Enterprise Midland Double Chine Series at at Redditch Sailing Club

Mike Cossey & Christine Barron lead Greg Croydon & Gail Ranford during race 3 of the Redditch Enterprise Open © Victoria Rose

Mike Cossey and Christine Barron win the Redditch Enterprise Open © Victoria Rose

This event, the sixth in the Enterprise Midland Area Double Chine series, was held at Redditch Sailing Club on Saturday 3rd October 2015. The six boat fleet included three visitors from Midland SC and Sutton SC.

The weather was dry, but the overcast sky and lack of wind made conditions difficult and frustrating.

The First race saw Mike Cossey crewed by Christine Barron (Sutton SC) creep away from the start first with Greg Croydon crewed by Gail Ranford (Redditch SC) close behind. Steve Orme crewed by Ian Ranford (Redditch SC) was third. On the downwind leg the wind filled in from behind allowing both Paul Young crewed by Aimee Allsopp (Midland SC) and Phil Harrison crewed by Emma Coleman (Midland SC) to catch up, with five out of the six boats all together at the third mark. Greg and Gail then managed to get away from the pack followed by Mike and Christine. Mike and Christine later hit mark one and completed their penalty turn remaining in second place. Paul and Aimee passed Steve and Ian on the second lap on the leg in front of the clubhouse to gain third place. These positions were held to the finish.

After a short comfort break the second race started on a new course. The first mark saw Mike and Christine, Greg and Gail and Paul and Aimee all close together. Mike and Christine held the inside advantage and despite pressure from Greg and Gail behind continued to hold the lead. These two boats pulled away from the rest. The battle for third was also intense with Phil and Emma hot on the heels of Paul and Aimee. Paul and Aimee held their nerve to finish third with Phil and Emma finishing in fourth place.

Lunch was now taken and excellent cottage pie followed by trifle went down a treat.

With the meeting wide open the third race was sailed on another new course, in the lightest wind of the day. Mike and Christine escaped from the rest of the fleet first to win this race with Greg and Gail finishing second. A battle for third place developed between Paul and Aimee, Steve and Ian and also Dave Bishop crewed by Alan Shirley (Redditch SC) which was only decided on the last leg. Paul and Aimee finished third again, with Dave and Alan snatching fourth from Steve and Ian on the finishing line.

Winning helm Mike Cossey thanked everyone at Redditch Sailing Club for their hard work to provide a good days sailing.

Overall Results: