Phantom Open at Frensham Pond Sailing Club

After a hiatus of some years the Phantom Fleet returned to Frensham Pond Sailing Club for the first event in the South East Area 2024 Phantom Series. The event was sailed in memory of Tim 'The Pieman' Hemsley with the 11 entries competing for 'The Pieman Platter'.

Conditions were lively to say the least with 15 gusting 20 knots of a cold north easterly wind throughout the day. Four races were scheduled sailed around the nine marks dotted around the lake which proved to be a difficult navigation exercise for some competitors.

Race one started in gusty and shifting conditions. Some (most) of the competitors failed to notice the change of course on the committee boat and despite the instructions provided by the Race officer and a lead boat most of the fleet headed off in the wrong direction. Local sailor Justin Philips followed the lead boat to the first mark but over excitement about leading the fleet and a ninety degree wind shift soon ended his euphoria with Justin taking a swim that forced his retirement. For one hour and ten minutes the fleet chased each other around the course with close racing and the lead changing hands on a number of occasions with Dave Royse from Ranelagh SC sailing a boat borrowed from his father taking the honours.

Race two was much of the same, a race length of nearly and hour, gusty winds and big shifts with multiple position changes across the fleet with local sailor Rob Ahlheid taking the victory just prior to the lunch break.

With the gusty and shifting conditions a number of the competitors called it a day after lunch but eight boats set out to complete in the final two races. Race 3 once again went to Dave Royse from Ranelagh SC.

With the final race of the day a number of entrants could still win the event. Close racing ensued across the fleet with three boats being a bit over enthusiastic at the start and called OCS by the Race Officer. Again, gusty conditions prevailed with Simon Bond another local sailor taking the win.

That concluded a fun and testing event with Dave Royse deservedly presented with 'The Pieman's Platter' (and a pie) as overall winner. The Phantom SE series moves on to Downs SC in Deal, Kent with a training day on the 17th followed by a two day event on 18th/19th May 2024. This forms part of the National Phantom Class 'Super Series' with a big entry expected.

Overall Results: