Enterprise Midland Area Double Chine Series Open at Midland Sailing Club

Martin Davies and Aimee Allsopp during the Midland Enterprise Open © Dan Barrett

Jonathan Woodward / Matt Smith lead Paul Young / Jan Kimber and Martin Davies / Aimee Allsopp during the Midland Enterprise Open © Dan Barrett

This event the third in the Enterprise Midland Area Double Chine series was held at Midland SC on Sunday 12th June 2022. Conditions were excellent, a warm dry day with a gusty moderate west south-westerly wind which veered slightly during the afternoon, providing planing conditions at times.

The first race saw Jonathan Woodward crewed by Matt Smith {South Staffs) lead the fleet around the first windward mark followed closely by Richard Adams crewed by daughter Charlotte (Midland SC). Richard and Charlotte then exchanged places a few times with Paul Young crewed by Jan Kimber (Midland SC) and also Martin Davies crewed by Aimee Allsopp (Rugby and Daventry SC). Following Richard and Charlotte retirement due to the conditions, Martin and Aimee then remained in second position behind Jonathan and Matt who won by a good margin. Paul and Jan finished third, with Oliver Mason and Megan Ward (Midland SC) not far behind.

The second race started after an excellent lunch of baked potatoes and chocolate cake, on a new course. Paul and Jan got the best start crossing the fleet on port tack; however, it was Jonathan and Matt who rounded the first windward mark in the lead, just ahead of Paul and Jan, with Martin and Aimee in third.

Jonathan and Matt were challenged by Martin and Aimee several times before breaking clear to win their second race of the day securing the trophy.

Paul and Jan and Martin and Aimee had a few more battles during the race. At the finish Martin and Aimee finished second and Paul and Jan third.

The last race saw a slight increase in the wind strength, causing a couple of capsizes. A new course was also set. With the trophy now secure Jonathan and Matt swapped places. Following a fair start, the first beat was nip and tuck between Matt and Jonathan and Paul and Jan, with Matt and Jonathan pulling ahead just before the windward mark. Paul and Jan then continued to apply pressure to Matt and Jonathan for most of the first lap until they again pulled clear. Martin and Aimee then charged forward to pass Paul and Jan to secure the runners up slot.

Winning helm Jonathan Woodward thanked the other competitors and everyone at Midland Sailing club who had volunteered, to run some great racing and a very enjoyable day.

Overall Results:

Jonathan Woodward & Matt Smith win the Midland Enterprise Open - photo © Aimee Allsopp

Martin Davies & Aimee Allsopp finish 2nd in the Midland Enterprise Open - photo © Matt Smith

Paul Young & Jan Kimber finish 3rd in the Midland Enterprise Open - photo © Aimee Allsopp