Enterprise Open at Redditch Sailing Club

Woodward and Ranford get wet at Redditch

Sailing in light force 2-3 winds with the occasional gust to keep everyone on their toes, only 2 people fell out of their boats on a fine sunny day at Redditch SC, for the Purple Sails and Marine sponsored Open Meeting on Saturday 18th October.

The first to go was in the first race when home club helmsman Ian Ranford left his young crew Joe Eaves to wonder what was happening. Ian, quite used to such situations, simply climbed back on board and carried on, though by now he was in last place. The race had started with Greg Croydon and son Matthew getting a flying start, closely pursued by Dave Jackson and Hilary Farmiloe. At the gybe mark, however, the lead changed when Dave & Hilary just gained an inside overlap in time and soon established a lead which, although never safe, was never seriously challenged. The finish produced a last minute change for third place when Paul Young and Richard Craddock were overhauled in the dying moments by Mike Cranmore and Margot Bish.

A sudden change in wind strength and direction 10 seconds before the start of the second race enabled Ian (now dried out and changed into dry clothing) and Joe to take advantage and storm into a commanding lead, followed by Martin Bottomley who was being crewed by Jonathan Woodward due to double crew shortages. The downwind leg saw the following boats close up, and it was Dave and Hilary who emerged ahead of Greg and Matthew at the leeward mark, closely followed by Martin and Jonathan. A great deal of position changing then took place in the battle for second spot, leaving Dave and Hilary to forge out an unassailable lead and head for the bar, having secured two wins. Martin, Paul and Mike took the next 3 places, followed by Jack and Jenny Mead.

The remaining overall finishing order would now be determined by the finishing order of the third race, and it was Paul and Richard who found themselves in the lead, only to sail straight past the windward mark without, it would seem, realising it. Martin then led from Greg, but Paul soon worked his way back into contention. It was now that, sailing at his home club, the Enterprise Association Commodore, Jonathan Woodward, decided to take a bath, and using the windward shroud as a toestrap, was dragged through the water whilst he and Martin were contesting the lead, eventually finishing 3rd. Paul and Richard held on, with Mike and Margot coming through to earn 2nd place.

Overall Results: