Enterprise Midland Double Chine Series at Barnt Green Sailing Club

Stephen Graham and Alex Halliwell during the Barnt Green Enterprise Open © Charlotte Farmer

Neil Barrett and Sophie Jones ahead of Jonathan Woodward and Neil Bawden during the Barnt Green Enterprise Open © Charlotte Farmer

This event, the fourth in the 2015 Midland Area Double Chine Series, was held at Barnt Green Sailing Club on Sunday 17th May 2015. The twelve boat fleet included six visiting boats from Midland, Northampton, South Staffs, Sutton and Wanlip Sailing Clubs who were greeted by a dry but cloudy day with a reasonable south westerly breeze.

The first race got away after a general recall. Stephen Graham crewed by Alex Halliwell (Northampton SC/ West Lancs YC) were first round the windward mark with Richard Tuckett crewed by Cheryl Kieley (Barnt Green SC) squeezing in second and Neil Barrett and Sophie Jones (Wanlip SC) third. On the following long run the fleet slowed as they approached the leeward mark.

Paul Young crewed by Oliver Mclean (Midland SC) went further right and stayed in the breeze overtaking several boats to round the leeward mark second behind Steve and Alex. Jonathan Woodward crewed by Neil Bawden (South Staffs SC/ Middle Nene SC) rounded third with Neil and Sophie fourth. Jonathan and Neil soon passed Paul and Oliver to gain second place. On a further beat Neil and Sophie passed both Paul and Oliver and Jonathan and Neil to move into second place. Neil and Sophie then extended their lead over Jonathan and Neil, also gaining a little on Steve and Alex. The race finished in this order.

After an excellent baked potato lunch the second race started on the same course. At a busy windward mark Neil and Sophie rounded first followed closely by Jonathan and Neil and Mike Cossey crewed by Margot Bish (Sutton SC / Redditch SC). On a following long run Paul and Oliver once again went deep to take the lead briefly at the leeward mark ahead of Neil and Sophie. Neil and Sophie then passed Paul and Oliver who misread the wind shifts on the beat to build up a healthy lead to win this race. Behind Jonathan and Neil and Mike and Margot who had both passed Paul and Oliver battled constantly for second place. In a tense last leg Mike and Margot snatched second place ahead Jonathan and Neil. Paul and Oliver finished fourth again.

The third race was sailed back to back with the second. This race which had everything to play for saw Steve and Alex round the windward mark first followed by Jonathan and Neil. Jonathan and Neil challenged Steve and Alex for a while however Steve and Alex soon overcame them to win both the race and the meeting. Neil and Sophie and Paul and Oliver both recovered from bad starts to finish third and fourth respectively.

Winning helm Steve Graham thanked everyone involved at Barnt Green Sailing Club for an excellent day's racing.

Stephen Graham and Alex Halliwell win the Barnt Green Enterprise Open - photo © Helen Farquharson

Next event at Midland Sailing Club on Sunday 14th June.

Overall Results: