Enterprise Open at Rudyard Lake Sailing Club

This joint North West/Midland event the seventh in the 2013 Midland Area Double Chine Series sponsored by Speed Sails was held at Rudyard Lake Sailing Club on Sunday 23rd June.

The weather was far from ideal with heavy rain showers and a force four to five westerly wind with gusts of force six. The eight boat fleet had four visitors from Etherow, Midland, and Pilkington and Sutton Sailing clubs.

The first race saw Paul Young crewed by Nancy Gudgeon (Midland SC) start on port tack and cross Alan Roberts crewed by Rhea Burton (Pilkington SC) who started on starboard. Paul and Nancy led at the windward mark from Alan and Rhea in second with Toby Sanderson crewed by E Smith (Rudyard Lake SC) third. Paul and Nancy led for a lap until Alan and Rhea went right on the second beat to take the lead. Alan and Rhea continued to lead from Paul and Nancy until the second gybe mark, where in the very gusty conditions prevailing at the time both boats tacked round with Paul and Nancy regaining the lead once more. Alan and Rhea went left on the following beat to take the lead again, which they held to the finish. Paul and Nancy were second and Dave Burnham crewed by Trish Ordsmith third.

After an excellent lunch the second race started on the same course. Now joined by Mike Cossey crewed by Christine Barron (Sutton SC) Paul and Nancy, Alan and Rhea and Mike and Christine all cross tacked several times on the first beat.

However it was Paul and Nancy who led around the first windward mark, with Alan and Rhea second and Mike and Christine third. Alan and Rhea gained inside water at the gybe mark but capsized while Paul and Nancy tacked round to regain the lead. Mike and Christine passed Alan and Rhea to gain second place but immediately capsized. Alan and Rhea soon regained their composure and sailed brilliantly to catch up Paul and Nancy passing them at the final windward mark to snatch the lead which they held to the finish. Dave and Trish were again third.

With the overall winner now decided only two boats took part in the last race. On a smaller course Paul and Nancy and Toby and E.Smith both started on port tack. Paul and Nancy had a dodgy moment near the windward mark when hit by the biggest gust of the day; however they soon got it together and extended their lead. Youngsters Toby and E Smith practicing for the junior 12 hour race at Southport next weekend sailed well in the difficult conditions but eventually succumbed to a capsize. The race was shortened to three laps. Paul and Nancy won with the youngsters righting their boat and completed the race finishing second.

Winning helm Alan Roberts thanked everyone at Rudyard Lake SC for a good day's racing.

Overall Results: