Allen Enterprise Inland Championship at Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club

Tim & Chris Lead team Bird in Race 2 © Paul Pritchard / BCYC

Birds fly away with Trophies at Allen 2019 Enterprise Inlands Twenty-nine Ents gathered at Bristol Corinthian for the Allen Inland Championships and leg 2 of the Sailing Chandlery National Circuit.

With gusts of 55mph tearing up the campsite in the morning and storm Hannah dominating the forecast, The PRO released the Enterprise and Redwing sailors for a day of socialising and sightseeing on Saturday. The decision was both correct and welcome as the high winds persisted throughout the day.

Everyone gathered in the clubhouse in the evening to enjoy the championship meal and some impromptu bar games.

Competitors at the Allen 2019 Inland Championship - photo © Steve Sargent

Sunday morning started dry and grey with a moderate breeze. By the start of the first race everyone was up on the side with the clearing skies bringing sunshine and a strengthening south westerly breeze.

The fleet got away cleanly first time with Callum Dingle & Connor Langham taking the first leg closely followed by Matt & Ivan Jaycock 2nd, Francis Marshall & Daisy Jaycock 3rd, making it a full house for Looe Sailing Club.

A general recall for the Redwings saw them start just as the ENT fleet rounded the leeward mark. Despite some close calls, quality sailing from both fleets avoided any nasty incidents.

Matt and Francis slipped by Callum downwind with Jeremy and Becca Stephens climbing into the top 3 by round 2. The remainder of the top 10 played a game of snakes and ladders while Matt held the lead, until a gain on the left hand side saw Francis through to take race 1 from Matt followed by Jeremy in 3rd, Steve Blackburn and Timber Brownell followed By Nigel and Andy Bird completed the top 5 slots.

The wind continued to freshen for race 2 as the race team turned both fleets around smartly to make the most of the now excellent conditions.

A subtle change in the shifts saw the left side pay on the first beat which was in total contrast to Race 1. The top mark saw Tim Sadler & Chris Keatley rounding first followed by Nigel & Andy then Steve and Timber. By Lap 2 Jeremy & Becca sailed their way into the top 3 behind Tim & Nigel.

As in Race 1 the rest of the fleet continued to shuffle positions on the shifts, with Steve Sargent and Joe Jackman steadily climbing to finish 4th followed by Steve and Timber first dropping and then recovering to 5th.

After a brief shore break and a modest course re-jig the fleets were away again. Tim and Chris again took the lead by the top mark followed by Nigel & Andy. Jeremy & Becca battled with Steve and Timber for 3rd.

The freshening shifty breeze claimed several victims both up and down wind, most notably Tim & Chris took a swim on Lap 2 handing the lead to Nigel with Jeremy securing 2nd and Steve Blackburn 3rd, Martin Honnor and Natalie Roach battled their way up to 4th followed by Francis and Daisy in 5th.

Despite Nigel's encouragement to call it a day Charles and his race team added a lap for race 4. Nigel & Andy asserted themselves at the front of the race and the event by leading for the entire 4 rounds, despite challenges downwind by Jeremy & Becca, Dave & Chris Jackman came home 3rd with Steve & Timber 4th, Martin & Natalie 5th.

Allen 2019 Enterprise Inland Champions Nigel & Andy Bird - photo © Steve Sargent

After team Bird were crowned Champions Nigel expressed his and the fleet's appreciation for an excellent team effort from the BCYC team, both on and off the water. This was a great all round event which reminded us all how competitive and sociable the Enterprise fleet is.

Thank you to Allen Brothers who sponsored the Championship.

Nigel & Andy now take the lead after what was the second round in The Sailing Chandlery National circuit, which moves on to Leigh on Sea for Round 3 on the 18th & 19th of May.

Overall Results: