Enterprise Open at Chester Sailing & Canoeing Club

The run up river in the third race of the Chester Enterprise open © Steve Blackburn

The day started with everybody arriving at the River Dee which is a stroll away from the city centre. It was a fresh and cold morning with a sun and cloud. We all rigged the boats up, changed into our wetsuits and had a cup of tea supplied by the sailing club. All the big names where there Alan Johnson, Steve Blackburn, Tony Woods, Mike Birch and Phil Snewin. Chester Sailing club was surprised with the quality which had turned up. I have a feeling that everybody is enjoying the close racing and the season is coming to an end.

Race 1, started with 2 recalls at the start due to a strong current supplied by the river. On the third attempt and quite cautious by most the race began. Alison Payne & Kevin Law Sailed into the lead but Steve and Alan Blackburn managed to call starboard on them to round the windward buoy first. The next buoy was 20yards away then onto a long run up the river, changes in positions to place with Alan and Matt Johnson. In 2nd place were Mike Birch and Charles Boywer and in 3rd was Steve Blackburn. The pack seamed to spread out as the shifts and the current were taking the toll on the sailors. The run seamed to be the place were most gains could be made on the forth lap Steve Blackburn Pilkington SC and Walter Riley and Lesley Riley from Chester SC took over Mike Birch. Alan Johnson secured 1st place with a big margin. Second place was being fought out by Steve Blackburn and Walter Riley. Steve managed to squeeze pass Walter at the finish line.

Race 2, after lunch, which was provided by Chester we set sail again. It was the same course as the first race due to the direction of the wind and the lack of water. The river Dee was getting very busy with Rowers some coxless and a two steamship ferries (Lady Diana and Mark Twain) not that we had time to notice there names. This was an experience for all. Again Alan Johnson managed to lead the race with Phil Snewin from Chester in 2nd and Steve Blackburn in third with the rest of the pack behind them. For the first couple of laps the was a gap from 1st to 4th which Mike birch held. Steve Blackburn overtook Phil Snewin and challenge Alan on the next couple of laps on the 5th lap Steve briefly took the lead from Alan to be over taken by Alan and Phil with a starboard shout which settled the race to the finish.

Race 3, Mike Birch from West Lancs YC sailed into the lead with Alan and Phil in 2nd and 3rd. Tony Woods was in 4th and challenging the top 3. Mike Birch had established a healthy lead from 2nd to 4th. The wind was disappearing and the run which was up stream was becoming even more challenging. Mike Managed to finish 1st, Phil Snewin Screamed past Alan to claim 2nd and Alan demoted to 3rd.

A Big thanks for Chester SC for supplying a great Open event and making sure no one hit any of the obstacles on the water.

Overall Results: