Allen Brothers Phantom National Championship at Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club - Day 2
by Simon Hawkes 8 Sep 2018 18:12 UTC
7-9 September 2018
The fleet were sent out for a 10:30am start for four planned races today. The weather was slightly
overcast but a steady breeze of around 15 knots. Wind against the last of the flood caused the waves
to rise and a healthy chop developed which can be really difficult to drive through in the Phantom.
This proved to be the case and the big fellas headed up the first beat in full command of the
situation. As in most tidal races any distance at the first windward mark for the leaders was
increased with dividends as the rounded and headed downwind on the sausage first. Consequently
the fleet spread enormously and most positions were established based on the start and first beat.
The front three now had Harry Briddon back in play and he was travelling at speed. He took two
firsts and a second today with Andy Couch very slightly off his pace scoring 2,2,1.
The ever steady Will Gulliver put in great results with three thirds with Ian Stone dropping to fourth.
Notable performances that stand out are Steve Popple who has had a great day with I believe his
best ever Nationals results bringing him up to fifth. Steve with a new boat but many years of sea
sailing experience has without doubt overcome many hurdles to be where he is and hopefully will be
able to do the same tomorrow after two fourths today.
With the front three having all to play for tomorrow and one point separating Andy and Harry it will
be interesting to see who attains victory and how.
Throughout the fleet the tide has been the great leveller catching out many at the windward mark,
it often being quicker to take the penalty of hitting the mark rather than the ensuing extra
manoeuvres to get around it.
Steve Bolland the guest sailor from RS World performed brilliantly as the first true lightweight scoring
a sixth and an eighth today.
Beer and painkillers appear to be on demand before the AGM this evening and war stories of the day
become more embellished as the evening goes on.
Tomorrow will be a real competition between the front two and could without incident be Andy
Couches first serious challenge in which he could face other than victory.
Full day 2 results [PDF] can be seen here.
The fleet are racing for many prizes donated by their generous sponsors which are: Allen Brothers, Coastwatersports, P&B, Ovington Boats, Adnams, Vicky's Embroidery Services, Exe Sails. Thank you to them all.