Enterprise November Plate at Southport Sailing Club

A cold crisp but sunny day as 10 boats and 20 competitors took part in the November Plate. The wind was from the south blowing straight down the lake with a gusty wind at around force 3 – 4 dropping at times.

We soon started race 1 using the whole of the lake and a good long beat to sort the men from the boys or the ladies from the girls. Mark Lunn and Steve Blackburn (Leigh and Lowton) rounded the windward mark first followed by Tim Harper and Paula Fisher (WLYC &SSC) Jonathan Woodward and Karen Alexander (South Staffs) came round the windward mark and rounded in 3rd. Mark and Steve made a mistake leaving Tim and Paula in first for the time being. The run which was nearly the length of the whole lake saw lots of changes of positions as different pressure of wind could be caught or even passed by if you didn't have your wits about you. On the last lap Jonathon took the lead on the run and came in 1st. Mark managed to come back through the fleet and tied in 2nd with Tim. 4th was Sam Woods and Laura Richardson (SSC) Tim Harper was sailing his 40 year old Enterprise a Mason Bacon still a fast and competitive boat.

After lunch, which was either jacket spuds with various toppings or fish and chips we headed out on the water for race 2 and 3 back to back.

Race 2 Sam Woods created the best start and held first to the windward mark. Mark was in 2nd and Clive & Jordan Porter (WLYC) in 3rd in his newly purchased but classic prior built Enterprise were holding there own in the race. Close racing was had throughout the races, never a few boat lengths apart, right through the fleet. Further down the fleet Callum McKenzie and James Bridge (Ogston), Paul Young and Emma Coleman (Midland) and Mark Neild and Jackie Finch having a superb tussle. Mark Neild had also purchased but refurbished a classic Lufkin Enterprise. This race was won by Mark, Sam 2nd and Jonathon in 3rd.

Race 3, The OD had created a great start line, which seemed to have no disadvantage to where you could start. Although I feel middle was the best place on the start line in order to hit the bias port tack further up the course as the wind had swung to a more south-easterly direction. Mark rounded the windward mark first and went on to win the race and the open with two bullets. Jonathon sailed a tactical masterpiece to claim second and Sam and Tim shared the points as they held a tie for 3rd. A super day's sailing was had by all!

Overall Results:

1st Mark Lunn & Steve Blackburn (Leigh & Lowton)
2nd Jonathon Woodward & Karen Alexander (South Staffs)
3rd Sam Woods & Laura Richardson (Glossop /SSC)
4th Tim Harper & Paula Fisher (WLYC/SSC)
5th Clive & Jordan Porter (WLYC)
6th Callum McKenzie & James Bridge (Ogston)
7th Paul Young & Emma Coleman (Midland)
8th Mark Neild & Jackie Finch (Chester)
9th John Berry & Neil Bawden (Middle Nene)
10th Ben Steel & Cerys Butcher (WLYC)