Allen, North Sails & Selden Enterprise Nationals - Runners & Riders
by Alan Burton Roberts 3 Aug 2019 02:03 PDT
3-9 August 2019
Enterprise racing at Mount's Bay © Neil Richardson
As the Enterprise fleet enter the stalls at the Mount's Bay dinghy park for the Allen, North Sails and Selden Nationals, lets take a look at some of the hopefuls who might prevail on the water!
Jeremy & Becca Stephens
Former champions. Lightweight and super-fit, they hold their own upwind and go like a bullet out of a gun off-wind. Jezza has been around for years, winning Nationals and Inlands and placing top five at the Worlds! Wise old dog - one of the hot favourites to win.
- STRENGTHS: Fitness and experience.
- WEAKNESS: If it blows big.
Darren & Hayley
Can a relationship stand a championship only time will tell! Came so close three years ago and one of the many fleet hot shots benefiting from Looe's massive pool of talent. One to watch in the All Spars Enterprise!
- STRENGTHS: Co-ordination and boat speed.
- WEAKNESS: Bottle.
Tim Sadler & Chris Keatley
Multiple National, Inland and Masters Champion. Legend of the class, who will no doubt arrive 10 minutes before the first race. Anticipated to be at the front all week in his Peak Dinghy Enterprise after ditching his Rondar fresh off winning the Masters!
- STRENGTHS: Wise old dog and bags of speed.
- WEAKNESS: Mr just in time.
Phil Ford & Jane Humpage
Phil seems destined to be a bridesmaid and never the bride. Been on the podium plenty of times, but so far 1st place has eluded him! Can make a suit of sails last a lifetime and consistently fast.
- STRENGTHS: Consistently plugging steady results and lots of experience
- WEAKNESSES: Lack of practice and not replacing those sails.
Richard & Millie Pryke
Class Commodore and another father and daughter pairing. Getting faster and faster with each passing year. Now back in a wooden beauty, could they surprise everyone and go all the way?
- STRENGTHS: Plenty of time in the boat and ability to slip under the radar.
- WEAKNESS: Richard not staying inside his Rondar.
Steve Blackburn & Tim Brownell
Multiple National winning crew, now the owner of 50 Shades of Blue. Never seems to be off the water. Very fast and all the wiser from Mr Lunns guidance.
- STRENGTHS: Experience in winning a few championships at the opposite end of the boat, great in the Rondar.
- WEAKNESSES: The heavier stuff was his downfall last time but with Timber in the front maybe a better all-rounder this time round.
The Jackmans
Reigning and defending champions if its above 15 they'll be at the front if not they probably won't be! but let's see if the winter diet pays off for these heavy weather specialist.
- STRENGTHS: Have these boys ever been seen not flat?
- WEAKNESS: With great strength in wind comes the weakness of pulling it around in the light stuff
Nigel and Andy Bird
Another past team back in the fleet and absolutely flying like they never left.
- STRENGTHS: Super fast and great boat speed doesn't seem to miss a shift and work very well in the boat together
- WEAKNESS: If it gets lumpy the old legs can catch up with any man
You can
view the racing live or watch replays on TracAce here. Keep checking in to YachtsandYachting.com for regular reports and updates.