An Enterprise Fleet of 32 launched for the first Race of five Races in this Championship, in gusty 5, but steady wind of 3-4. This was also the first appearance, at an Enterprise Inland Championship of four new Enterprise Mark III Rondar Raceboats – helmed by Paul Hobson, Ges Brown, Dave Staniforth and Mark Lunn.
Sails were flapping and the initial launch saw quite a few competitors hesitating on the shore line. Not the case with two newcomers to the Enterprise Fleet, both were eager for this new experience. Sam Pearce an U21 Helm with Dad Alex Pearce from Burghfield SC crewing, was not phased by these windy conditions. This also was the case for Mike Heffer with his son (under 16) crew, Jake Heffer. Jake is of slight build and after the race helmed the Enterprise back to shore, which was ‘no mean feat' in these windy conditions.
These conditions are ideal for planing/reaching Enterprises. It was a spectacular site as Helms and Crews disappeared in incredible waves of white water and spray. All this was captured by Photographer Peter Newton on Saturday.
This 2 Day Championship, because of the weather conditions only took place on Saturday, when 2 races were completed. The competitors came prepared to sail on Sunday although the predicted weather forecast was very poor – strong winds and rain, but it was hoped by the Race Officer David Rollands and team, to find a window midday/early pm. Two wind readings were taken, steady force 4/5 and unbelievably as I am writing this report at Rutland SC gusting 11!!
Dave and team did an excellent job and the sailing on Saturday, although tiring, was much appreciated by the Enterprise Fleet and his judgment was supported to abandon all sailing on Sunday. The first 6 positions were strongly contested with two ties in the first 6 places. Jonathan Woodward/Alex Halliwell and Tim Sadler/Richard Sault tied on 6 points and Pete Lawson/Gareth Balfour and Paul Hobson/Libby Allen tied on 13 points.
Once the 'plug was pulled' on Sunday racing the Southworth Race Office (excellent room provided by Rutland SC – thank you) was quick to produce the final prize list for this event so competitors could leave for home. Prize giving took place at 11 00 am. Prizes were presented by Commodore Peter Ashworth – Rutland SC and Commodore Paul Young – Enterprise Association. The winner of the Enterprise Inland Championship, Nick Craig who was Yachtsman of the Year 2011, concluded the proceedings by thanking the Rutland SC, bar, catering staff, Race Officer and team for an excellent weekend despite the difficult sailing conditions. Nick also thanked the Enterprise Association sponsors Noble Marine Insurance and Rondar Raceboats.
Overall Results:
Pos Sail No Boat Name Helm Crew Club R1 R2 Pts
1st 23170 TEAM GILL Nick Craig James Stewart Frensham Pond SC 1 1 2
2nd 23089 SIMPLY RED Jonathan Woodward Alex Halliwell South Staffs SC 2 4 6
3rd 23127 TIME FOR PLAN B Tim Sadler Richard Sault Yorkshire Dales 3 3 6
4th 19876 SUBSONIC WHINKLE Alan Johnson Paula Fisher SSC/SCYC 5 2 7
5th 22405 THUNDERBIRD III Pete Lawson Gareth Balfour Bass SC 8 5 13
6th 23270 KITTY Paul Hobson Libby Alle BCYC 7 6 13
7th 23015 WEDGE Nick Jackson Charles Bower BURGHFIELD 10 8 18
8th 23223 HEAVY PETTING ZOO Steve Graham Chris Blundell Northampton 9 10 19
9th 22702 ESPADARTE Jane Scutt Nick Scutt Middle Nene 4 17 21
10th 22439 FLOOZY Phil Bevan Laura Bevan Grafham Water SC 15 7 22
11th 22501 BLUE JOB Alice Allen Sharky BCYC 14 9 23
12th 22933 HRT Ann Jackson Alan Skeens Burghfield SC 12 11 23
13th 22929 BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS Calum Mackenzie Rory Mackenzie Ogston SC 16 12 28
14th 22102 David Porter Beth Porter WLYC 17 13 30
15th 21932 UM Ben Burrows Mike Radford West Oxon SC 22 14 36
16th 22901 OUT OF THE BLUE Paul Young Megan Ward Midland SC 21 16 37
17th 22620 Matthew Velamail Max Nicholson Ulley SC 18 20 38
18th 55 SPEED MACHINE Mark Lunn Steve Blackburn WLYC/Pilkington 6 DNF 39
19th 22322 KIRK UP CASTOFFS Keith Tyler Katie Tyler Hunts 24 15 39
20th 23248 Martin Bottomley Ray Ball Emberton Park 23 18 41
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