Enterprise Open Meeting at Maidstone Sailing Club
by Ray Packham 29 Apr 2002 16:28 BST
April 2002 at MSC, the perennial hosts of the 1st open in the Blue Jib series. Light winds were forecasted but on the day there was a pleasantly more than expected SE allowing the race officer plenty of scope to vary the courses. Under clear blue skies, the home boats turned out in force to greet just one visitor (unusual for a class that travels well) in area chairman and past winners Geoffrey and Nick Bush.
The 1st race went according to the visitors plan and passed without incident. MSC’s Ray and Joanna Hursell and Ray and Adam Packham 2nd & 3rd
After lunch in the listed stone clubhouse, racing recommenced in an air of confusion. Trying for a quick start, the Bush’s unnecessarily returned to the rear of the fleet following a signal from the race box. The offenders were actually the Packham, late starting due to a small problem. The visitors were unable to overhaul the Hursells lead, sailing through to finish 2nd.with the Packhams doing likewise to again finish 3rd. New Members, John and Holly Hewat sailing after a long layoff in a recent purchase were the only casualties to the wind.
In lighter winds with dull patches appearing, the 3rd race saw visitors stamping their mark on the event, once again winning from Ray Hursell, with Ray & Adam Packham holding off a late challenge from eventual 4th finishers Gordon and Sarah Belcher.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Helm | Crew | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | Geoffrey Bush | Nick Bush | 2 |
| 2 | Ray Hursell | Joanna Hursell | 3 |
| 3 | Ray Packham | Adam Packham | 6 |
| 4 | Gordon Belcher | Sarah Belcher | 8 |