Enterprise Midland Area Double Chine Series Round 8 at Nottingham Sailing Club

This event, the eighth and final in the 2019 Enterprise Midland Area Double Chine Series ,was held at Nottingham Sailing Club on Sunday 20th October 2019. The three boat fleet included two visiting boats from Attenborough and Midland Sailing Clubs.

Following the recent rain the river current was quite strong, this combined with a light Northerly wind coming from behind the trees opposite the clubhouse caused a few problems and a short postponement of the first race whilst the start line was moved to a better wind area slightly downstream allowing boats to have enough speed to overcome the current and stay behind the line.

Nigel and Malgorzata during the Nottingham Enterprise Open - photo © Ken Hemsell

The first race saw Nigel Nurse crewed by Malgorzata Lopacinska (Nottingham SC) lead off the line and round the downstream mark ahead of Paul Young crewed by Karin Sandler (Midland SC),with Rachal Heesom crewed by Beverley Howe (Attenborough SC) in third. Paul and Karin took the lead on the downwind leg sailing very close to the bank to minimise the effect of the adverse current. On the second lap the downstream mark was moved which confused Paul and Karin for a while allowing Nigel and Malgorzata to retake the lead. Paul and Karin regained the lead again on the following beat to the downstream mark, however it was very tricky here as the wind had died and everyone was struggling to get around the mark and start the downwind leg back towards the club. After persevering to find some wind Paul and Karin eventually broke clear to lead the Enterprise's down the final leg to the finish. As the wind filled in from the back Nigel and Malgorzata plus several of the club's general handicap fleet gained rapidly, however in an exciting finish Paul and Karin held their nerve to claim first Enterprise by half a boat length from Nigel and Malgorzata.

Rachal and Beverley during the Nottingham Enterprise Open - photo © Ken Hemsell

After an excellent lunch the second race started with the buoys moved towards the edge of the river, slightly out of the strongest current and with a stronger wind now blowing. This time Paul and Karin soon took the lead from Nigel and Malgorzata which held to the finish. Rachal and Beverley sailed well to finish this race having pulled their bowplate out the deck at the start and starting one lap down after some speedy running repairs.

The third and final race started after a tea break. This time with no general handicap fleet. Nigel and Malgorzata again got the best start, however Paul and Karin overtook on the first beat to lead at the downstream mark, with Nigel and Malgorzata close behind. Downwind against the current Paul and Karin held this small lead, but extended it on the following beat and by the end of another lap was about to lap the other two boats. As the wind died the race officer wisely shortened the race allowing Paul and Karin to win their third race of the day. Nigel and Malgorzata finished second with Rachal and Beverley not far behind.

Third race final lap at the Nottingham Enterprise Open - photo © Ken Hemsell

Winning helm Paul Young thanked everyone involved at Nottingham Sailing club for a good day's racing.

The 2019 Double Chine Series Champions are Martin Davies and Rebecca Bradley from Rugby and Daventry Sailing Club.

Overall Results:

Paul and Karin win the Nottingham Enterprise Open - photo © Ken Hemsell