Please select your home edition
Edition
CoastWaterSports 2014

South West and Midlands Phantom Open at Bowmoor Sailing Club

by Olly Hopkins 14 Apr 2022 06:24 BST 9 April 2022
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.

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.

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:

PosHelmClubR1R2R3R4Pts
1stRob CookNorthampton 13135
2ndJim Hopton Shustoke22367
3rdMike Tustin Bowmoor85218
4thMike Webster Northampton 446210
5thOlly HopkinsBowmoor5181514
6thIan StoneMaidenhead1065516
7thAndy Smith Bowmoor6104717
8thRichard Sims Carsington1177418
9thDean Griffiths Bowmoor7910824
10thJohn EvansDurwent98111528
11thBrian RedkleyShustoke13129930
12thCharlie Chandler Bowmoor315151533
13thDave Patrick Broadwater1213121034
14thGiles WinslowBowmoor1411131538

Related Articles

Stone to kick off GJW Direct Phantom Super Series
Series begins on the River Blackwater this weekend Just a few days before Stone SC host the first of the 2025 Super Series to be held in the eastern region. The two day event consisting of a six race series over the weekend of the 5th/6th April will be sailed on the waters of the River Blackwater. Posted today at 8:22 am
Ovington Inland Championships at Grafham
110 sailors spread across 83 boats and 6 classes attended It was great to see over 110 sailors spread across 83 boats and six classes for the Ovington Inland championship. This regatta has become a season opener for our classes over the years and whilst the sun was out, the temperatures stayed down. Posted on 20 Mar
Phantom class at the Ovington Inlands
One sailor declared he was a broken man Grafham Water hosted the Ovington Inlands event over the weekend of Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th March. The event was shared with the OKs, Fireflys, Flying Fifteens, 505s and Musto Skiffs on two separate courses. Posted on 19 Mar
Phantom Eastern Series at Ardleigh
Spring finally appears to have sprung Spring finally appeared to have sprung at Ardleigh Sailing Club as 17 Phantoms arrived for the first event of the ever-popular Phantom Class Eastern Series. Posted on 11 Mar
Bees round a honey pot
The Phantom class reflect on the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show The Phantom Class were delighted with the interest the stand created at the Dinghy Show. The two boat display featuring new and old, Jon Rickard's brand new still to be launched Ovington build and Allen fit out and the beautiful John Claridge Woodie. Posted on 27 Feb
Phantom Double Delight
Two boats lined up for the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show The Phantom Class Association is delighted to be attending the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show in a few days time. This year on Stand 59 we are proudly displaying a double delight, two Phantoms to feast your eyes on! Posted on 18 Feb
P&B POSH preview
Paignton Open for Single Handers will also host the Fire Nationals Paignton Sailing Club are pleased to announce that entries are now open for their 2025 POSH regatta being held on the 10th and 11th May and this year is being sponsored by P&B. Posted on 17 Feb
Phantom Sailing 2025 calendar
Announcing title sponsors GOAT Marine for the Nationals Phantom Sailing in 2025 is already looking like it's going to be a great year, building on last years successes. The full events calendar is now complete which comprises of our local regional events series, training and Championships. Posted on 9 Jan
Phantom Eastern Series at Waveney & Oulton Broad
Another well-attended event for the finale The Phantom Eastern Series has been well attended all season and this weekend proved no different. Fifteen helms made their way to the Norfolk / Suffolk border for the Waveney and Oulton Broad Yacht Club two day Phantom open. Posted on 28 Oct 2024
Phantom Open at Burton
Final event of the 2024 Midland Circuit series Perhaps it was the forecast of very light winds that dissuaded some, but six visitors arrived for the Burton Open meeting, the last of the Midland Circuit series. Posted on 15 Oct 2024