Enterprise Double Chine series at Midland Sailing Club

Barry Moss and Julie Moore (2nd overall) at the Enterprise Double Chine series at Midland © Trevor Pearson

Enterprise Double Chine series at Midland © Trevor Pearson

This event held jointly with the N12 class, the fifth in the 2014 Enterprise Midland Area Double Chine Series sponsored by Allen was held at Midland Sailing Club on Sunday 22 June 2014.

The eight boat fleet included visitors from Emberton Park, Middle Nene, Redditch, Rugby and Daventry, Shell Island and Sutton sailing clubs.

It was a hot day with light and very variable breeze, testing both the race officer's and competitor's patience alike.

The first race started after a short postponement after a complete change in wind direction meant a course change. At the start Martin Bottomley crewed by George Crabtree (Emberton Park/Midland SC) were over the line and had to return. Mike Cossey crewed by Christine Barron (Sutton SC) rounded the first mark in the lead from Martin Davies crewed by Oliver Mclean (Rugby and Daventry/ Midland SC) in second and Barry Moss crewed by Julie Moore (Shell Island SC) third. Positions changed throughout the fleet, however after a while it settled down with Barry and Julie first, Mike and Christine second and Paul Young crewed by Alex Homer (Midland SC) third. These positions were held to the finish.

After an excellent lunch of jacket potatoes and gateaux, the second race started on a new course. This time Mike and Christine once again rounded the first mark in the lead, ahead of Karen Alexander crewed by Jonathan Woodward (Middle Nene SC) with Martin and Oliver in third and Paul and Alex fourth. Places changed often, on a reach Paul and Alex, passed both Karen and Jonathan and Martin and Oliver, whilst Barry and Julie had a good beat going from sixth to fourth. Paul and Alex took the lead on the last lap which they held to the finish. Martin and Oliver snatched second place near the finish line from Mike and Christine who finished third with Barry and Julie fourth.

This left the meeting nicely balanced with the outcome to be decided by the third race. This was sailed back to back with the second on the same course. The race got away at the second attempt after a general recall. Positions changed often throughout the race as the wind filled in from different directions keeping everyone on their toes. Paul and Alex took the lead on the last lap before the wind died completely forcing the race officer to shorten course.

At the finish Paul and Alex won from a rapidly closing Mike and Christine with Barry and Julie third. Winning helm Paul Young thanked everyone at Midland SC for a good day.

Overall Results: