Allen Phantom UK National Championship at Sunderland Yacht Club: A Premier Sailing Event

Allen Phantom UK National Championship at Sunderland Yacht Club – Day 2

6-8 September 2024

Or what I did on day TWO of my holidays at Sunderland Yacht Club.

It has been an “interesting” day – filled with instances of “TWO.” Let’s dive into the highlights!

The day began with TWO mists. The first was a thick convection fog that blanketed the entire coast and city of Sunderland, preventing the 46 boats from heading out until the first race was scheduled at around 1300. The fog was so dense that I could almost hear Cathy calling for Heathcliff, but perhaps that was just the eerie ambiance created by the mist or a local pod of dolphins chasing fish.

The second type of mist was more metaphorical—a brain fog and red mist that overcame me after TWO discouraging races. Others may have managed their emotions better, but I found myself having a toddler-like tantrum, only to recover after a customary late afternoon nap.

On a positive note, there were TWO impressive performances:

• TWO Bullets for Ben Dancer from Wales, which brought him to second place overall.
• TWO Seconds for Jamie Morgan, propelling him to first place overall, marking his second time in that position this season. Can he secure TWO class championships in a single season?

Alan Husk showcased TWO fantastic finishes in his 34-year-old Claridge-built woody, which is the oldest boat in the fleet by over two decades.

As for my luck, I had TWO opportunities to earn great wealth through my bookie’s Top Ten predictions, but I declined to place any bets.

To be honest, much of the racing is a blur to me! The details of Race One with 10-12 knots from the NNE over a 1-meter swell, the wind dropping to 6-8 knots, and shifting 30 degrees north in Race Two before picking up again in Race Three are lost in the haze. It’s a painful memory that my care team would prefer I not revisit.

Just like milk that separates into TWO parts, the top competitors have risen to the forefront. Congratulations to Jamie Morgan, Ben Dancer, Mark Addison, Harry Briddon, and Rob Cook for their remarkable performances. With the discard now in play and TWO more races scheduled for tomorrow, the competition remains wide open.

The weather forecast shows slightly more wind and a lower swell, but we can expect some chop to contend with. Best of luck to all competitors for the remaining races—enjoy every moment!

As always, we’re grateful for our sponsors for making such competitive championships possible. Here are the current results after Day TWO:

Source

Oliver Hayes

Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.