Phantom Open at Buckenham Sailing Club

James Case dominates meeting

Three firsts on Sunday 27th made James Case from Wells S.C winner of this year's Buckenham Sailing Club Phantom Open Meeting.

Racing started on Saturday afternoon with bright sunshine and a steady south-westerly breeze. To achieve a beating start and avoid the ephemeral nature of the wind caused by the club's arboreal environment, the race officers moved the start line nearly a mile down river. Pre-start entertainment was provided by Denver Dave who tangled with the only tree for two miles. As he extricated himself numerous pieces of tree showered down on his boat. Fortunately Dave saw the funny side and said afterwards that his boat had more wood in it than a "Classic"!

Chris Toothill started the first race at the leeward end of the line on port, tacked and managed to cross in front of the fleet. Taking advantage of the clear air he managed to build a lead, crossing the finish first with Jim Frost second and Jez Taylor third.

Race two saw Frost and Taylor heading the fleet with Toothill and Dave Hawkins in hot pursuit. Frost came in first with Taylor close behind. Toothill retired, thus elevating Hawkins to third. In both races the first "Classic" boat home was Stephen Riley in Water Lily.

Sunday dawned, the sun shone again but the wind, having swung round to south-east led to a recrudescence of the starting problem. The race officers, therefore, moved the start line up river. All three races had the same people at the front; Case, Frost and Toothill, first, second and third respectively. The repetitive nature of the finishing order belies the closeness of the racing. Case, although winning all three races, was never able to relax as Frost stuck doggedly to his transom. Toothill and Hawkins were also never far behind. Pip Syder won the prize for first "Classic", much to his suprise, as the unfortunate Riley somehow managed to sail the wrong course in every race! Finally a mention for Michael Cullum, one of BSC's juniors, who borrowed a Phantom on Sunday and after a cautious couple of races managed fourth in the final race. A creditable result for his first outing in a Phantom.

Finally a huge 'thank you' to all the people who worked so hard to make this such an enjoyable event. Special thanks to Carol Frost and her team, who once again did us proud, keeping us supplied with excellent refreshments all weekend.

Overall Results:

1st James Case (Wells S.C)
2nd Jim Frost (Buckenham S.C)
3rd Chris Toothill (Buckenham S.C)
4th Dave Hawkins (Denver S.C)
5th Michael Cullum (Buckenham S.C)
6th Pip Syder (Buckenham S.C)