Enterprise Open at Silver Wing Sailing Club

Silver Wing SC were delighted to welcome 12 boats to the water on Saturday 22nd May for their 'Back to Blue' Enterprise Open Meeting. The 12 entrants included 5 visitors from as far afield as Rugby, Burghfield, Cookham and Rickmansworth.

A slightly revised format saw the fleet take to the water for four, forty minute races - two back to back in the morning followed by two back to back in the afternoon. The racing was as always very competitive throughout the fleet with many place changes aided by the shifting north-westerly breeze force 2-3.

Silver Wing Enterprise Open - photo © Phil Bergquist

After a competitive start, race one saw Nigel and Andy Bird take an early lead closely pursued by Nick Jackson and Alex Nokes, despite several place changes at the front throughout the race, the Birds ran out close winners from Nick and Alex in second with David and John Beaney in third. Race two followed a similar format with the birds eventually working their way through the fleet to lead with the Beaneys in second and Ann Jackson and David Manson in third.

Silver Wing Enterprise Open - photo © Phil Bergquist

The fleet retired to the shore for lunch and a chance to catch up with old friends over a beer.

The wind dropped slightly and became more fickle for the afternoon races with large unpredictable puffs moving across the lake bringing large fluctuations in direction. Races three saw Peter Jackson and Alex Nokes round the first mark on the lead only to be overhauled by most of the fleet on the following run. Martin Weston and Sheron Bennett took a significant lead after navigating their way through the fleet brilliantly. But it seemed as though no one could prevent the gradual progression of the Birds who again took the win with Pete Jackson and Alex Noakes eventually coming through to second. With the event already won, the fourth race saw the Birds complete a clean sweep with a fourth win. Pete Jackson and Alex Nokes took a second with Dave Philips and Martin Church completing a solid race with a third place in the dying breeze.

Alan Woodford with the Just Jane Trophy during the Silver Wing Enterprise Open - photo © Phil Bergquist

After the racing a fabulous tea was laid on by the SWSC members and in the prize-giving speeches, tribute was paid to the sadly passed away ex-Commodore and Enterprise sailor David Finch as well as a fascinating address by Alan Woodford of what was Arial SC who explained the history of the Just Jane Trophy which has been adopted by SWSC as the trophy for this event.

Silver Wing Enterprise Open prize giving - photo © Phil Bergquist

The general consensus that this was a very welcome opportunity to hoist the Blue sails again, have a competitive sail and catch up with old friends, which is surely what sailing should be about.

Overall Results: