Enterprise Open at Toddbrook Sailing Club

Action from the Enterprise open at Toddbrook © Ed Washington

Action from the Enterprise open at Toddbrook © Ed Washington

All appeared benign from the sheltered beach area; wall to wall sunshine with what appeared to be fresh north easterly wind blowing over the dam. Conditions for the 14 boat fleet were vastly different on the water however, with the wind howling down the full length of the lake with gusts regularly reaching force 7.

In the first race Tim and Jacky Finch and Steve Blackburn and Nick Hampson made perfect starts. Steve managed to overtake on the windward mark. The first two held their positions through the two gybe marks, but problems started to arrive for most of the fleet on the beat back up the lake. Steve held the lead for a while, but after a few mistakes was over taken by Eddie Pilling and Dave Boustead. Eddie went on to win the race with many of the fleet capsizing or retiring.

After a fantastic lunch of shepherd’s pie and apple crumble, most felt ready to tackle the elements again. However, the wind had increased, and was squalling down the lake with huge shifts.

Eddie rounded the windward mark first and held their lead to the finish, although threatened by Tony Woods. John Berry and Mark Russell came third, despite sailing with the smallest of cruising mains.

The third race was just as windy. Alison Payne and Kevin Law started well and finished first, with Charlie and Hannah Adams second and Jon Berry third.

Overall Results: