Allen Woodcock & Nimbus Series Open Enterprise Open at Ely Sailing Club
by Kevin Bilham 5 May 2014 14:58 BST
4 May 2014
Enterprises at Ely © Mark Coupler
The annual open for the popular Enterprise class led to some close and exciting racing on Sunday. Eight boats took part in the three races to decide the 2014 trophy winner. Each of the three closely fought races was won by a different helm.
A good start was important and several of the top sailors struggled to get to the line as the start flag came down. In the first race Dave Beany was a boat length over the line and had to turn round and correct his error. Brian Cummings eventually won this first race, with Dave Beaney recovering to second place.
After a hearty lunch the crews returned for the second race that Dave Beaney eventually won with Paul Young a good second. Local Ely sailor, and last years winner, Kevin Bilham achieved his second third place of the day after yet another poor start.
For the third race Dave Beaney only needed to get a third place to be sure of overall victory. Kevin Bilham had a flying start and went on to an easy race win. Seventeen year old local helm Jack Knight made Dave Beaneys task difficult. This was Jacks first race in this class of dinghy, and he and his crew Mollie Lee did exceptionally well to hold off more experienced Enterprise crews to get a third place. However, Dave Beaney got second place and this ensured him of overall victory, with Kevin Bilham a close second and Brain Cummings third.
The racing had been watched by old Ely sailor Ken Wheeler who won this same trophy in 1981. Ken accepted the offer to present the trophy to the new winner. Having had an enjoyable first visit to Ely, Dave Beaney thanked the club for the friendly reception, great food and good racing. He vowed to return next year to defend his trophy.
Overall Results:
1st 20234, David and Alex Beaney (Broadwater SC) 3pts
2nd 22885, Kevin Bilham and Jamie Cammann (Ely SC) 4pts
3rd 23049, Brian and Linda Cummings (Dabchicks YC) 6pts
4th 22901, Paul Young and Phil Harrison (Midland SC) 7pts
5th 22315, Jack Knight and Mollie Lee (Ely SC) 7pts
6th 21839, Kevin and Piper Edwards (Beccles ASC) 8pts
7th 22912, Peter and Elaine Dolling (Dabchicks YC) 13pts
8th 22623, Eric and Claire Christan (Ely SC) 15pts