Scottish Enterprise Open at Berwick Sailing Club

The Scottish Enterprise fleet gathered at Berwick Sailing Club May 24-25, for the first of their two annual excursions to the ancient kingdom of Bernicia. At stake were the Berwick Rose Bowl, plus the Scottish Area Master (for those old enough to remember Bernicia) and Junior trophies. A lumpy sea, easterly breeze and variable tide did much to challenge the fleet - though having faced sterner battles on this water, none were. They were however unwilling to meet the challenge of the two week old sausage which Maureen Denny found on board "Mr Wobblie" in the dinghy park - a ready made excuse for sea sickness if ever there was one.

Saturday's battles for this "border" water were well contested, albeit aided by a watch in the committee boat which belonged in the 7th century along with Bernicia's absorption into Northumbria. The minor confusion allowed Team Morrish to steal the first race by a few boat lengths from Young/Geddes who hacked through the fleet after starting a century behind. The second race began more evenly, and though Team Morrish looked to have the better of it again, Young/Geddes conquered the tide on the second lap to steal the lead and head into the banquet with a technical advantage.

Sunday brought reinforcements in the form of two extra boats, however a problem with the rescue boat forced the race officer to retreat into the shelter of the river for the day. Wind and tide directions combined with the river bends made setting a course difficult but racing was still fair and open despite this. Team Morrish once more took an early lead in the third race, before firstly missing a border sentry downwind, then conducting their own internal referendum regarding the independence of another green floating thing on the final beat, finishing fourth behind Young/Geddes, Team Denny and Ainsworth/Wilkes. Alison was so disgusted with their Lib-Dem-like collapse that she impersonated the Lady of the Lake between races. Having put the boat's "yes" campaign back on track, they then stormed the fourth race ahead of Young/Geddes, setting up a last race decider.

Young/Geddes took advantage of added tension and charged away from the start line despite an OCS scare to reach the first mark ahead - a position they were able to defend without need for claymore or trebuchet. Behind them, Ainsworth/Wilkes finished on a high by surviving an even bigger OCS call to take second from Team Morrish.

Young/Geddes therefore took the town of Berwick for this year at least, with Team Morrish retaining the Masters throne again. Paul Scott (with squire Heiko) was rewarded with the Junior trophy plus the prize for first home boat. Thanks again to BSC for their warm welcome and good sailing, we all see why the town is worth fighting over.

Overall Results: