Enterprise Northern Series at Wigan and St Helens Sailing Club

Enterprise Masters Championship and Northern Series at Wigan and St Helens SC © Luke Hartshorn

The Enterprise Northern Series returned to Wigan & St Helens Sailing Club for one of the calendar's most popular fixtures, incorporating the UK Masters Championship. Originally seeing seventeen boats entered, including four home crews, the weekend saw the arrival of 15 teams ready for the weekend ahead, but one that demanded patience from competitors and race officials alike.

Wall-to-wall sunshine greeted sailors throughout the weekend, but a fickle northerly breeze rarely exceeded Force 2, with only the occasional gust nudging Force 3. The wind switched on and off throughout Saturday, constantly changing direction and never establishing the steady breeze required to get racing under way. Despite the best efforts of the experienced race team, the difficult conditions ultimately forced the abandonment of racing for the day.

As is often the case in the Enterprise fleet, disappointment on the water was quickly forgotten ashore. Wigan & St Helens once again proved a popular stop on the circuit, with competitors enjoying an excellent hotpot supper before two talented club members provided live entertainment on bass guitar and saxophone, encouraging plenty of singing long into the evening.

Sunday dawned with more sunshine but little improvement in the wind. With the forecast offering no guarantees and time steadily disappearing, the difficult decision was taken to abandon the UK Masters Championship, with the intention of rearranging the title event later in the season. However, with a light breeze finally filling across the reservoir during the afternoon, competitors agreed to race an Open Meeting, ensuring the weekend would still produce a worthwhile contest and valuable Northern Series points.

The opening race immediately demonstrated just how difficult the conditions would be. Martin Honnor and Chris Parker judged the first beat well to round the windward mark ahead of Tim Sadler and Richard Sault, but the oscillating breeze ensured the order was far from settled. Al & Henry Roberts started strongly holding third until their rudder came loose. Alan and Henry briefly held fourth, while Steve Blackburn and Emily Rossiter steadily worked their way through the fleet as the race developed.

Up front, Tim and traded the lead throughout a fascinating tactical contest, with Martin & Chris eventually taking line honours by the narrowest of margins after an almost dead-heat finish. Tim & Richard were forced to settle for second, while Steve completed the podium after another consistent performance.

The second race again rewarded clean starts and smart tactical decisions rather than outright boat speed. Tim & Richard established an early lead and gradually stretched clear as those behind continually exchanged positions whenever the breeze disappeared on the runs before filling from a different direction. Martin & Chris held onto second despite pressure from Steve & Emily.

Further back the fleet saw regular chances in position between the Holdaways, Frys and Roberts however Charles Morrish and Luke Hartshorn sailed an excellent race to finish fourth after remaining firmly in the leading group throughout.

By the final race, Tim & Richard found their rhythm. Another excellent start allowed them to control proceedings from the front, opening a comfortable advantage before one of the day's trademark holes dramatically reduced his lead. Nevertheless, they remained composed to secure their second successive race win. Behind them, Steve & Emily found a way past Martin & Chris during the closing stages to claim second, with Martin & Chris completing a deserved third.

Enterprise Masters Championship and Northern Series at Wigan and St Helens SC - photo © Luke Hartshorn

Further back, Paul Young and Esther Bowdler enjoyed one of their strongest races of the weekend after leading the chasing pack for much of the contest before Chris and Leo Fry capitalised on the final shifts to snatch fourth on the line.

With scores of 2,1,1, Tim & Richard's consistency in exceptionally challenging conditions secured overall victory. Martin & Chris' race win, backed up by two further podium finishes, earned second overall, while Steve & Emily's impressive sequence of third, third and second completed the podium.

Although only three races were completed, Wigan & St Helens once again delivered an outstanding event. The professionalism and perseverance of the race team, combined with the club's renowned hospitality and lively Saturday evening social programme, ensured competitors departed having enjoyed another memorable Northern Series weekend. Thank you also to our series sponsors Peak Dinghies, Allen & North Sails.

The Enterprise fleet now looks forward to the rearranged UK Masters Championship later in the season at St Mary's.

Enterprise Masters Championship and Northern Series at Wigan and St Helens SC - photo © Luke Hartshorn

Overall Results: