Please select your home edition
Edition
North Sails Loft 57 Podcast

Phantom Eastern Series Open at Alton Water Sports Centre

by Bob Portway 9 Apr 2019 15:57 AEST 23-24 March 2019
Phantoms at Alton Water © Emer Berry

Sixteen Phantoms competed in the Phantom open at AWSC, sponsored by Fox's Chandlery, to show that the fleet is very much alive and sailing in South East Suffolk, as in other places in the country.

The weather was positively benign compared with the previous few weeks, with 8-10 knots predicted. The draw back was that this rather shift-prone piece of water became incredibly so, with wind shifts of up to 90 degrees making for a snakes and ladders experience.

First to find more ladders than snakes was Bob Portway(1334), extending a snakes worth of lead over Adrian Coatsworth (1448) and Chris Roberts (1395). In the second race it was Chris's turn, although Adrian was a threat throughout, while Bob and Ben Falat were distant in 3rd and 4th.

The third (last of the day) race saw the biggest shifts of the day. Having made a Port tack flyer on a huge Port lift, Adrian was able to consolidate when the wind lifted 90 degrees on Starboard. For the remainder of the race, the beat became a beam fetch, while the final reach of the square course became a beat. Moving up the fleet in the firmer wind, John (Titch) Wayling showed great speed, but was unable to break past Ben and Bob, having their own battle for 2nd. Ben held on for 2nd from Bob and Titch.

The following day's 8-10 knot WNW was also shot through with holes and huge shifts, and this time the beat being longer gave more 'riding-the-snakes' opportunities.

Bob again avoided the holes and headers better than most, to bag a 1st, while Adrian surrendered an early lead to end up 6th. Terry Crook(1464) was a new name near the front, with a 2nd, from Chris and Ben in 3rd and 4th.

Bob repeated the consistent progress to win the 5th race, and with Adrian 2nd, the overall result was still open between these two. Eric Howe (1404) looked to have had a good race, crossing 2nd, but the deafening silence confirmed his OCS status.

In the final race, a failed port flyer made Adrian's chances look poor, while Bob was content for Titch to blitz the course, for his 1st win of the weekend, as 2nd place was easily enough for overall success.

The Phantom fleet is grateful to the Alton Water Sports Centre for the hosting, and particularly to Race Officer Gavin Johnson and his assistant John Glasspool for keeping a brave face on having to constantly adjust the course to suit the shifting wind.

Also very grateful to Fox's Chandlery for sponsoring the event.

We hope to be back next year, by which time there should be a Sailing Club in existence at Alton Water.

Overall Results:

1. 1334 Bob Portway (AWSC/RHYC) 8pts
2. 1448 Adrian Coatsworth (AWSC) 14pts
3. 1346 John Wayling (Northampton SC) 19pts
4. 1395 Chris Roberts (Creeksea SC) 24pts

Related Articles

P&B Phantom Nationals day 2
Some sailors, whilst passing Drake's Island, wisely decided to turn back The forecast for slightly more wind was delivered in spades. The RO planned three races: two outside the Breakwater and one inside. Increased wind strength and rain made launching challenging, especially for those with fixed rudders. Posted today at 9:18 am
P&B Phantom Nationals day 1
Clear air and sniffing out the shifts was king This year's championship is hosted by Hooe Point Sailing Club, Plymouth, with a highly competitive line-up of 57 boats. The forecast had been changeable in the days leading up, and finally was 5-11 kts from a southerly direction. Posted on 20 Sep
20 Questions with the reigning champion
Ahead of the P&B Phantom Nationals 2025 The 2025 P&B Phantom Nationals start this Friday at Hooe Point SC in Plymouth. For the first time the class is utilising on the water umpiring with two international judges afloat all three days. Posted on 16 Sep
P&B Phantom Nationals 2025 Runners & Riders
Mark Spruce gives us his subjective view of the form guide! Back to the question in hand - who's my money on for this year's Phantom National at Hooe Point SC in the wonderful, ancient Naval and fishing Port of Plymouth? Posted on 10 Sep
Burnham Week 2025 Trophy Day
Slingshot wins the Town Cup while Darren Sewell wins the Dinghy Town Cup Nicholas Plank, Slingshot, wins the 2025 edition of the Town Cup, part of Burnham Week 2025, in perfect sailing conditions. Posted on 31 Aug
Phantoms at Burnham Week 2025
Great breeze for the quality fleet of eight helms Once again, I made the 130 mile trek to the East Coast Ditch - sorry, the wonderful river Crouch and its ancient nautical town of Burnham on Crouch in Essex for the annual tide fest that is Burnham Week. Posted on 30 Aug
Burnham Week 2025 Day 6
Sunshine and strong winds made the fleets muster all their technical skills Sunshine and strong winds made the fleets muster all their technical skills on the 6th day of Burnham Week 2025. Posted on 29 Aug
Burnham Week 2025 Day 5
Charlie Matthews wins the John Torrance Trophy Charlie Matthews, sailing a Blaze, won the 2025 edition of John Torrance Trophy, part of Burnham Week 2025. Posted on 28 Aug
Burnham Week 2025 Day 4
Strong winds and sunshine, with a storm passing through Strong winds and sunshine, with a storm passing through, the 4th day of Burnham Week 2025 saw fresh crews refill the ranks as the premier East Coast regatta goes on. Posted on 27 Aug
Burnham Week 2025 Day 3
Town quay was buzzing with activity, with pirates of all ages prowling the streets In what seems like a repeat of last year's Bank Holiday Monday, the third day of Burnham Week 2025 greeted competitors with champagne sailing conditions, while the town quay was buzzing with activity, with pirates of all ages prowling the streets. Posted on 26 Aug
Rooster 2025Zhik 2024 DecemberBarton Marine Pipe Glands