Enterprise Open at Chester Sailing & Canoeing Club
by Tim Finch 6 Jun 2006 13:36 BST
3 June 2006
Racing on the river Dee during the Enterprise Open at Chester Sailing & Canoeing Club © Pat Catherall
After a season when we thought winter would never end, Chester Sailing and Canoeing Club’s Speed Sails Enterprise Open Meeting came as a pleasant surprise. Dry suits were replaced by shorts and T-shirts on an idyllic sunny day with a force 3-4 wind blowing straight down the Dee. The entry included a wide range of experience levels with 13 and 15 year old helms,Lewis Kneale and Alan Blackburn, competing with Mike Shobbrook who was featured in a series of historic photographs taken at Chester opens in the early 1960s.
The racing was very close throughout the day with no boat being sure of retaining their place. However, the event was dominated by Phil Snewin and Ros Coleman from the home club, who won all three races. In the first they took the lead from Tim Finch and Ian Oldfield on the second lap. The light weight team of Alan and Steve Blackburn came through from fifth to take second place with Eddie Pilling and David Boustead third.
In the second race Phil Snewin lead from the second mark, winning from Eddie Pilling with Charles and Hannah Adams third. The third race was very close throughout, with much place changing in the increasing wind. Phil Snewin eventually took the lead towards the end of the race after a titanic struggle with Eddie Pilling. Charles and Hannah Adams finished a close third.
A great days sailing in a picturesque setting with legendary Chester hospitality; how could we ask for more?
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club |
|---|
| 1st | 22536 | Phil Snewin | Ros Coleman | Chester S&CC |
| 2nd | 23158 | Eddie Pilling | David Boustead | Arnside SC |
| 3rd | 21350 | Alan Blackburn | Steve Blackburn | Pilkington SC |
| 4th | 22272 | Charles Adams | Hannah Adams | West Lancs YC |
| 5th | 22808 | Lewis Kneale | Elizabeth Whitehead | Chester S&CC |