Enterprise Nationals at South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club - Overall

Enterprise National Championships day 2 © Andy Green / www.fotoboat.com

Enterprise National Championships day 2 © Andy Green / www.fotoboat.com

Race 4 began with AJ & Paula firing out of the gate to lead round the windward mark by a reasonable distance, and extended away from the fleet on the first reach in marginal planning conditions. The chasing pack was led by Mark and Steve in 2nd followed Paul 'chimp' Hobson and Libby in 3rd. However no one was able to offer a challenge to the master on his home waters and he sailed off to collect his second bullet of the championships.

With the breeze gradually building for race 5, the start saw the main competitors vying for a late start on the gate boat to gain the maximum advantage of the right shifts that have characterised all the races so far, After a crowded beat and windward mark Chimp and Libby lead, however the race ended with the same results as the previous with Aj taking a 3rd race win.

Keeping track of her 2013, campaign Alice and Sharky posted a 5th place while her fellow challengers Ann Jackson and Jane Scutt had finished in the high teens.

With Wednesday came the Lay Day, a well-deserved rest for the fleet, and it turned out to be a horrific day in terms of the weather, perfect timing.

Thursday saw bright sun and a light force 2-3 blowing on the racecourse. With the conclusion of the championship getting ever closer there was no dominant force emerging, leaving all to play for.

The Race officer and his team showed proficiency to restart the gate after a significant left hand shift came in and keeping the racing fair.

After a disappointing race 2 & 3, AJ came out of the gate showing a clean pair of heels and romped away with another win, his 4th out of 4 completed races. He left the fleet once again fighting for the runner up position, they were led by Martin and Abigail Honnor posting their best result of the champs so far, closely followed by Tim Sadler and Ali Morrish Sailing the New Peak Dinghy Mk2.

Race 7 started with a slight increase in pressure than the previous race offering up champagne sailing conditions. The start saw Steve Graham, making amends for his previous race incident with the guard boat, shoot out of the gate in the new P&B Rondar Mk3 and lead around the windward mark with a good lead over 2nd place. Unfortunately his lead was short lived with Mark Lunn and Steve Blackburn hunting him down in their quest for overall victory. By the end of the race Mark and Steve had taken the win with Steve and Alex holding off Tim and Ali behind in 3rd place.

Friday began with extremely windy conditions similar to Mondays, after a 2 hour postponement the fleet was given the order to launch however in deteriorating conditions the race officer made the decision to abandon the last 2 races of the series.

This meant the 2013 National championships was regained by Mark Lunn and Steve Blackburn after an 11 year break, who impressively fought off several top teams. However if the team of AJ and Paula's fortunes in Monday's racing hadn't suffered, this championship may have been a lot closer - but that's sailing!

After a dominant display Alice & Sharky took the ladies national championship home once again, ahead of Jane and Ann – until next year.

In his victory speech, Steve Blackburn thanked SCYC for their excellent hosting and hospitality, the PRO Malcolm Blackburn and his team for their superb race organisation, the event sponsors Noble Marine and Rondar Raceboats, and his personal sponsors Sailboats and Speed sails for their continued Support. Steve also paid particular mention to the young sailors coming through the class and encouraged them to persevere and strengthen the future of the Enterprise class.

More photos can be seen and purchased at www.fotoboat.co.uk

For all the social and fancy dress photos check out the Enterprise website or the twitter feed.

The Nationals next year will be held at Paignton Sailing Club, July 26th – 1st August.

Overall Results:
If you finished in the top ten at the Enterprise nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here