Race report
Wednesday Series 1 – 7th April 2021
Battle of the Phantoms
Wednesday night racing resumed in earnest with the growing Phantom fleet represented by Duncan Adams, Kevin Milton and Jon Adams. Watching from the Deck was Paul Kelly, looking for some tips for when he joins the fray! Supernovas were represented by Kevin Last and Andy Goodman, with the rest of the fleet comprising of Pete Hampshire in the Solo, Malcolm Davidson in his Comet and Roger Day in his Gull. All were braving a chilly easterly wind which forced OD Ray Kemish into a short opening leg to Number 1. The course then zig-zagged up and down most of the pond to give a good mix of points of sail.
From the start the boats went away true to handicap with the 3 phantoms first to the first mark Duncan taking the lead with Kevin in pursuit. The dropping wind gave the OD concern that Roger might only manage one lap!
But there was enough to get round, and the race for first place heated up in the second lap, Duncan not able to shake off his foe. Jon still getting to grips with the Phantom was hauled in by Kevin Last. The slower boats were finished on two laps to save them the pain of struggling round for a third time!
On the last lap of 3 for the faster boats it was neck and neck at the front, and Kevin’s determination paid off when he overhauled Duncan to get the advantage on the last leg. A delayed tack meant Kevin was able to maintain his position and crossed the line with a celebratory cheer, a boat length clear of Duncan. Kevin Last was the next boat over the line to take the third podium spot.