Enterprise Irish Nationals at Bray Sailing Club

The International Enterprise Class Irish National Championships was hosted by Bray Sailing Club on 19th and 20th August. Usually a three day event, the Championship was reduced to two days to leave the Bay free for the Air Show.

Saturday’s gusty north-westerly winds gave the 17 entries, including 3 who had travelled from the North, some exciting sailing.. Several crews went for an involuntary swim, and discovered that whilst Killiney Bay may rival Naples for the scenery the water is somewhat less warm. After 3 races Roy van Mannan had a one point lead over Sean Craig.

On Sunday, despite a light and continuously shifting wind, the Race Committee managed to sail four races. The mark layers, Martin Darcy and Tom McDonald, had an exhausting day, being constantly called upon to haul anchors and relay marks.

Racing on Sunday was dominated by Sean Craig, who won three races out of four. Second and third places overall were only settled on the last race, after two false starts and a close race. The run downwind against the strong tide made for fascinating racing, as boats were sailing fast through the water but hardly moving towards water. In this game of nautical chess, Roy van Mannan managed to scrape across the finish line in 6th place, enough to save his second place overall.

As a class, the Enterprise dinghy seems to encourage long sailing careers. Irish Champion Sean Craig, crewed by Michelle Rowley, last won the Championship in 1989, whilst third placed Marty Cuppage, crewed by Chris Nolan, was crowned National Champion in 1987 and 1992!

Marty Cuppage was declared winner of the Masters Trophy (reserved for the more “mature” participants). His results at enterprise events this season will almost certainly ensure his nomination to represent the class at the ISA Helmsman's Championship. Richard Graves, crewed by Bryan Murtagh, won the Silver Fleet prize, whilst Catherine Martin, crewed by John Maguire, was declared winner of the Bronze Fleet after a tie-break involving two other boats.

Overall Results:

1. Sean Craig, Michelle Rowley (Royal St. George YC) 11pts
2. Roy van Maanan, Neil van Manaan (Greystones SC) 16pts
3. Marty Cuppage, Chris Nolan (Bray Sailing Club) 19pts
4. Peter Hasset, Olivia Hasset (Greystones SC) 23pts
5. William Barton, Cathy Barton (Royal Northen Irish YC) 25pts