Starcross Yacht Club, on the Exe Estuary in Devon, hosted the 4th event of the South West Series on Saturday 27th July. The event was shared with ILCAs and Solos.
The format for the event was for 3 races back-to back with 2 out of 3 to count. Upon arrival, the sun was out but alas no wind to speak of. Our OOD Russ Gibbs confidently predicted that a sea breeze would arrive at approx. 10.15am, but he sensibly held the fleet ashore under a postponement. And, right on cue, the breeze filled in from the south on the incoming tide.
After a short delay to allow the wind to steady, the small fleet of 5 Phantoms set off on what seemed like a huge beat into the tide in 12-15 knots. Jon Rickard from Hooe Point powered off into the distance, never to be seen again on the 2-lap triangle-sausage course. Steve McDonald from the home club and Mark Spruce (Lee on Solent) had a good battle for the minor placings, finishing in that order with Olly Greenslade and your intrepid reporter bringing up the rear.
So into Race 2 which was started right at the top of the tide in similar wind strength and direction to Race 1, again Jon hit the afterburners on the first beat to round first. Steve and Sprucey again had a close battle until Steve broke his tiller extension and capsized on the second beat of the 3-lap course. Sprucey caught up with Jon on the final lap, but Jon held out for first and secured the meeting with a race to spare. Olly and Andy had their own rather uneventful race, finishing in that order.
Race 3 was much closer, but still with Jon narrowly ahead at the first mark. Sprucey had to do a 720 after tacking too close for Steve's liking. On the 2nd beat, there was a course change do to a large windshift with Jon still in the lead followed closely by Steve and Andy. The wind then completely shut down and the only progress towards the new windward mark was caused by the now outgoing tide. Jon and Steve squeezed round the mark, only to be taken away from the spreader mark, allowing both Olly and then Andy into the lead. Jon took the option of an early shower at this juncture, as he was fairly close to the clubhouse. As the wind made a reappearance from the West, Andy was able to benefit initially, but he was later to spot that the leeward mark had also been moved which allowed both Olly and Steve to sail through on a tighter angle. A short fetch to the finish was uneventful with Olly taking first, followed by Steve and Andy, with Sprucey bringing up the rear.
The prize-giving was held in the sunshine at around 3.30pm, allowing everyone to make an early start for home after a very enjoyable day's racing.
Overall Results:
Pos Helm Sail No Club R1 R2 R3 Pts
1st Jon Rickard 1472 Hooe Point SC 1 1 (DNF) 2
2nd Olly Greenslade 1497 Starcross YC (4) 3 1 4
3rd Steve McDonald 1484 Starcross YC 2 (DNF) 2 4
4th Mark Spruce 1342 Lee on Solent SC 3 2 (4) 5
5th Andy Smith 1405 Bowmoor SC (5) 4 3 7
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