Phantoms Recalled

Starboard announced today that they are recalling all Phantoms with a serial number above 40. See the comments from there designer, Tiesda which appeared on the Starboard forum today.

To owners of the Phantom Race 380 serial numbers #040 and above,

Our manufacturer has advised us that a number of boards have been produced without the specified layer of PVC reinforcement around the critical area in the daggerboard box. This may result in cracks and water intake. We feel that it is the correct action for the World’s number one Windsurfing board brand to make a full recall on this model, to be replaced with the new 2009 version of the Phantom Race 380, scheduled for release this coming spring.

On a positive note, this new 2009 Phantom Race 380 shape has been tested to be quite a bit faster both upwind and on the reach compared to current, World Champion, Phantom 380 of 2007/2008. Racers will get even better kit, and Starboard will thus bring into the market a board that otherwise would not have seen the race scene before 2010.

We apologize for all the incident and we hope that by offering to replace the board with the new and faster model in spring, we would continue to keep all Starboard raceboarders happy and ahead of the game.

For those of you who are not currently on the Starboard Phantom Race 380 and considering to purchase one, production has been discontinued of the current model and the new 2009 model is available from Spring onwards.

Tiesda, on behalf of team Starboard

LBWS has asked Tiesda a few questions about the recall and the design of the new board. As soon as we hear anything further we will let you know.

Phantom Review – Part 2

This short “Part 2” article follows my previous review of the Starboard Phantom titled “Phantom Early Thoughts”.  Since writing this article, I have had further opportunities to use the board in light, moderate and big breezes and have grown more comfortable with the board and its capabilities.  I have also made some modifications to the gaskets to get them working.

In my previous article my only concern was that the centreboard gaskets where too tight and required that I stop sailing to adjust the centreboard.  In response to this I have undertaken two things which now mean that the centreboard now works relatively well.  [Read more]