Enterprise Open at Wigan Sailing Club
by Steve Blackburn 30 May 2010 13:37 BST
23 May 2010
Enterprises at Wigan © Tim Finch
10 boats mostly visitors arrived at Scotchman's Flash near to the heart of Wigan. The heat from the sun was extreme but enjoyed by all. The OD briefed us on the following races and we soon set sail. The wind was light and built up through out the day reaching a force four in the last two races.
Race 1 - Up the first beat we soon saw Christian & Nikki Birrell take the lead and they never looked back as they increased there lead to finish 1st. Pete Lawson & Gareth Balfour (Bass) held second they seemed to be in full control unable to catch the leading boat and unable to concede to third. We did have a little battle with Karen Morris and Lisa Woods (Etherow), Mark Dingsdale and Ruth Critchley (Pilkington) and Steve Blackburn & Royston Taggart (WLYC & Pilkington) The girls managed to hold their own after a quick attack from Steve and then Mark as they crossed the line in third.
Lunchtime had approached and the food was served. Cottage Pie was fantastic with a free cup of tea to refresh all sailors as the heat of the sun and the sailing was hotting up.
Race 2 - Steve and Pete sailed very well up the first beat to meet each other at the windward mark. Mark Dingsdale was just behind and managed to overtake Steve while Pete was lucky not to give water at the following buoy. Steve overtook Mark after an unfortunate capsize as the header turned into a lift. Steve soon caught up but Pete managed to hold onto first. Steve finished second and The Birrell's promoted themselves up to third after a disappointing start.
Race 3 - The young lads from Wigan SC James Morgan & Sean Bates took the lead for a good lap they certainly held there own. The Birrell's soon broke their way through after running aground on the sandbank and took first place. Steve also had poor start after running aground. But soon managed away past through until he met up with the Birrell's. They both battled to the very end and the last beat felt very tight as they were trying to catch each other out. The Birrells finished first with Steve in second and Jonathon Woodward and Alex Halliwell (WLYC & Bartley SC in third.
A big thank you again for a wonderfully organized and welcoming event.
Overall Results:
1st Christian and Nikki Birrell (L&LSC)
2nd Pete Lawson and Gareth Balfour (Bass/Killington)
3rd Steve Blackburn and Royston Taggart (WLYC/Pilkington)
4th Jonathon Woodward and Alex Halliwell (Batley/WLYC)
5th Martin Dingsdale and Ruth Critchley (Pilkington)