Enterprise Severnside Area Championship at Penarth Yacht Club

Ann Jackson & Alan Skeens win the Enterprise Severnside Area Championships at Penarth © Andrew Grant

This event the fourth in the Enterprise National Circuit sponsored by SailingChandlery.com was held at Penarth Yacht Club on 23rd/24th June. Seven boats including two visitors from Burghfield and Midland Sailing clubs joined the local fleet in conditions which were much better than forecast.

Race one started after a one hour postponement waiting for the sea breeze to set in. In a bonus force three Westerly wind, Ann Jackson crewed by Alan Skeens (Burghfield SC) led from the start to win this race from Ioan Lavery crewed by Chris Keitley (Penarth YC) who sailed well after a poor start to pull up from fourth to finish in second place. Paul Young crewed by Jan Kimber (Midland SC) were third. Martyn Bromley crewed by Sue Grant (Penarth YC) had a good last lap gaining a couple of places to finish fourth.

Race two was sailed back to back, again Ann and Alan got away well, to lead for the first lap. Ioan and Chris overtook Ann and Alan at the leeward mark to take the lead which they defended to the finish. Paul and Jan passed Ann and Alan on the last lap to finish second with Ann and Alan third. Richard Leach crewed by Chris Palmer (Penarth YC) finished fourth.

Race three was again sailed back to back and started immediately the previous race had finished. The wind had now increased a little, giving planning conditions at times. Ioan and Chris took the lead from the start and went right taking advantage of the turning tide to hold this lead from start to finish, taking their second win of the day. Ann and Alan were second and Richard and Chris third. Paul and Jan finished in fourth place.

Race four was again sailed back to back after the marks had been moved a little. In the strongest wind of the day top lady helm Ann crewed by Alan led this race from start to finish also taking their second win of the day. Ioan and Chris were second, with Richard and Chris taking another third. Paul and Jan were again fourth.

After a evening spent in a local curry house, the fleet launched at low water on Sunday in hot and sunny conditions with much less wind from the East.

Ann and Alan dominated the next three races held on the already flooding tide, winning all of them. Ioan and Chris came second in all three races.Paul and Jan finished third in race five and six with Richard and Chris third in the seventh and final race. As this race finished the wind died completely.

Winning helm, Ann Jackson thanked all those involved at Penarth Yacht Club for their help, patience and hospitality in making a fantastic weekend both on and off the water.

The next round of the Enterprise National Circuit sponsored by SailingChandlery.com is at Tynemouth SC on 14th and 15th July. The last chance for some sea practice before the National championships at Exe SC. We look forward to seeing you there.

Overall Results: