Enterprise class at Carnac 2014

Enterprises at Carnac 2014 © Kay Tickle

Racing at Carnac 2014 © John Murrell / www.fotoboat.com

Fourteen Enterprises joined a mixed fleet of Larks, Merlin Rockets, National 12s and Scorpions, totalling nearly 80 boats, to take part in the first, but hopeful not the last, International Championships held at Yacht Club Carnac over the Spring bank holiday weekend, with sailing taking place in what can only be described as "champagne" sailing conditions.

To allow for those who would not be arriving until Saturday, the event began with a mixed fleet handicap race which was started in a blustery 20-21 knots of wind. This resulted in a reduced Enterprise fleet of only 6 boats taking to the water, unfortunately however the first two Enterprises to cross the line were over the line at the start, handing first placed Enterprise to Paul Young and Jan Kimber. Racing was followed by welcome drinks laid on at the club which gave the different fleets the opportunity to get to know each other.

Sunday began the fleet racing series, with the two races scheduled for that day being sailed in a shifty force 5-8 knots. Mark Lunn and Steve Blackburn won the first race with Ann Jackson and Alan Skeens in 2nd followed by Phil Ford and Will Allen in 3rd. The second race of the day saw four boats disqualified for being over the line at the start and was ultimately won by Alice Allan and Sharky Massey with James and Stephen Driver in 2nd followed by Jonathan Woodward and Karen Alexander in 3rd. Giving Alice and Sharky the overnight lead after the first days racing.

Monday saw the wind increase to a pleasant 12-15 knots, race three of the series was won by Phil and Will followed by Mark and Steve with Jonathan and Karen in 3rd. Race four saw the first two places reversed with Mark and Steve in 1st followed by Phil and Will in 2nd with 3rd place going to Ann and Alan. Giving Mark and Steve the overall lead going in to the final days racing. A spectacular buffet was laid on by the club after sailing with copious amounts of free wine available for all competitors.

The final two races of the series on Tuesday were started early in 7-10 knots of breeze which was a pleasant surprise as this was more than forecast, to give competitors the opportunity to get back to the ferry ports for the overnight crossing back to the UK. Race five of the series was won by Mark and Steve followed by Ann and Alan in 2nd with Alice and Sharky in 3rd. The sixth and final race of the event was won by Phil and Will with Mark and Steve in 2nd followed by Ann and Alan in 3rd. Making Mark and Steve the overall winners of the event. Racing was followed by the overall prize giving and a farewell buffet with free drinks.

Enterpise competitors outside the Yacht Club de Carnac at Carnac 2014 - photo © Paula Southworth

Special thanks must go to Tom Jeffcoate who has spent the last two years organizing this event and to Yacht Club Carnac for making us all feel very welcome resulting in a truly outstanding event, which hopefully will be repeated in the not too distant future.

Overall Results:

Carnac 2014 Enterprise prize giving - photo © Tony Dallimore

carnac2014.org