South West and Midlands Phantom Open at Bowmoor Sailing Club

South West and Midlands Phantom Open at Bowmoor © Phil Hepworth

South West and Midlands Phantom Open at Bowmoor © Phil Hepworth

A sunny but chilly morning greeted 14 enthusiastic Phantom sailors for the Bowmoor Phantom open, which was a joint open for the South West and Midlands, sponsored by HD Sails, Ceilidh Mast and CoastWaterSports.

Race officer Charlie Sansom and his small crew gave the sailors their orders and sent them away to get on the water.

Race one started in a building breeze and the fleet got away well. At the windward mark for the first time Olly Hopkins (Bowmoor) lead comfortably followed by Andy Smith (Bowmoor). By the end of the run Olly had kept his lead however this was short lived when he fell into a hole and was quickly caught and overtaken by the chasing pack. Rob Cook (Northampton) made the most of the shifty beat to take the lead, followed by Jim Hopton (Shustoke) with Mike Webster (Northampton) and Charlie Chandler (Bowmoor) battling away for third. At the end of race 1 Rob Cook took the win with Jim Hopton in 2nd and Charlie Chandler sneaking through to take 3rd from Mike Webster in a photo finish.

Race two saw a big shift as the clock sounded for the start which meant that the whole fleet tacked onto port straight away. Charlie Chandler made the most of the shift and lead the fleet to the windward mark followed by Rob Cook, Jim Hopton & Olly Hopkins. Luckily for Jim, Olly & Rob, Charlie's lead was short lived as he had to leave early for a family event promoting Rob, Jim & Olly up a place. At the next mark Olly gybed early and picked up a gust that allowed him to sneak past Rob and Jim. Jim managed to jump Rob into 2nd and continued to chase Olly all the way to the finish but just couldn't find a way past. At the end of race 2 Olly took the win with Jim Hopton taking 2nd and Rob Cook in 3rd.

South West and Midlands Phantom Open at Bowmoor - photo © Phil Hepworth

After a hearty lunch the fleet took to the water again for the start of race 3. Andy Smith chose the right path up the first beat and lead the fleet around followed by Rob Cook and Jim Hopton. Andy Smith managed to maintain this lead for 2 laps. Just behind Mike Tustin (Bowmoor) was getting to grips worth his new coffee table, sorry boat and had come through the fleet. Rob Cook and Mike Tustin choose to stick to the left of the course and overtook Andy Smith who had chosen a path up the middle. Rob Cook took the lead closely followed by Mike Tustin. On the next beat Jim Hopton managed to get past Andy Smith and take the final podium position. The race finished with Rob Cook taking the win, Mike Tustin in 2nd and Jim Hopton in 3rd.

South West and Midlands Phantom Open at Bowmoor - photo © Phil Hepworth

Race 4 started in a building breeze and Ian Stone made the most of this leading round the windward mark followed by Mike Webster and Mike Tustin. Mike Tustin made the most of the run to the next make and took the lead. Mike Tustin continued to stretch his lead showing that he was getting to grips with his new boat and setup and took the win with Mike Webster taking 2nd and Rob Cook taking 3rd place. This was enough to give Rob Cook the overall win.

We would like to thank the event sponsors HD Sails, Ceilidh Masts and CoastWaterSports for the prizes.

With some close and exciting racing this season is shaping up to be a good one.

Overall Results: