Allen Brothers Phantom National Championship at Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club - Overall

Allen Bros Phantom National Championship day 3 © Ben Hawkes

Harry Briddon wins the Allen Bros Phantom National Championship © Ben Hawkes

The sailors were up early for an 0930 launch for a 1030 first race. The weather was clear and dry with a forecast of 12 to 15 knots directly against the incoming tide which was already flooding fast.

Launch time came and the sailors had to work hard against the flow initially to get to the race area for the first race. The tide was pushing hard over the line but only one boat was declared over.

The first out of the blocks and to the windward mark was Ian Stone using his height and power to dominate the 1st beat. The two main contestants for first overall Harry and Andy had managed to bury themselves at the start but managed to work their way up to 4th and 6th at the windward mark. Ian extended to win with Harry second and Andy third. Will Gulliver had a kicker failure after rounding the windward mark second. This took him down to 32nd and under threat from Ian for third overall. Several retirements occurred due to the conditions reduced the fleet to 32 for the final start. The wind had built to a steady 16 to 18 knots with the sea state decreasing from its early sharp chop in race one.

Amazingly without any attempts to push each other down the fleet Andy and Harry both managed poor starts requiring a fightback. Harry won out on a really close fight with Andy second.

Ian didn't have quit such a good race in 6th and Will Gulliver in 7th. This race left Harry Briddon the 2018 Phantom National Champion.

Prize giving was held and £108 was handed to Lucy the organiser of Felixstowe Ferry Youth sailing raised by the competitors.

Thanks are given to all the kind sponsors and all the assistance and expertise given by Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club that made such a memorable Championship.

Thanks must also go to the Creeksea Phantom fleet who" mistakenly" loaded Will Gulliver's boat on their double stacker believing it to belong to one of their team. A suitable chairman's fine was issued!

Overall Results:
If you finished in the top ten at the Phantom nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here