Enterprise Masters Champs at Grafham Water Sailing Club

Nigel Bird & Katie Dolling win the Enterprise Masters at Grafham © Paula Southworth

“Birdy makes his dream come true”

Nigel Bird is the Enterprise Masters Champion and as he has now just turned 50 he is also eligible for the Ken Bird Trophy, which was presented by his Father for the 1st over 50 Master. The winning of this Trophy meant a great deal to Nigel.

The traditional Enterprise Masters drew a strong entry of 38 Master helms to Grafham following torrential rain on the two preceding days. The first of two races scheduled for Saturday saw the fleet launch under a blackening sky to be greeted by the forecast downpour as they neared the start area. The wind died and the fleet sheltered under cleated jibs as the puffs skidded in from all directions and the fleet rotated in unison. As the rain stopped the expected breeze failed to materialize and the fleet were sent back to shore. A review at 3.30 gave no sign of improvement and the fleet retired to prepare for the evening festivities.

A memorable meal was provided by the host club and the fleet retired to local hostelries campervans and tents.

Sunday dawned to glorious sunshine and light south westerly promising a fine day ahead.

Race 1 started with a debacle at the pin end involving Dennis Swain /Chris Blundell from Sutton SC who bore down the line scraping the gunwhale of John Woodward and Alex Halliwell from West Lancs YC. No protest was shouted and Dennis Swain/Chris Blundell rounded with the leading group. Mike Birch and daughter Verity from West Lancs YC, Nigel Pepperdine /Richard from Frampton SC and Charles Adams/ Hannah from West Lancs YC. Dennis Swain/Chris Blundell pulled through to wind from Mike Birch/Nigel Bird and Katie Dolling from Papercourt SC.

Race 2 Suffered a General Recall and then got away under a black flag. Jon Woodward/Alex Halliwell and Nigel Bird/Katie Dolling both sporting red hulls lead from Nick Jackson and daughter Rachel from Burghfield SC. After some very close racing Nigel Bird/Katie Dolling beat Jon Woodward/Alex Halliwell.

Race 3 started under a black flag with the fleet splitting right and left up the beat. The two red boats again lead but Ges Brown/ Craig Wheatley pulled through to take a brief lead. A moments lapse of concentration attending to a craving for a puff saw Nigel Bird/Katie Dolling retake the lead and the race.

The aftermath resulted in the OD finishing only 4 boats from the first race after much confusion over conflicting Sailing Instruction amendments to RRS rules saw the fleet take the RRS view and the OD applying an amended version. This did not affect the overall results but resulted in Ann Jackson losing the Ladies title but Nigel Bird/Katie Dolling winning the Enterprise Masters Championship.

Overall Results: