Phantom National Championship at Minnis Bay Sailing Club - Preview

2012 Phantom Nationals at Sunderland © Paul Nicholson

With less than two weeks to go and over 40 pre-entries it's going to be a great championships, here are some of the 'Runners and Riders' for the 2015 Phantom National Championships sponsored by Selden, Spinlock & P&B.

In Alphabetical order?!

• Chris Biglin – The oldest Apprentice from Shustoke, been keeping his powder dry all year but will have good boat speed if he can get clear air in the big sailed fleet, always good for a Lark.
• Harry Bridden – Thrown the Fin away for a lightweight boat, more thorough bread than dark horse, great expectations, although time on the water seems to have been limited, should be able to help with the bar takings.
• Andy Couch – The one to beat if he attends, another untraveled boat with a reputation for big tacks 'n' Gybes, likely to go to bed early with the chocolates!
• Charlie Cumbley – Hot off his win in the Solos and OKs he should be ready but rusty, has been known to have hollow legs when force fed at the "Sundance Bar".
• Will Gulliver – "Nico" will be right up there, has worked hard with a new rig and sail, arch rival attendance will see him motived and coughing as he rigs, Rum training has been going well.
• Simon Hawkes – If he turns up and stays for more than registration and practice night drinking will be in the running, getting a bit old now but has great boat speed and knows how to stay out of trouble, always sports a good tan.
• Olly Hopkins – One to pop out of the pack on occasions, has the best knitting on any Phantom, Minnis will be a bit different to the Avon.
• Jim Hopton – Team Shustoke and in an early JJ, the original "Spotty Dog" so will be fast if aimed correctly, suspect secret training may pay off.
• Matt House – Too old to sail a Phantom but always seems to hang in there and will be trying to get his head around "big Fleet" sailing, excellent boat speed in another JJ flying machine, hopefully the new yacht has not distracted him too much.
• Phil Longley – Too light now so is still learning to hike, seamanship and moments of boat speed will get him through, really good at supporting the bar takings, favourite word is "Larger".
• Ian Miller – "The Chair" Moments of brilliant speed, another distracted Phantom sailor enjoying the G&T's on his yacht.
• Clive Morley – On home turf so will know which way to go, new lightweight body may be a problem if the wind gets up, also knows his way to the Minnis Bar.
• Bob Portway – Always in the mix and has travelled more this year, one to keep your eye on.
• Chris Roberts – If he can get off the line will go well, always nagging at the front runners, liable to pop out in front and hang on for the reaches.
• Jimmy Sanderson – Coming down from Scotland so will make all the driving worthwhile, A canny sailor who will go well in the light stuff.
• Peter Shuttleworth – Has only just managed to dump the Laser shorts, so on the bath tub curve, making big strides into boat handling and capsize drills.
• Ian Sullivan – Will start on Port and be first to the windward mark at least once, has improved greatly with new rig and sails along with the ability to hang two buttock over the side.
• Mike Tustin – The Phantom with 'bespoke' fittings, knows how to machine stainless and make a quick boat go fast, just needs to focus on the big fleet to get away.
• John Wayling – Will be in mix and never gives up until the gun, he has been training "Nico" how to drink rum, been looking at "Motor Cruisers" but has been told he is too young.
• Mike Webster – Another from team Northampton who is going well, watch out for his cheeky smile as he sails by you.
• Nick Yannakoyorgos – Still on the learning curve but knows what to do, will need to keep his head on the race rather than the economy back home.