Build up to the Nationals

25 Phantoms attend the final open meeting before the Nationals

25 of the Phantom fleet attended the Lyme Regatta on the 6-7 August as part of it's countdown to the Crewsaver Nationals in two weeks time. This was the first time many of the potential front runners had sailed against each other this year and were using the event to test sails and make final tweaks.

Saturday was sunny and force 2-3 with the odd gust making the reaches very pleasant. Al Burrell dominated Race one after using the right corner on the first beat, Nick Beloe pursued while Simon Childs eventually took third from Paul Beasley.

Race two saw Childs escape from a crowded line on Port, to work "Burrell Corner" to lead at the first mark and was never headed. Beloe and Burrell followed with Burrell pulling through to second by the finish. John Wayling taking fourth.

Sunday dawned and the wind was a little lighter and fairly shifty off the shore. Childs again led Race three from start to finish with Beloe and Tyler Harmsworth never far behind, followed by Neil Fulcher.

With Childs leaving early, Beloe and Burrell were left to fight over the overall victory in Race four. Burrell again escaped the pack and picked up a useful shift to establish a good lead which he held to the finish. Beloe fought back to take second past Wayling and Russell Smith.

Results:
1-1184 'Six Pack' Al Burrell (TBYC) 4pts
2nd 1221 'Magic Marine' Simon Childs (GWSC) 5pts
3rd 1170 'P&B / Musto' Nick Beloe (NSC) 6pts
4th 1100 'Austin' John Wayling (NSC) 13pts
5th 1193 Neil Fulcher (SSC) 15pts