After difficult wind conditions over the last few races a good fleet of 20 boats turned out for the last two races in the winter series at Dittisham Sailing Club.

In the first race the tide was running strongly as the fleet sailed the short beat to a turning mark.

Commodore David Thompson made a good start with Paul Honey in his Laser close behind, followed by newcomer Peter Coxon in his Wayfarer showing good speed.

Thompson increased his lead and behind him a battle developed between Jonathan Weeks in his Albacore and Bob Thomas in his Solo.

As the fleet neared the completion of one round, Thompson was still in the lead but strugging in fickle wind. James Dodd, also in a Phantom, cleverly took advantage of this and stayed out in the stronger tide but also in the best wind, and gained considerably by this tactic.

At the end of the shortened race it was Phantoms first and second as David Thompson held on to beat James Dodd, with Peter Coxon third after also staying out in the best wind. 

In the second race the Wayfarer of Peter Coxon made a good start and Paul Honey and David Thompson were also going well over a smaller course.

At the gybe mark the fleet bunched up with much calling for water. A battle then developed between the two Phantoms with Thompson ahead of Dodds.

Once again Dodds stayed out in the stonger wind and at the finish just managed to beat Thompson by one second in a nail-biting finish.

This showed that in light airs and a strong tide the Phantoms are a force to be reckoned with. Bob Thomas sailed consistently and finished third and in so doing won the Winter points series overall from Dodds with Thompson third.

The next event is on New Year's Day when there will be a race for the Iceberg Trophy starting at 10.30am.

 

Results

Winter Points 9

1 D Thompson, Phantom. 2 J Dodds, Phantom. 3 P Coxon, Wayfarer.

 

Winter Points 10

1 J Dodds, Phantom. 2 D Thompson, Phantom. 3 R Thomas, Solo.