2026 Phantom Inland Championship at Grafham Water Sailing Club - Preview
by Andy Pyett 12 May 22:08 HKT
16-17 May 2026
Phantom Inlands 2026 at Grafham © Phantom_sailing Instagram
It's time for the Optimum Time Phantom Inland Championship and Craftinsure Super Series event! The Phantom fleet descends on Grafham Water this weekend for two days of great inland racing, tactical battles served up with a proper dose of Phantom banter.
Entries close Wednesday 13th May - if you're sitting on the fence, now's the time to commit. Big racing, proper competition, great food, cold beers and a fleet that always delivers both on and off the water.
The confirmed runners and the riders so far...
Leading the charge is Jon Rickard (Hooe Point SC), the current Phantom National Champion, coming in as the man to beat. Jon won the 2025 Phantom Nationals at Hooe Point, sealing the title with race wins in the decisive finale, showing composure and speed across the varied conditions. On form alone, if it's blowing Jon starts as a favourite.
Next up, the fittest man in the fleet, Sam Coxon (Chase Sailing Club). Sam has been one of the most consistent high performers of the past two seasons. He finished 2nd overall in the 2025 Phantom Super Series, with strong results across multiple venues. Regularly quick off the line and very hard to shift once in phase, Sam is particularly effective on inland waters and is a realistic challenger - It won't be long before he bags a championship!
THE Inland specialist, Adam Froggatt (Chase SC) has demonstrated outright dominance at open meetings across the Midlands and North, controlling the fleet throughout shifty inland conditions. When conditions suit and confidence is high, Adam has proven winning speed.
The Phantom Fleet's Top Gun - Ben Hawkes (Snettisham SC / RAFSA) is a proven championship-winning sailor, bagged a 2nd in a race at the 2025 Phantom Nationals. Fast Phantoms runs in the blood, and he's sure to be up there!
Back in the boat after a break, Will Gulliver (Northampton SC) has featured prominently at national-level events, including leading races at the Phantom Nationals before narrowly losing places late on. His pace is unquestioned, and if it's blowing he'll certainly be up there!
Magic Mike Webster (Castle Cove SC) is a long-time class stalwart and Class CEO (Chief Events Office) for the Phantom Class Association. He regularly competes at Nationals, Inlands and brings huge experience - Goes like lightning downwind, and particularly when conditions become tactical and testing. We've heard he's even been three-boat training!
Lining up against these racers and also on the list is a quality field packed with proven winners, series front-runners and inland specialists - including Phil Worth, Andy Smith, Phil Longley, Jim Hopton, Team Brookes with Terry & Michelle and Jeremy Deacon - all with the speed and experience to take chunks out of the leaderboard if opportunity arises!
Stop Press... Nursey's now on the list too... Richard Nurse is never far from the front, if not up there pulling away - Eastern Area Champion for several years running, knows the boat inside out and can't half make it shift... There's certainly going to be money on him!
Entry closes tomorrow - Be there!