Enterprise Open at Penarth Yacht Club

17 Enterprises enjoyed the unusually dry weather in a shifty force 3-4 wind at Penarth. This was the 6th event of the Severnside Area series and for once the overall series positions were still close. 3 races were planned over the high tide with the first start at an unsociable 10:00am. Tom Atkin and Clare Houghton (Penarth) led from the pin end in race one chased by Phil Kirk and Sarah Gregson (Frampton) and Steve Lucey and Claudia Haynes (Penarth). On the second Beat Phil and Sarah found a lift and pulled ahead and held the lead until the finish.

In race two a different group of sailors battled for the lead. Russell Bright and Alison Culverwell (Penarth) led Ian Wakeling and Kerry Pinker (Bristol) then Martyn Bromley and young Rory Hune at the windward mark. This group had initially sailed up the left side of the course and then lee bowed the ebbing tide for much of the beat. The first two held their positions to the finish while Martyn and Rory were edged into 4th by Phil and Sarah. Roger Appleby, travelling away from Frampton for the first time in 4 years, crewed by Jane Beynon in her first sea open, sailed into 5th.

By the third race the tide was ebbing fast. Phil and Sarah rounded the windward mark in front of Tom and Clare and this pair slowly pulled away from the fleet. Russell and Alison and Ian and Kerry gave chase. On the second beat Tom and Clare initially closed the gap but despite splitting tacks on three occasions Phil and Sarah were just able to cross when they next met. The lighter leaders had a slight advantage off wind and made gains in the gusts. The top four boats finished in the above positions.

With two wins Phil and Sarah had secured victory. While Tom and Claire were counting two seconds, Russell and Alison took second overall by virtue of winning race 2. The overall series positions are still close so the next round of the Severnside Area circuit at Bristol Corinthian will attract a lot of interest.

Overall Results: