Enterprise Open at Elton

by Steve Blackburn on 16 Aug 2011 The Enterprise Open Meeting welcomed nineteen competitors to Elton Sailing Club amid wet and damp weather. The day began with the fleet taking to the water shortly after the rain stopped and the breeze grew stronger.

After sausage buns and a cup of tea or coffee we set to race. The starts were very well executed with a port bias line. Which gives all sailors a fair advantage wherever you start. Local sailor Adam Savage and Michelle Tickle (Elton / WLYC) were first to the windward mark. The next boats all seemed to meet at once because of a wind lift to the boats on starboard tack. Adam unfortunately lost his lead to finish fourth.

A few other sailors managed to break away from the main pack Mike Cossey and Christine Barron (Tamworth) took the lead and finished the race first. Sam Woods and Rick Hayton (Etherow also sailed well to finish second with Richard and Sister Ruth Critchley (Pilkington) third.

After lunch we set sail for race 2. Again a port bias line and Pete Lawson and Gareth Balfour went round the windward mark first. Pete Unfortunately didn’t make the first race but made up for the error by winning the race. In second was Richard and Ruth and third was Mike Cossey. Richard and Millie Pryke (Ripon) came in fourth with their best result and fifth was Alison Payne and Kev Law (Toddbrook) in their newly refurbished Enterbox, they are definitely back on pace.

After a short race the wind had picked up to force 3 – 5 which was enjoyed by all as aqua-planning was beginning to take place. Again Pete rounded the windward mark first with Steve Blackburn (WLYC / Etherow) in second. Adam savage was in third with Richard Pryke in third. After a few laps Pete grew a short lead on Steve and Steve also had a short lead from the main pack and held these positions for the remainder of the race. Adam managed to hold to third with Richard Pryke and Richard Critchley, fourth and fifth lapping at their heels.

We had quite a few Junior’s really enjoying the Enterprise with Sam Woods and Rick Hayton (Etherow) and Meg Adam and Beth Porter (WLYC) surely training for the Enterprise Youths. They seemed to manage with the older generations and makes for great racing as any age can enjoy the fun of Enterprise.

1st Pete Lawson and Gareth Balfour (Killington / Bass)
2nd Mike Cossey and Christine Barron (Tamworth)
3rd Richard and Ruth Critchley (Pilkington)
4th Adam Savage and Michelle Tickle (Elton / WLYC)
5th Sam Woods and Rick Hayton (Etherow) 1st Junior’s
8th Alison Payne and Kev Law (Toddbrook) 1st Lady Helm

Enterprise Open Meeting website