Enterprise November Plate at Southport Sailing Club
by Steve Blackburn 4 Nov 2008 06:38 GMT
2 November 2008
10 Enterprises for the November Plate at Southport © SSC
This was the final Top Helm event of the year sponsored by Speed Sails. 10 boats arrived at the Marine Lake, only 1 home boat took part and 9 visitors. It was a cold morning with a north eastly breeze, 2-4 wind. We were all welcomed to bacon buttys and happy faces.
Race 1 was a long beat with two reaches and a long run. Ed Pilling & Dave Boustead (Arnside) were recalled at the start. Steve Blackburn & Nick Hampson (WLYC / Pilkington) rounded the windward mark and lengthened there lead for the rest of the Race. Royston Taggart & Diane Roberts (Pilkington) finished 2nd and Ed managed to make his way up to the fleet to finished 3rd. I’m sure all sailors were enjoying marginal Aqua planning.
After a hearty lunch of Steak Pie & Chips we set sail again, the same course was kept. Again Steve again rounded the windward mark first, Royston in 2nd and Ed in 3rd. Everybody kept on exchanging positions Royston took the lead up the final beat but tacked late for the finishing buoy and let Ed through at leeward end Ed finishing 1st Royston 2nd and Steve in 3rd.
Any of the top 3 could win the event and the pressure was on. Steve again had the superior start with Royston following. Royston and Ed Managed to overtake Steve. It was getting quite confusing who was leading the race with all the sailors messing them selves about Tim & Jackie Finch took the lead on the last lap Royston was in 2nd and Steve in 3rd. Royston lost out as the wind strengthened. Steve took second the finishing line had soon approached Steve was given the Win all though Tim and Jackie seemed to be ahead after some controversy. Dave also took third with Royston coming in 4th,
It was definitely the best wind we have had at an open for some time. Thanks to Southport SC for a great day.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Crew | R1 | R2 | R3 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | 21350 | S Blackburn | N Hampson | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | 23158 | E Pilling | D Boustead | 3 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| 3 | 22814 | R Taggart | D Roberts | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| 4 | 23050 | T Finch | J Finch | 4 | 5 | 2 | 6 |
| 5 | 22526 | C Porter | J Porter | 5 | 4 | 5 | 9 |
| 6 | 22901 | P Young | A Myers | 6 | 6 | 6 | 12 |
| 7 | 22163 | K Morris | L Woods | 7 | 7 | RTD | 14 |
| 8 | 2240 | P Graham | K Dunston | 8 | 8 | 7 | 15 |
| 9 | 2 | D Marsden | D Marsden | 12 | 10 | 8 | 18 |
| 10 | 21115 | H Hurst | A Gray | 9 | 9 | DNS | 18 |
| 11 | 17027 | J Huntley | K Huntley | RTD | DNS | DNS | DNQ |