Enterprise open meeting at Scammonden Water Sailing Club

With just two weeks until the Enterprise Nationals at Mounts Bay, three visitors and two home boats arrived at Scammonden Water for some much needed practice in a great breeze, as promised by the south westerly forecast.

As the early start of 11am drew closer and the steady breeze, as predicted, was filling in down the water, an excellent course was set by the OOD team. This provided a lovely long beat - which turned out to be excellent preparation for the Nationals!

Race 1 got off to a great start for most boats, but after a slight misunderstanding by Richard and Millie Pryke (Ripon SC) about which side of the outer distance mark to go (blame the crew!) they were forced to turn back to cross the line correctly and were left in last place. Steve Blackburn and Tim Brownell (Ulley SC) were first to round the windward mark, shortly followed by Matt Rawson and Victoria Gomm (Ogston SC), James and Owen Holdaway (Scammonden SC) in third and Oliver Boocock and James Barr in fourth.

Throughout the race Steve and Tim extended their lead, Richard and Millie managed to pass the two home boats downwind but unfortunately didn't manage to catch Matt and Vicky or Steve and Tim. As the wind built up, an unfortunately timed gybe with a particularly big gust caused James and Owen to go for a swim - and a test for the reaction times of the safety crew - James and Owen retired from the race, and positions stayed constant.

After a break for a great lunch (included in the entry fee!), it was back on the water for Race 2. Again, Steve and Tim took an early lead at the windward mark, with Richard and Millie rounding second and Matt and Victoria close behind, meaning it was an exciting contest for second and third with lots of tacking up the next windward leg. Matt and Victoria picked some great shifts, and coupled with some good tacking managed to get through Richard and Millie to finish the race in second behind Steve and Tim, with Richard and Millie in third.

The last race was sailed back-to-back, with just four boats on the water. The wind had built which allowed for some great planing, with some testing headers (and burning thighs!) upwind. It was left to Steve and Tim to finish the hat trick, which they did convincingly. Matt and Victoria finished in second, Oliver & James in third and James & Owen in fourth.

At the end of a fantastic days sailing, a particular vote of thanks went to the race team for organising such a great course.

Overall Results: