Noble Marine Enterprise Masters at Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club

Noble Marine Enterprise Masters at Bristol Corinthian © Paula Southworth

Noble Marine Enterprise Masters Ladies Champion Alice Allen and crew Sharky © Paula Southworth

2013 Masters National Championship sponsored by Noble Marine

We have a new Enterprise Master Champion. Tim Sadler crewed by Richard Sault won the championship with 16 points. It was a closely contested championship. At the end of day 1 Mark Lunn and Steve Blackburn were on 3 pts and in first position overall - with Tim and Richard in second position overall with 8 points. At the end of the Championship Mark and Steve finished 2nd overall with 20 points.

The Ladies Champion is Alice Allen crewed by Sharky.

There were 33 'beautiful' (visitor spectator comment) sets of blue sails gracing the water at Bristol Corinthian YC. The Masters were scheduled for 7 Races; 4 on Saturday and 3 on Sunday. Although wind conditions were not steady on Saturday – the winds were fluky as they found their way through Cheddar Gorge and channeled across the reservoir. Wind strength 3-4 with unexpected gusts that gave the Race Officer Arky Wainwright a challenge and the competitors a chance for buoyancy bag testing!

Sunday started with a calm – mirror reflection across the water – very still but was soon to be replaced with much the same as Saturday. Despite these testing conditions 7 races sailed. It has been reported on Facebook as an excellent event with this quote from Ant Clay who was 4th overall, "The organization on and off the water was great, the racing was fantastic and the social was, well VERY social as you would expect! I haven't raced so hard in an absolute age. It was cool seeing and catching up with so many 'old' friends."

Another quote from Alice Allen the Enterprise Masters Lady Champion, "Fantastic weekend sailing at the Masters - well done to everyone who battled it out, literally, with the unpredictable weather (it honestly isn't usually that shifty!). Lovely to see Julia and Tony Prior there, plus Jez Squires supporting. Thanks to Arky for great Race Officer Duties, and Sharky for getting me round the course...see you all again at the Inlands."

At this point it is also worth noting that the combination of Alice Allen and crew Sharky has survived 21 years – I think this must be a record! Good to celebrate your 21st year with another championship win.

It is traditional at the Masters event that there is a black tie Masters Dinner. Our Masters did not disappoint (well done Cornwall). There was an array of well dressed Masters who enjoyed an excellent Masters Dinner which was prepared/cooked and served by the members of BCYC. It was an excellent meal – our thanks go to BCYC for organizing an excellent event enjoyed by all.

Sunday was concluded with Prizegiving. The Enterprise Association award special prizes at the championships. First Lady Crew was Julie Moore helmed by Gez Brown. First Husband and Wife and 'Ton-Up' – Phil and Catriona Bevan, First Both over 40 - Gez Brown and Julie Moore, First Ken Bird Trophy (Helm 50+) - Gez Brown and Julie Moore, First Veteran (Helm 60 +) - Mike Cossey and Christine Barron, First Helm Over 70+ - Bryan Smith and Richard Bateman.

Prizes were presented by our Commodore Dave Staniforth and Arky, the Race Officer who very ably met the challenge presented to him, by the weather conditions. Our thanks to Arky and his BCYC race team and as always these events would not be possible without the continued support of our sponsors Noble Marine.

Overall Results: