Enterprise Midland Area Double Chine Series Round 7 at Emberton Park Sailing Club

Paul Young & Nathan McGrory lead Luke & Nikki Fisher on the beat during the Emberton Park Enterprise Open © Rob Bell

Close racing during the Emberton Park Enterprise Open © Rob Bell

This event the seventh in 2019 Enterprise Midland Area Double Chine Series was held at Emberton Park SC on Sunday 13th October 2019. The four boat fleet included one visiting boat from Midland Sailing Club.

The day started with heavy rain and light wind however this soon picked up a bit and increased throughout the day.

The first race started in the rain with a moderate Southerly wind. Paul Young crewed by Nathan McGrory (Midland SC) took a port flyer and crossed the fleet to lead around the first windward mark and for the first two laps. Later as the wind dropped Luke Fisher crewed by his wife Nikki (Emberton Park SC) took the lead, which they held to the finish, despite several challenges from Paul and Nathan. Paul and Nathan finished second with Jason Thorniley crew by Serena Stewardson (Emberton Park SC) third.

The second race was sailed back to back with a slight change of course and start line. This time Luke and Nikki made the best start from a starboard biased line to lead around the first mark from Paul and Nathan, Jason and Serena, and Javier Rodriguez- Aries crewed by daughter Lucia (Emberton Park SC). Paul and Nathan passed Luke and Nikki on the following run to lead at the leeward mark. Javier and Lucia sailing with a cut down mainsail also overtook Jason and Serena to gain third until an unfortunate capsize and broken centreboard brought their day to an end. Back at the front there were a few more place changes however the results were Luke and Nikki first, Paul and Nathan second and Jason and Serena third.

After an excellent hot lunch of baked potatoes and Chilli, the exciting third race sailed in the now dry conditions, with strongest winds of the day was started on a new course and saw boats planning at times. Luke and Nikki again won the start from the port biased line to take the lead from Paul and Nathan in second. These two boats exchanged place constantly throughout the race. At the final leeward mark Paul and Nathan had the lead. On a tense last beat to the finish Paul and Nathan covered Luke and Nikki tack for tack, with the gap getting closer. On the final tack for the lay line to the finish line a heading windshift helped Paul and Nathan secure a win by three seconds. Jason and Serena sailed well to take third.

Overall winning helmsman Luke Fisher thanked everyone at Emberton Park SC for a great day's racing.

Overall Results: