Enterprise Midland Double Chine Series at Emberton Park Sailing Club

Matt Velamail & Tim Brownell win the Emberton Park Enterprise open © Serena Stewardson

Luke & Daniel Fisher finish 2nd in the Emberton Park Enterprise open © Serena Stewardson

Mike Cossey & Christine Barron finish 3rd in the Emberton Park Enterprise open © Serena Stewardson

This event, the eleventh and penultimate in the 2013 Midland Area Double Chine Series sponsored by Speed Sails, was held at Emberton Park Sailing Club on Sunday 13th October.

A wet day with a moderate North Westerly wind greeted the visitors from Midland, Sutton and Ulley Sailing Clubs.

The first race started from a port biased start line, Matt Velamail crewed by Tim Brownell (Ulley SC) got the best start and lead around the first windward mark. Second was Mike Cossey crewed by Christine Barron (Sutton SC), Paul Young crewed by Phil Harrison (Midland SC) was third, Grahame Yates crewed by Emma Hardings (Emberton Park SC) fourth and Luke fisher crewed by Daniel Fisher (Emberton Park SC) fifth. On the next leg it was all change, Mike and Christine luffed Paul and Phil, allowing Grahame and Emma and also Luke and Daniel past. Luke and Daniel rounded the gybe mark second ahead with Grahame and Emma third and Mike and Christine fourth. On a following lap Grahame and Emma touched the windward mark and whilst completing their penalty turn both Mike and Christine and also Paul and Phil got past relegating them to fifth. Later on the gybe mark behind the island Paul and Phil took advantage of a rare mistake by Mike and Christine to gain third place.

Matt and Tim continued to hold the lead with ease until the second last mark situated in the sheltered part of the course behind the island, when Luke and Daniel went for a gap that was not there resulting in a 720 turn allowing Matt and Tim to take the gun. Second were Luke and Daniel with Paul and Phil third.

The second race was sailed back to back with the first on a new course. Matt and Tim soon took the lead, whilst Luke and Daniel and Mike and Christine battled for second place. Martin Bottomley crewed by Ray Ball (Emberton Park SC) also had a battle for fourth place with Paul and Phil. After a couple of laps it was Matt and Tim first, Luke and Daniel second, Mike and Christine third, and Paul and Phil fourth. These places remained to the finish.

The third race started after lunch on another new course in much drier conditions. Matt and Tim sat this one out. This time Mike and Christine led around the first windward mark from about five boat lengths ahead of Luke and Daniel. Mike and Christine continued to lead for one lap until Luke and Daniel snatched the lead passing to windward of Mike and Christine on the top broad reach. Luke and Daniel then extended their lead to finish first, whilst on the last lap Mike and Christine and Paul and Phil became involved in an intense battle for second place. Mike and Christine eventually held out to finish second about two feet ahead of Paul and Phil. Close behind Grahame and Emma finished fourth just in front of Martin and Ray fifth.

Winning helm Matt Velamail thanked everyone at Emberton Park Sailing club for their hospitality and a great day's racing.

Overall Results: