Enterprise Open Meeting at Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club

Part of the sailingchandlery.com National Series and Enterprise North West Top Helm sponsored by Tim Harper Boats

It was a very busy day at Leigh & Lowton, not only did the Enterprises have eleven boats at their meet but there was thirty Solos and a dozen Streaker descended on Pennington Flash. Close racing was the order of the day!

The weather was overcast but very warm topping 20 Celsius and light and fluky winds for all of the days racing.

Our OD Mike Baldwin and Team, was very patient and waited for the wind to veer which was near enough straight down the lake from the west, with a good port end start line featured throughout all of the races and clever courses so the Solos didn't bother the Ents to much.

Everyone stared with no recall, Tim Sadler and Gabe Hill (Yorkshire Dale & WLYC) created the best start and went round the windward mark followed by Gez Brown & Julie Moore (SCYC) at this point the wind disappeared as we were travelling downwind to the following mark. Dave Southwell & Danielle Booali (Leigh & Lowton) realized everyone was going to the wrong mark and took full of advantage and briefly held first. As the new wind pressure arrive Tim over took and went back into first with Gez in second and Dave in third. Jonathon Woodward & Karen Alexander (South Staffs) held fourth. Alan & Rhea Burton-Roberts (Gresford) had a good first race staying with the leaders to the finishing sixth. All the places were held to the finish.

After a super lunch and a good chat we headed out for back to back races. Again Tim started well and with Gez in second, on the downwind leg there were lots of changes, Andrew Ashworth & Jo Henderson (WLYC) were right in the mix with leaders but were pushed back throughout the race. Steve Blackburn & Ian Ritchie (WLYC / Leigh & Lowton) took the lead for a lap but Tim regained the lead and finished in first, Steve finished second with Gez in third, Jon in fourth and Dave in fifth.

Race three, we were hoping for the wind to increase but unfortunately it seemed to be a little less than the previous race, Again Tim was first round the windward mark, and again Steve took the lead briefly downwind and for the second beat but Tim overtook to win the race, Steve in second. Dave had a great tussle with Gez and took third with fourth and Jon in fifth.

Juniors of Harvey Lea & Lewis Coop (Leigh & Lowton) were sailing the first time and finished a creditable eighth overall. The oldest boat was E72 raced by Phil and Rosie Wilson (Ogston). I'm sure they were hoping for a bit more breeze.

Next event is at Chester S&CC on Saturday 22nd September, so hopefully see you there.

Overall Results: