Enterprise Midland Double Chine Series at Tamworth Sailing Club

Mike Cossey and Margot Bish round a mark on the inside of Paul Young and Oliver Maclean in race 3 of the Tamworth Enterprise Open © Andy Backhouse

Paul Young and Oliver Maclean with Mike Cossey and Margot Bish during the Tamworth Enterprise Open © Peter O'Toole

This event, the third in the Midland Area Double Chine Series, was held at Tamworth Sailing Club on Saturday 16th May 2015. The six boat fleet included visitors from Midland, Redditch and Sutton Sailing Clubs.

The conditions were ideal, a sunny day with a moderate North Westerly wind, blowing straight down the lake.

In the first race which started from a slightly port biased line, Paul Young crewed by Oliver Maclean (Midland SC) was the first boat to tack onto port. When they tacked back onto starboard they managed to cross the fleet to take the lead briefly. At the first windward mark it was Nigel Allso crewed by Kate Brazier (Tamworth SC) who rounded first, followed by Mike Cossey crewed by Debbie Pearce (Sutton SC /Tamworth SC) with Paul and Oliver third. Paul and Oliver then passed Mike and Debbie on the following long broad reach after a short luffing duel to gain second place. Nigel and Kate then sailed away to build a reasonable lead. Mike and Debbie were then involved in several battles with Hugh Nethercot crewed by Allan Roper (Tamworth SC). On the penultimate lap Paul and Oliver found some useful wind shifts to close up on Nigel and Kate. At the finish Nigel and Kate managed to hold off Paul and Oliver to win by a few boat lengths, with Mike and Debbie third just ahead of Hugh and Allan in fourth.

The second race started on a new course after an excellent baked potato lunch. Nigel and Kate got away well to lead at the windward mark from Mike and Debbie with Paul and Oliver close behind. Mike and Debbie and Paul and Oliver battled for the next two laps exchanging places often, with Paul and Oliver eventually gaining the upper hand on a downwind leg. Nigel and Kate extended their lead to win by a considerable margin. Paul and Oliver finished second with Mike and Debbie third a few lengths behind.

With the overall winners decided the third race would sort out the minor places. Nigel and Kate once again reached the windward mark first with Mike and Debbie second just ahead of Paul and Oliver. On the first reach these three boats remained close together. Later Nigel and Kate again extended their lead while Paul and Oliver and Mike and Debbie exchanged places several times over the first two laps. On the penultimate lap Paul and Oliver pulled away from Mike and Debbie on a beat to secure second place with Mike and Debbie third. These positions were held to the finish.

Many thanks to everyone involved at Tamworth Sailing Club for a good days racing.

Overall Results: