Speed Sails Enterprise Youths at Barnt Green Sailing Club

Andy Ritchie & Arthur Mason win the Enterprise Youth Championships © Bob Southworth

16 boats travelled to Barnt Green sailing club for 2 days of close racing and a bit of partying.

Race 1 started in a steady force 2 which must have suited sisters Katheryn and Rachael Bradley who led from start to finish. David Reaser and Mark Chisholm also had a good beat rounding the windward mark in second afterhaving the return to the line after a mistimed start. By the second lap the wind had freshened allowing the boats to plane down the reach and Andy Ritchy and Arthur Mason to move into second. They held this position to the finish with Carl Beck and Hannah Adams close behind in third.

The start of Race 2 saw 2 boats over at the starboard end. Richard and Tom started at the other end succeeded in crossing the fleet on port however it was Ali Morish and Dale Birrel who led from Andy and Aurthur. The lead changed several times until Andy and Arthur gained a small lead which they held to the finish. Carl and Hannah stayed close behind in third thoughout the race while Richard and Tom recovered from doing 2 720's to finish 4th.

Race 3 started with Richard and Tom trying another port flyer. Andy and Arthur quickly took the lead from Jon Wilson and Katheryn and Rachael soon took second chasing the leaders. Ali and Dale worked their way up through the fleet moving into third after Joan broached and then second. They couldn't catch Andy and Arthur and finished second infront of the Bradley grils.

Following a late night of partying some sailors were cutting it fine to get to the start of Race 4. The wind had eased a bit from the Saturday helping the lighter sailors. Ali and Dale were one of the last to launch but were early leaders. In their rush to get on the water they didn't have time to write the course down and had to ask the chasing boats for the course. Andy and Arthur gained the lead after a lap and led to the finish. A focussed Richard and Tom were close behind and chasing Ali in third. The Bradley girls joined the close battle for second. The positions changed continuously until Ali had to take a penalty. This left the bradleys 2nd and Richard and Tom in third.

Andy and Arthur didn't need to sail the final race so it was down to the girls to decide who would come 2nd. Ali and Dale led at the 1st mark from the Bradleys and Liz Teague crewed by Chris Appleton. The two leading boats pulled out a small lead on the large chasing pack. Joan Wilson and Keith Renz came out of the leeward mark well to gain third position. This race was being dominated by the lady helms. The Bradleys then took the lead but Ali and dale soon fought back and led a lap later. The top 2 positions looked settled however the chasing boats were closing in forcing some tactical sailing on the last beat. Ali and Dale took the gun however it was Tom Rutter and Gregory Thomas who stole second from Joan and Keith. Carl and Hannah crept through with Richard and Hannah also finishing just in front of the unlucky Bradleys. Sam Childs and Fraser Woodley must have been the youngest and lightest pair and having struggled on day 1 were showing much improved form in the final race.

Andy Ritchie and Arthur Mason have won the event with 5 points while Ali Morrish and Dale Birrel had done enough to take second from Katheryn and Rachael Bradley. Katheryn was also the first under 18 helm. Tom Rutter was the first under 15 helm and with his last race had also moved up to 6th overall. The racing was always close and competitive just showing the skill and ability of these sailors.

Prizes were sponsored by Richard Estaugh of Speed Sails, and he has already confirmed his wish to continue with the sponsorship for next year’ event. In addition, Noble Marine Insurance have agreed to sponsor the Championships for next year to coincide with the Class’s 50th year Anniversary and are willing to co-sponsor the event.

Overall Results: