Allen Brothers Enterprise Open at Winsford Flash Sailing Club
by Steve Blackburn 15 Apr 2014 07:32 BST
13 April 2014
The weather was superb for the Allen Brothers Enterprise Open at Winsford, although the westerly wind was cold; it was blowing straight down the lake. The prolonged sunny spells really did warm the 18 competitors for an excellent day on the water.
The OD was an old hand at setting courses and with a port bias line to stop any problems, race 1 started. Mark Lunn & Steve Blackburn (Leigh & Lowton) created the best start but James Morley & Rachel Burkitt (Ulley) winning the shifty beat to round the windward mark first. The wind was a force 2 – 4 but with every tack or gybe on a potential gust could create a boat full of water if timing wasn't correct. This happened to a few boats on the first race and more to come on the following races. Alan Johnson & Paula Fisher (SCYC & Southport) managed to sail the shifts well on the beat to overtake in first place. Alan & Paula held onto their narrow lead to the finished in first. Mark & Steve came in second and Richard Critchley & Stan Barton (Pilkington) in 3rd.
Lunch is always good at Winsford; a good helping of Cottage Pie with salad and for dessert was various cakes that everybody enjoyed in a very friendly clubhouse.
Race 2, the wind was increasing from a force 3- 5, the course had been changed to a more upwind and downwind course. This time Steve and Mark led the race from start to finish, with Alan & Paula practically a shadow pace behind them in second place. James and Rachel finished in third with Richard and Stan in fourth.
Race 3, another change of course, definitely the best so far with devilish runs and planning reaches as the gusts were edging to 6 on the Beaufort scale. Richard & Stan shown great pace up the first beat and nearly rounded in first but Mark & Steve managed to pip them to the windward mark. Mark and Steve managed to create a gap from Alan & Paula who were now in second. Alan had a great third beat and overtook Mark. It was all going down to the wire. On the very last beat to the finish there was barely a boat length between them. Mark went right and Alan went left and right paid off, Mark finished in first with Alan in second. The powerboats were kept busy with a few capsize as wind piped up from time to time. Fighting for third was Richard and James, they both managed to lose their bearings but Richard realized sooner than James did. Richard was able to create a gap and finish in third place. James had enough at near the end of the race and retired for quick get away. In fourth place were Paul Young and T Harris (Midland).
What a great day on the water, it wouldn't have been possible without a splendid job by Winsford.
Overall Results:
1st, Mark Lunn & Steve Blackburn (Leigh & Lowton SC)
2nd, Alan Johnson & Paula Fisher (SCYC & SSC)
3rd, Richard Critchley & Stan Barton (Pilkington)
4th, Paul Young & T Harris (Midland)
5th, Mike Cossy & C Barron (Sutton)
6th, James Morley & Rachel Burkitt (Ulley)
7th, Phil Duggan & G Booth (Winsford)
8th, M Friar & B Goodwin (Winsford)
9th C Mather & J Goodwin (Winsford)