dixon, Denver’s S.Cs latest member making an excellent overtaking manoeuvre using the inside line at 3.

On the second lap, Taylor almost took the first capsize of the day but just managed to hold it up. Gulliver took finally took first place from Ingram, and Couch managed to battle his way back into 3rd.

Race 2
The same course was kept, but reduced to only 1 lap. After a tight start there was much shouting for right of way, as the fleet criss- crossed up the river. Couch took the lead from the start again, as the wind started to freshen up. Everyone was wrestling for places all the way up to 6. Couch was first into the mark with a storming lead, Gulliver and Gregory were next to pass. After a battle for 5th place, an armada of boats in very close contention could be seen flying back down to the next mark.

On the return up to mark 6, Clarke went down right on the mark which created some difficult manoeuvring for the remainder of the fleet, once they had passed Clarke was able to right his boat, recompose and sail on to finish the race. Couch took the win, with Gulliver, Gregory and Roberts filling in the places.

Race 3
Run back to back, again, everyone gets a good start, this time Case taking the early lead. Even more shouting this time, as everyone had now perfected the start.

Huggett takes the first capsize of the race as a gust of wind catches him. Jarvey was forced to retire with a split sail. Couch took the lead leaving Case and Conway behind him. There were some close battles at 6, Gulliver battled through and tried to hold his lead round the buoy, but ended up with a rather stylish capsize, diving over the gunnel.

At the line there were some many close finishes, in which proved to be the closest race of the day. First four positions falling to, Couch, Case, Conway, Gulliver.

Prizes presented to
1st A.Couch
2nd W.Gulliver
3rd A.Gregory

Furthest Travelled D.Conway
First Wooden Boat I.Miller
Spot Prizes D.Pike and J,Taylor and I.Clarke

Phantom - Final positions
1277 A.Couch Blithfield S. C 2 1 1 1
1216 W.Gulliver Northampton S.C 1 2 4 2
1111 A.Gregory N/A 7 3 6 3
1147 P.Evans Rudyard L S.C 8 5 5 4
1183 D.Pike Rollsby Broad S.C 4 10 7 5
1278 C.Roberts Creeksea S.C 5 4 12 6
1175 J.Wayling Northampton S.C 6 8 8 7
1116 M.Ingram Creeksea S.C 3 11 9 8
1255 J.Case Wells S.C 10 13 2 9
1229 E.Brooks Elton S.C 12 6 10 10
1288 D.Conway South Shields S.C 14 16 3 11
1259 J.Taylor Southwold S.C 15 12 11 12
1209 J.Jarvey Hickling Broad S.C 9 7 R23 13
1157 J.Frost Buckenham S.C 11 14 14 14
1169 E.Dixon Denver S.C 13 15 13 15
1155 I.Miller Felixstowe Ferry S.C 16 9 16 16
1273 P.Gough Draycote S.C 17 17 15 17
1171 D.Hawkins Denver S.C 20 18 16 18
1128 P.Neve Creeksea S.C 18 19 18 19
1184 C.Morley Minnis Bay S.C 21 20 19 20
1150 I.Clarke Alton water S.C 19 22 20 21
1074 J.Huggett Denver S.C 22 21 21 22
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERsMRT AIS Man Overboard Beacons AUS / NZAllen Dynamic 40 Footer

Related Articles

18th Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona day 1
Opening victories and nautical splendor This week, Barcelona once again takes center stage in the world of classic sailing as the 18th edition of the Puig Vela Clàssica gets under way. The opening day delivered ideal conditions for a spectacular display on the water.
Posted today at 12:28 pm
Rolex Fastnet Race: IRC Two Preview
With 73 entries in IRC Two, the Rolex Fastnet Race is set to deliver a striking display. Could two new JPK 1050s upset the apple cart in IRC Two? Jean-Pierre Kelbert has a habit of breaking the mould in IRC racing, and his new 34-footer may well be a game changer in this competitive division with 73 entries.
Posted today at 10:36 am
The Long Laser Lunch – a reunion to remember
Sailors from every state reunited over lunch like it was just another regatta weekend. Last month 93 Laser sailors from across the country gathered at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club for what became a truly unforgettable reunion.
Posted today at 10:19 am
Offshore at 16
Will Farnell, the ORCV's Youth Sailor of the Year 2025 The ORCV is proud to announce Will Farnell as the recipient of the 2025 Youth Sailor of the Year award—a young sailor whose love for the sea runs generations deep and whose commitment to the sport has already made waves far beyond his years.
Posted today at 8:52 am
Seldén Rodkicker 50 - manual rigid vang
Specifically sized for yachts between 50 and 55 feet A Rodkicker rigid vang is designed to enhance sail handling during reefing and allows for greater sail trim control.
Posted today at 8:00 am
WASZP Games 2025: Talent & fun descend on Weymouth
Poised to be the largest and most competitive in the class's history The 2025 International WASZP Games, set to take place from July 19–25 at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy, are poised to be the largest and most competitive in the class's history.
Posted today at 7:23 am
Queensland Yachting Survey 2025 Feedback
The results are in, gathering valuable insights directly from the sailing community Following this year's Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, a group of passionate and experienced individuals from the sailing community gathered to discuss the current state of yachting in Queensland.
Posted today at 5:18 am
Transpac 2025 Update: Moon River Tonight!
The magic of offshore racing in the 2025 Transpac A vast ocean separates Los Angeles, California, from Honolulu, Hawaii, but the boats racing in this year's Transpac have now crossed the halfway mark. Race leaders are in the tradewinds and making their approach to the Aloha State.
Posted today at 12:26 am
All smiles among first finishers of the AEGEAN 600
The fastest teams crossed the finish line today at Cape Sounion As the fastest teams crossed the finish line today at Cape Sounion and made their way to the harbour at Olympic Marine, there were exhausted smiles all around.
Posted on 10 Jul
British Classic Week day 4
It was a classic Solent day in Cowes for the OneSails inshore race It was a classic Solent day in Cowes for day 4 of British Classic Week with hot temperatures, sunshine and no breeze in the morning before the sea breeze kicked in from the west and it was time to go racing.
Posted on 10 Jul