Phantom Open at Lee-on-the-Solent Sailing Club - Day 1
by Mark Spruce 10 Aug 21:21 BST
10-11 August 2024
Lee-on-the-Solent Phantom Open © Jamie Robinson
Breeze up and as our Kiwi friends say "the sheep were all dancing in the back paddock!".
I have a weekend off from my normal bookie's duty in the back bar of the Muzzle & Leash pub by the adult shop next to Walthamstow Dogs. Good job too, my hands and forearms are exhausted from all that action (main sheet and kicker action - honest!).
I've also found out what toe straps are really for - not that I ever really used them to great effect - I thought "launch the paunch" meant something different!
I digress - I'm sure you Phantom Anoraks want to know what happened on Day 1 - Lee on Solent open?
It was a foam up - especially when the tide turned and built against the 20 - 25 knot westerly.
Three, full on, hour-long races sorted the (old) men from the boys and I'm sad to report that the boys have it!
Youngsters Martin Watts and Ben Dancer dominated the day with Martin shaving it by a point (on 5 pts) from Ben (on 6 pts).
Both demonstrated fantastic boat speed, managing to keep their boats driving through the 1.5m chop.
Chapeau to Lee on Solent's Chris Yelland who led Race 1 from start to finish on his annual Phantom outing after choosing the wrong side of the work / life balance for the last year. Like a seasoned sports professional he immediately announced his retirement at the top and did his warm down in the club' snooker room.
The next points group has Chris Shelton and Mark Spruce tied on 14 pts for 3rd with Mark ruing a poor tack on the finish line of Race 2 to lose 2 places.
Nick Mason, Alex Spurgeon, Jeremy Deacon and Gordon Kingston-Minnis fill the next grouping in the 20s.
Mention in dispatches for John "Titch" Wayling. The results have him in 10th but a DNF in Race 3 due to left leg cramp (don't ask!). My equine bookies mates are suggesting Ketamine required, but we think that's a bit extreme especially as the street price locally is a bit high! With one more race tomorrow the discard comes into play, bringing Titch right back into the game.
Other mentions - Club Member Calum MacPherson sailing Dad's boat is improving with every race (those youngsters again!).
The ever smiling, repeat Open meeting offender, Dave Patrick knocked in a 8th in Race 2 - tomorrow will be lighter and again, the discard will open up his opportunities.
Tomorrow beings a change of forecast with high pressure, sunshine and an 8-10 knot South-Easterly. This gives a fair chance for the lighter weight sailors and avoids a complete lottery like the iQFoil medal race!
Watch this space!