Inaugural Phantom Open at Broadwater Sailing Club

Seventeen competitors were given a warm Broadwater welcome with a mug of hot tea and a bacon roll, but unfortunately not a lot of wind.

However, the forecast was for the wind to gradually increase during the day, so with 4 races to pack in, Race Office Dave Weatherhead decided to crack on as soon as the first zephyrs started to appear across the lake.

Inaugural Broadwater Phantom Open - photo © John Greaves

First race, with most of the fleet trying to barge in at the committee boat end, they got left out in the cold. Allowing those further down the line to get away cleanly. At the first mark it was Bob Portway followed by Leigh Riddel and Tim Platt. These three extended their lead over the rest of the fleet, with Leigh getting past Bob before the finish.

Race two, again Leigh Riddel, who showed blistering upwind speed all day, pulled through to take the win from Bob Portway and Nigel King.

Nigel King and Jeremy Deacon during the Inaugural Broadwater Phantom Open - photo © John Greaves

Race three and the only general recall of the day. At the second attempt Nigel King lead from start to finish, with much place changing behind. Jeremy Deacon found a private gust on the run down to the leeward mark to challenge Nigel, but by the end Bob Portway overtook Jeremy to take yet another 2nd.

Unfortunately, Bob had to leave early for another engagement. With 6 points he led the event after 3 races, but Leigh could snatch the win if he was 3rd or better in the final race. Nigel King was also in the hunt if he won race 4 and Leigh was 3rd, or worse. With the best wind of the day, Leigh Riddel led from start to finish, pulling out a very long lead over the rest of the fleet to take a well-deserved win, and the open. He was followed, at some distance, by Paddy Denby and Chris Shelton.

Leigh Riddell wins the Inaugural Broadwater Phantom Open - photo © John Greaves

Back ashore all the competitors were treated to a lovely spread laid on by the Broadwater Galley Team and a bottle of beer courtesy of a local brewery, Paradigm. Phantom sailors never miss an opportunity to have a drink.

Leigh was presented with his Broadwater Trophy, which is aptly timed as I'm sure it will come in handy as part of his Halloween display. He thanked Dave Patrick for organising the event, all the volunteers who made it a great first Phantom open meeting at Broadwater and the visitors for coming. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Overall Results:

Leigh Riddell with the Broadwater Trophy at the Inaugural Broadwater Phantom Open - photo © Helen Macvean