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Selden 2020 - LEADERBOARD

Enterprise Inland Championship at Rutland Water SC

by Paula Southworth on 8 May 2012
Leading boats Peter Newton
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
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