Enterprise Open at Rugby and Daventry Sailing Club

This event the first in the 2012 Enterprise Midland area Double Chine series was held at Rugby and Daventry Sailing Club on Sunday 18th March.

The six boat fleet included visitors from Chester, Emberton Park, Midland, Northampton, South Staffs and Sutton Sailing Clubs who raced in the light and variable North Easterly wind.

In the first race Jonathan Woodward crewed by Alex Halliwell (South Staffs/WLYC) made the best start at the pin end of the line, however it was Mike Cossey crewed by Christine Barron (Sutton SC) who rounded the windward mark first just in front of Jon and Alex, with Steve Graham crewed by Chris Blundell(Northampton SC) third. Mike and Christine were not threatened until the penultimate run, when Jon and Alex passed them and Steve and Chris closed right up. Jon and Alex held their position to finish first, with Mike and Christine second and Steve and Chris a very close third.

After an excellent hot lunch prepared by the galley ladies, the second race got underway on the same course. This time Steve and Chris won the start, but again Mike and Christine rounded the windward mark first and led for most of the race. On the last lap the wind filled in from the left, Jon and Alex sailing brilliantly took full advantage of this to take the lead, which they held to the finish. Second were Mike and Christine, with Steve and Chris close behind in third. Paul Young crewed by Megan Ward (Midland SC) were fourth, after Ges Brown crewed by Julie Moore (Chester SC) retired on the last lap.

The third race would decide the second and third overall places. Jon and Alex having already secured first overall sat this race out. In probably the best breeze of the day, three boats came to the start line.

Mike and Christine and also Steve and Chris went left up the first beat with Paul and Megan going right. Paul and Megan rounded the windward mark first whilst Mike and Christine attacked Steve and Chris. Paul and Megan took full advantage of this and built up a good lead, ahead of Mike and Christine and Steve and Chris who exchanged places several times. Paul and Megan won this race easily, to snatch third place overall, with Steve and Chris retiring soon after, now unable to improve on their fourth position overall.

Winning helm Jonathan Woodward thanked everyone at Rugby and Daventry SC for a good day's racing.

Overall Results: