Enterprise National Championships at Penzance Sailing Club - Day 1

Salty reconsiders retirement - Enterprise Nationals at Penzance day 1 © PSC

The fleet launched in a brisk north easterly with a long reach to the race area set well clear of the land. Our race officer Marcus made sure there was no dilly dallying going straight to a U flag for the first start, everyone cooperated, and we were away first time.

Vince, Birdy and Jacko all started pin end and arrived at the windward mark in that order. Vince broke clear with Birdy and Jacko trading places until Jacko swam at the final windward mark. Birdy was able to secure second and a speedy recovery by Jacko and Mark meant they held on to third.

Tim and Salty back together for the first time in seven years showed some good pace on the opening round but marked their reunion with swim and reminder to clip the rudder on.

Pin end once again for Birdy, Vince and Jacko with Martin getting in on the party Birdy led at the first Mark with Martin second and Vince third and Fordy fourth. Birdy dropped the tiller at the Gybe allowing Martin and Vince to go by with Vince and Fresh pushing Martin and Isobel in a now very fresh breeze.

Martin rolled in and lost his rudder leaving Vince in the lead.

Position were unchanged for the next lap with Vince and Fresh building enough of a lead to tack around the final gybe, justice prevailed though when the tack went wrong and they went for a swim allowing Birdy and Andy through to the lead, Vince recovered to second with Jacko and Mark third.

With the racing over we all though we could chill and sail home but we now had a long beat home and whirling winds between the harbour wall and the slipway... don't worry though as the clubhouse was only showing 33 knots and Gwennap head was reading 42 knots.

All landings were eventful, Nick Jackson's crew show nimble reactions to jump aboard the yacht they came close to and fended the Ent off, Nick duly sailed on once clear leaving Becky on the yacht. Martin Honnor and Isobel felt the slipway was optional and any kind of land would suffice.

Thanks to the slipway crew for carrying the boat back to the dinghy park. Sarge and Elmo capsized next to a visiting yacht who didn't speak any English or Janner, but they seemed to be just a bit upset.

Results after day 1: