Phantom SE Travellers Series at Broadwater Sailing Club

Broadwater Phantom Open © Andy Wheeler

Broadwater Sailing Club hosted the final round of the 2024 Phantom Southeast Traveller Series on Saturday 5th October. The conditions were clear and bright, with forecasts predicting gusts up to 20kts.

A favourable Southerly wind filled in shortly before taking to the water, ranging from 3kts to 14kts. Seven visitors joined nine boats from the home fleet for some close racing. The four races were sailed back-to-back without significant delay.

Competitors were greeted by a smiling Dave Patrick, Bacon rolls, Tea/Coffee, and a warm welcome from the BSC members.

Broadwater Phantom Open - photo © Andy Wheeler

Race 1: A couple of boats were OCS, and they all made a return. Mark Addison was first to the windward mark, followed by Ben Dancer. Chris Shelton was caught by a gusty shift before the windward mark and perfectly demonstrated a dry capsize and recovery. Ben managed to get in front of Mark; however, making a mistake on the last beat, he almost threw it away and recovered to win only by a nose, with Mark second. Jon Dyas sailed well to pick up a respectable 3rd place. The following pack consisted of Jeremy Deacon fourth, Alex Spurgeon fifth, and Nick Mason sixth, who were competing hard; Alex took a two-turn penalty on lap three but recovered to pip Nick on the final beat.

Race 2: Commenced with a less crowded start line; a few boats were caught out by a sudden lull ninety seconds from starting and were adrift. Mark Addison was first to the windward mark, closely followed by Alex Spurgeon and Dave Patrick. Ben Dancer had a poor start but recovered well enough to catch up after the first few legs and get into second place. Dominating performance by Mark to win, Ben second place and Alex third.

Broadwater Phantom Open - photo © Andy Wheeler

Race 3: Increasingly varied and shifty conditions, Mark Addison created a commanding lead, little bothered by Ben Dancer attempting to catch up. Alex snapped his kicker on the first beat and retired. Nick Mason bested Jeremy to take a well-fought third place. Tricky conditions at the leeward mark 1 sent Bob Yates for a swim.

Race 4: The race committee was cognisant of the time spent on the water without rest, and the last race was shorter. Ben Dancer started well and led most of the race, with Mark Addison chasing and finishing second. Jeremy Deacon was pushing but failed to hold off Nick Mason, who took third place. Dave Patrick sailed his best race of the day. He was going well, especially when the wind turned fluky, coming in fifth place.

Broadwater Phantom Open - photo © Andy Wheeler

Mark and Ben could not be separated, so the result went to count back.

Returning to the clubhouse for a hot shower and a generous spread of beverages, sandwiches, quiches, pies, and cakes. The day's events were mulled over and analysed. It was surprising how many had an involuntary centreboard check and a near miss! It should be noted that a couple of non-Phantom regulars competed, proving their skills and handling abilities in a powerful dinghy with tricky conditions.

Kudos to Broadwater Sailing Club for a well-organised, competitive, friendly, and accomplished event in the Southeast Series — a must for Phantom Sailors' 2025 calendar!

Congratulations to Ben Dancer for winning a close-fought battle.

Overall Results: