The 67-strong fleet arrived early to take in the atmosphere and the beauty of Lyme Regis and practice ahead of the three-day event.
The much-anticipated south-westerlies and famous swell of Lyme Bay were not to be this year - the forecast was for northerly breeze ranging from 6 -18 kts on the first day easing to lighter winds over the rest of the weekend. Not such a bad thing for the lighter sailors in the fleet and provided more challenging conditions, unbiased to any weight-range.
Andy "Taxi" Davies takes another class National Championships with what can only be described as an immaculate performance in enormously challenging conditions. The only competitor to keep a single digit net score for the 5 counting races!
Mike Webster sailed out of his skin to take second on 17points net - and first over 60yrs trophy. As another veteran said "It's something when you have to finish higher than second overall in an event to win the over 60yrs prize!"
Third was Simon Hawkes on 25points.
The following 7 places in the top ten had a spread of 43points which shows how challenging the conditions were!
Even more encouraging was seeing three, approximately 18year old 1200 sail number boats in the top ten (1st, 7th and 10th). Last year's Nationals was also won by Number 1280. You don't need a brand-new boat to be competitive in the Phantom class!
As always, an event like this could not happen without a wonderful organising club and their volunteer members and our stalwart class sponsors.
In the words of our worthy Champion, Andy "Taxi" Davies: "All I can say is how well it was run, I thought the club nailed it, the race team especially. Lyme is one of my favourite venues and they delivered. Being a volunteer club, it's impressive how everyone pulls together and we're utterly grateful for them taking the time out so we can enjoy their hospitality.
It was great to see everyone getting a prize as well, the sponsors were very generous.
Lastly, I'd say the Fleet were all very welcoming with great banter and great close racing, it was a shame it was only three days, great fun!"
Roll on Abersoch in September 2023.
Race 1 Winner - Mike Webster
Race 2 Winner - Martin Watts
Race 3 Winner - Andy Davies
Race 4 Winner - Andy Davies
Race 5 Winner - Andy Davies
Race 6 Winner - Andy Davies
Race 7 Winner - Mike Webster
Under 30 Trophy - Jake Stow
Over 30 Trophy - Andy Davies
Over 40 Trophy - Nick Orman
Over 50 Trophy - Simon Hawkes
Over 60 Trophy - Mike Webster
Over 70 Trophy - Graham Dale-Jones
Highest placed classic Trophy - Dean Saxton
Endeavour Trophy (lowest placed completing all races) Mike Blunt
Team Trophy - Northampton Sailing Club (Mike Webster 2nd, Rob Cook 5th, Titch Wayling 13th, Rich Nurse 20th)
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