Enterprise Midland Area Double Chine Series Round 3 at Tamworth Sailing Club

This event, the third in the Enterprise Midland Area Double Chine Series, was held at Tamworth SC on Saturday 21st May 2022. Five boats including visitors from Nottingham, Midland and Rugby and Daventry sailing clubs competed in the variable breeze mainly from a westerly direction on a pleasant dry day with sunshine.

The first race saw locals Nigel Allso crewed by Kate Brazier get away from the start line quickly, building up a substantial lead throughout the race, which they held to the finish, behind Martin Davies crewed by Rebecca Bradley (Rugby and Daventry SC) exchanged places several times with Paul Young crewed by Megan Ward (Midland SC).

Nigel Also and Kate Brazier beside Martin Davies and Rebecca Bradley during the Tamworth Enterprise Open - photo © Teresa Culmer

At the start of the final beat Paul and Megan passed Martin and Rebecca and looked like they were going to finish second, however in an exciting windward finish in front of the clubhouse, Martin and Rebecca seized the lead again in a tacking battle close to the finish line to take second place just a couple of boat lengths from the finish line. Steve Evans crewed by Rhoda Simpson (Tamworth SC) were fourth with Rachel Heesom crewed by Beverley Howe (Nottingham/ Tynemouth) finishing fifth despite a broken rudder.

After an excellent ploughman's lunch, the second race started on the same course. This time it was Martin and Rebecca who got away taking advantage of a lift on starboard tack, later tacking onto port on a header. Nigel and Kate who held on a bit further had an even bigger lift on port to take the lead. Although the gaps between the boats changed in a yoyo fashion the order remained the same with Nigel and Kate winning again to secure the trophy. Martin and Rebecca were again second and Paul and Megan third.

With the overall winner already decided, the last race got under way in the best wind of the day. Paul and Megan needing a win to get the runners up spot from Martin and Rebecca. A chaotic start line saw the race officer use his individual recall flag. The racing was closer with several exchanges of position especially between Martin and Rebecca and Paul and Megan, who despite their best efforts finished in third again. Nigel and Kate sailed excellently to win their third race of the day.

Nigel Also and Kate Brazier win the Tamworth Enterprise Open - photo © Teresa Culmer

On behalf of the visitors, Martin Davies thanked Tamworth Sailing club for a good day's racing.

Overall Results: