Enterprise Open at Etherow Country Park Sailing Club

Paul Young & S Pearson during the Etherow Country Park Sailing Club Enterprise open © Steve Blackburn

Tony & Sam Woods during the Etherow Country Park Sailing Club Enterprise open © Steve Blackburn

25th October 2008 saw the second to last Open of the Top Helm Series sponsored by Speed Sails. 15 boats, 8 home boats and 7 visitors took part on the smallest lake on the circuit. The wind was anything from a 1 to a 3 all though it was a windy day. Etherow is in a valley. The weather was overcast and raining most of the day. That fine stuff that gets you really wet. It’s a good job everybody from the club are so welcoming. After the briefing and a glass of sherry we rigged are boats.

Race 1, all 15 sailors had a clean start Paul Brotherton & Steve Jobson (Etherow) Rounded the windward mark first, holding his lead to the finish, Paul was followed by Tony and Sam Woods (Etherow) in 2nd. Tim Harper & Cerys Butcher (WLYC) went round in third but could hang on to the place as Steve Blackburn & Nick Hampson (WLYC/Pilkington) held third. Karen Morris & Lisa Woods (Etherow) made into 4th and held the position and Tim finished in 5th.

After Lunch, which was homemade soup and ham and cheese barm cakes, it’s becoming a good favourite. We set sail again. Race 2 well the wind increased a little. The wind was very tricky and frustrating as the wind was coming from all corners.

Tim Harper started really well and rounding the windward mark in first, Paul & Tony went round in 2nd and 3rd. Steve was in fourth. The wind again was up and down but a little stronger than the first race Tim and Tony seemed to disappear from the lead. People were enjoying gaining places, and others were distraught with losing places. Frustration was beginning to take its toll. Steve climbed in to 2nd and Paul hit a buoy after the 360 Steve pulled into the lead and finished 1st., Paul in 2nd and Tony recovered and finished in 3rd.

After a well needed race. As steam was coming out of some sailors suffering from the conditions. The final race took place. Steve had the best start and rounded the windward mark first. Tony and Paul were behind. All 3 could win the event. But who could hold the nerve. Steve seemed to suffer as the wind decreased. (Pistol) Pete & Jack Lawson took and held 3rd. Paul just couldn’t find away through and finished 2nd and (Tiger) Tony went on to win the race, the Open and this year’s Top Helm Series. Well done Tony & Sam Woods

A big thanks for everybody that helped and made are day very enjoyable.

Overall Results: