Phantom Training & Open at Denver Sailing Club

Simon Elliott on the way to his first race win at the Denver Phantom open © David Hawkins

The second Denver Sailing Club Phantom Open held on Sunday the 9th, was preceded by a training day on the Saturday. Andy Elliot of Evolution Sailing and formally Red Eye Sails gave on, and off the water guidance on set up, trim and boat handling. This was challenging in the 20+ knot gusts. There was also an opportunity to try the “Solution”, a new dinghy design aimed at the lighter Phantom sailor or heavier Laser sailor. Excellent conditions to take this 56Kg boat for a fly on flat water!

On Sunday the conditions moderated to 10-12 knots and 11 competitors took to the water. At the fist attempt the fleet was a little keen to be away and was brought back to try again. At the second time of asking they got away cleanly for the short fetch to the fist mark. Gordon Banning making the best start at the windward end of the line, closely followed by Andy Shipp. Andy was first to the first mark to start the mile and half run down river. First back up the beat was Simon Elliot with a closely following pack. In a remarkable turnaround after being eighth at the top mark, Jim Frost was first back up the river to win from Alistair Warren and Ian Miller.

After lunch the second race got away cleanly first time. The wind had dropped to less than 5 knots, Ian Miller and Dave Hawkins made the best start and were the first two round the first mark. The race was shortened after only one lap. Simon Elliot took the gun from Andy Shipp and Alistair Warren. Dave Hawkins was first home boat in 4th.

The third race was sailed back to back, with Gordon again making a good start, but was beaten to the first mark by Andy, who later was forced to retire. Gordon led after the first lap, but by the finish it was Simon Elliot who took his second gun of the day and the event. Second was Gordon Banning to take 5th overall and third was Jim Frost placing him in third overall.

Denver Sailing Club Commodore Dave Pilcher presented the prizes, concluding a memorable day. At some events, you need to be fast in waves, at some you pick the shifts, but at Denver you learn to tack!

Overall Results:

1st 121 Simon Elliott (Rotherham SC) 7pts
2nd 1206 Alistair Warren (Blakeney) 9pts
3rd 1157 Jim Frost (Buckenham) 12pts
4th 12 Ian Miller (Alton Water) 14pts
5th 1185 Gordon Banning (Haversham) 15pts
6th 1212 Chris Toothill (Buckenham) 19pts
7th 1128 Chris Roberts (Creeksea) 20pts
8th 1171 Dave Hawkins (Denver) 20pts
9th 1220 Andy Shipp (Hunts) 26pts
10th 618 Huggy (Denver) 30pts
11th 1203 Ian Pendry (Attenborough) 30pts