Allen Phantom UK National Championships at Sunderland Yacht Club - Preview
by Mark Spruce 21 Jul 15:16 UTC
6-8 September 2024
Why we do it: Prizes, glory and adulation (adulation and glory not shown) © Mike Webster
Fellow Phantom Sailors and any other Ghostbusters out there, scary as it may seem it's now just under two months until the event of the year - the 2024 National Championships.
That's around 54 haunting Nights! (although for all you haunted insomniacs, that's only 5 more, horror filled, sleeps!)
A lot has been happening in the background and we are delighted to be partnering again with Allen Brothers Ltd. as headline sponsors for the event and present The Allen Phantom National Championships and the opening of the National Championship Entry System * and the Notice of Race *
Ben Harden - Head of Marketing, Allen Brothers said, "We're pleased to once again be the title sponsor of the Phantom Nationals. The Phantom represents everything we believe in here at Allen - A performance product made in the UK."
Allen is a UK manufacturing company which specialises in the production of performance sailing hardware for dinghies and keelboats. From their factory in Essex the company exports goods across the globe to many of the world's best boat builders, sailmaker and chandleries. Allen has been a long-standing supporter of the Phantom class: www.allenbrothers.co.uk
We are also pleased and grateful to be supported at the event by Optimum Time, HD Sails, Pinnell & Bax and Ovington Boats, continuing our long-term partnership with leading suppliers in our sport.
Along with some practical details to help you organise your stay and racing in the wonderful, friendly North-East, here's what's in store.
First of all, when is it.........?
That one's easy as it's been on the calendar for a long time: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 6th, 7th & 8th September 2024
Where is it........?
Sunderland Yacht Club www.sunderlandyachtclub.co.uk
Located on the Old North Pier at the entrance of the River Weir, the club is right on the sea front of Roker Beach. The clubhouse is modern with great facilities, has a welcoming atmosphere with the attractions on Marine Walk on the beach front and beautiful panoramic views from inside and out.
Access to the water is direct from the beach into sheltered water inside the harbour arms and the racecourse is close to the shore with minimal sailing distance.
Sunderland is not difficult to get to - it's well connected by good roads and, when I checked, its only 20 - 30minutes drive longer than last year's drive to Abersoch for me from the south coast (and an easier, largely Motorway / Dual carriageway route too!)
What's on offer?
The best National Championship of the best, friendliest class out there!
Racing in a quality but friendly fleet - a great way to learn about the boat and make new friends.
What's included and available:
- 7 Championship races on an open sea racecourse.
- Racing run by an experienced Championship club with a well-respected Race Officer - Howard Stevenson and team.
- The 'Championship Dinner' on the Saturday evening - included in entry fee!
- A fun, prize-giving event early evening each day after sailing.
- Free Pint and a pasty on coming ashore at the daily prize-giving.
- The famous Phantom social evenings.
- The Annual General Meeting - your chance to get involved and voice your views
- Well priced food available at the club:
- Thursday Evening Meal - bookable
- Friday Evening Meal - bookable
- Saturday Evening Meal - bookable
- A hearty breakfast bun with either bacon or sausage - Including "help yourself" extras
- Catering and bar facilities through the event in the state-of-the-art clubhouse.
- The Club will be open to early arrivals from Tuesday 3rd September
- Camper van parking (limited numbers - first come first served) on site at a great price that includes electric hook up.
- Camping space for tents on site. (limited numbers - first come first served)
- Car park immediately next to the club @£3.00 /
- A huge option of local B&B's, Air BnBs, hotels, guest houses and local Camp Sites.
- Polo Shirts can be Ordered and Purchased from Vicky's Embroidery Services/John 'Titch' Wayling. Details will be posted on the Class Website and Class Association Facebook page.
More info at www.visitnortheastengland.com/places/sunderland and www.mysunderland.co.uk
Sunderland is a great gateway into the North-East, close to Newcastle and Durham and the North Pennine - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and designated UNESCO Global Geopark, so there's plenty to do for non-sailing partners and family.
Entry is only £115 with the Early-Bird Discount (ends close of business, Friday 16th August).
After that it is £140 so get your entries in early!
So, all you sailing Spooks out there, have the vision to cast your spell on this event and get your entry in to join the best Phantomry event in the world!
See: National Championship Entry / the www.phantomclass.org.uk/events/phantom-nationals-2024/nor-allen-phantom-nationals