Enterprise Open at Rugby & Daventry Sailing Club
by Paul Young and Nancy Gudgeon 16 Apr 2013 14:53 BST
14 April 2013
This event the second in the 2013 Enterprise Midland Area Double Chine Series sponsored by Speed Sails was held at Rugby Sailing Club on Sunday 14th April. Strong and gusting south westerly winds discouraged many visitors so the fleet was only three boats strong.
The start of the first race was delayed due to difficulties launching from the lee shore. Martin Davies crewed by Ian Friswell (Rugby and Daventry) took the lead from the start with Mike Cossey and Christine Barron (Sutton) and Paul Young and Nancy Gudgeon (Midland) just behind. An early capsize by Mike and Christine followed by them rounding a mark the wrong way put them out of the race (they retired to watch the fun from the shore). Martin and Ian sailed well and pulled away from Paul and Nancy who were sailing more cautiously. However, Martin and Ian provided the onlookers with entertainment in the form of a spectacular death roll close to the dam wall. It took them several minutes to recover the boat and meanwhile Paul and Nancy overtook them and went on to win the race by a good margin.
After a very welcome hot meal with pudding and custard the second race began with only two competitors, Mike and Christine having remained on the shore. Martin and Ian took an early lead but the racing remained very close and eventually Paul and Nancy took the lead at the beginning of the second lap. Two legs later when Paul was wondering whether to risk a gybe at mark 9 to keep his lead, the decision was made easier when Martin and Ian capsized and went for a swim after being overpowered on the beat. Another difficult recovery meant that Paul and Nancy could return to their cautious sailing technique to win comfortably.
With the result already decided and wind conditions still challenging, the competitors decided not to sail a third race.
Paul thanked everyone at the Rugby and Daventry Sailing Club for a good day's racing.
Overall Results:
1st. 22901, Paul Young and Nancy Gudgeon (Midland SC) 2pts
2nd. 22320, Martin Davies and Ian Friswell (Rugby and Daventry SC) 4pts
3rd. 22823, Mike Cossey and Christine Barron (Sutton SC) 8pts