Enterprise Inland Championship at Rutland Water SC

by Paula Southworth on 8 May 2012 At the 2012 Enterprise Inland Championship, Nick Craig with his crew James Stewart were again victorious – Well done Nick and James – a very impressive win in very windy conditions on Rutland Water.

An Enterprise fleet of 32 launched for the first race of five in this year’s championship, steady wind of 3-4, but gusting to force five. This was also the first appearance, at an Enterprise Inland Championship of four new Enterprise Mark III Rindar Raceboats – helmed by Paul Hobson, Ges Brown, Dave Staniforth and Mark Lunn.

Sails were flapping. The initial launch saw quite a few competitors hesitating on the shore line. This was 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 Sailing Club crewing were 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 planning / reaching Enterprises. It was a spectacular site as helms and crews disappeared in incredible waves of white water and spray. All the action was captured by photographer Peter Newton on Saturday. The championships are normally held over two days, but because of the weather conditions racing was limited to Saturday when two 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, would be able to find a window around midday/early pm. Two wind readings were taken, steady 4/5 and unbelievably as I am writing this report at Rutland Sailing Club 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 six positions were strongly contested with two ties in the first six places. Jonathan Woodward/Alex Halliwell and Tim Sadler/Richard Sault tied on six 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 situated in an 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 Pete Ashcroft – Rutland SC and Enterprise Commodore Paul Young. Pictures of Prize giving were taken by Paula Southworth.

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.

Rank	SailNo	Boat	HelmName	CrewName	Club	R1	R2	Total	Nett
1st	23170	TEAM GILL	Nick Craig	James Stewart	Frensham Pond SC	1	1	2	2
2nd	23089	SIMPLY RED	Jonathan Woodward	Alex Halliwell	South Staffs SC	2	4	6	6
3rd	23127	TIME FOR PLAN B	Tim Sadler	Richard Sault	Yorkshire Dales	3	3	6	6
4th	19876	SUBSONIC WHINKLE	Alan Johnson	Paula Fisher	SSC/SCYC	5	2	7	7
5th	22405	THUNDERBIRD III	Pete Lawson	Gareth Balfour	Bass SC	8	5	13	13
6th	23270	KITTY	Paul Hobson	Libby Allen	BCYC	7	6	13	13
7th	23015	WEDGE	Nick Jackson	Charles Bower	BURGHFIELD	10	8	18	18
8th	23223	HEAVY PETTING ZOO	Steve Graham	Chris Blundell	Northampton	9	10	19	19
9th	22702	ESPADARTE	Jane Scutt	Nick Scutt	Middle Nene	4	17	21	21
10th	22439	FLOOZY	Phil Bevan	Laura Bevan	Grafham Water SC	15	7	22	22

Full results here

Sail Enterprise website