Enterprise Eastern Nimbus Series at Hunts Sailing Club
by Graham Kirkup 14 May 2013 07:27 BST
11 May 2013
Five home club boats were joined by seven visitors in strong, blustery south westerly winds.
Race 1
Steve Graham/Julie Moore were caught over the line at the start and fortunately were able to dip back in good time.
Keith/ Katie Tyler went round the windward mark to the usual port rounding, alas the mark was to be taken to starboard and that was not the end of their problems, such that Keith does not want to expand upon them.
Graham Kirkup and super crew Stephen Carver took the lead and extended it by some 150m but the shifty conditions caught them out on the second lap and Steve gained the lead followed by Martin Bottomley & Johnathan Woody Woodward, whilst Steve took line honours Phil and Laura Bevan gained second from Martin.
Race 2
Steve pulled out an early lead from Martin and Phil, pursued by Kevin Bilham/Jamie Cammann. Martin and Phil continued to swap places in close racing, bearing in mind the conditions, and so Steve crossed the line first with Phil Second and Martin third.
Race 3
Whilst the wind was expected to veer to the west no significant change in direction occurred, thus the course remained unchanged.
Phil started well and lead the first round, however, a monstrous squall came through with stinging rain/hail, causing the odd spillage, which allowed Steve to work through to the front with Paul Young/Megan Ward pressing in third place.
In the final 100m to the finish Phil managed to just overhaul Steve by a whisker with Paul third.
Kevin Bilham promised Graham that he would indeed save some hot water in the showers as they crossed on different legs of the course with all crews feeling the effects of the icy blasts.
During yet another squall the presentation was held in the clubhouse, with the Houghton Whale being proudly received by Steve and Julie with best Hunts boat prize to Graham and Stephen.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Helm & Crew | Sail No | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | Steve Graham / Julie Moore | 21103 | Pitsford | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 2 | Phil / Laura Bevan | 22439 | Grafham | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 3 | Martin Bottomley / J Woodward | 23248 | Emberton | 3 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
| 4 | Paul Young / Megan Ward | 22901 | Midland SC | 6 | 6 | 3 | 9 |
| 5 | Kevin Bilham / J Cammand | 22885 | Ely SC | 5 | 4 | 5 | 9 |
| 6 | Kevin / Ellie Edwards | 21839 | Norfolk | 4 | 5 | dns | 9 |
| 7 | Graham Kirkup / Stephen Carver | 23224 | Hunts | 8 | 8 | 6 | 14 |
| 8 | Keith / Katie Tyler | 22322 | Hunts | 9 | 7 | rtd | 16 |
| 9 | Richard Christmas / Ady Ginn | 3764 | Hunts | 11 | 10 | 7 | 17 |
| 10 | Ian / Sue Simpson | 23010 | Alexandra SC | 10 | 9 | 8 | 17 |
| 11 | Gavin / Malcolm Fleming | 21515 | Hunts | 7 | rtd | rtd | 21 |
| 12 | Nevile / Mrs Taylor | 22822 | Hunts | dns | 11 | dns | 25 |