Enterprise Open at Broadwater Sailing Club

Broadwater Enterprise Open © Andy Wheeler

Once again Broadwater SC hosted an Enterprise Open alongside the Solo fleet. This became the first event in the 2024 fixtures list after Tamesis had to first postpone, and then cancel, their event due to adverse river and weather conditions.

Two local Enterprises, unfortunately down from four due to unplanned events, and two visitors decided to brave the F5 gusting F7 forecast coming from an unusual north westerly direction. The forecast temperature was not great, but the odd patch of sunshine helped to boost apparent temperatures.

Broadwater Enterprise Open - photo © Andy Wheeler

Around 10:30, Race Officer Jeremy Deacon and Richard Beke briefed the competitors in both fleets, and everyone launched for the first two pre-lunch back-to-back races, with the Solos and Enterprises having separate starts. Two further races were held after lunch. Despite the awkward wind direction, the RO team managed to set a first beat and a variety of reaches and off wind legs.

Race 1 - Paul Young/Sophie Forbes, having taken advantage of a bit of port line bias, started on port, avoided the rest of the fleet, and took the early lead. However, the rest of the fleet comprising Jon Dyas/Dave Phillips, Les Smith/Alex Smith and Martin Davies/Rebecca Bradley were not far behind. Jon/Dave came through and exchanged the lead several times with Paul/Sophie only to capsize to windward on a nasty backer, allowing Paul/Sophie through to win. Jon/Dave managed a speedy recovery, if there is such a thing in an Enterprise, and hung on to second, with Les/Alex in third. Martin/Rebecca decided to head to shore.

Broadwater Enterprise Open - photo © Andy Wheeler

Race 2 - With the wind building, the RO team reset and race 2 got under way. This time Paul/Sophie had to work to get into the lead, not quite nailing the start again. Jon/Dave and Les/Alex were both knocked down by squalls but in the end all three boats enjoyed (not) a swim, so it really was down to who recovered quickest. In the end Paul/Sophie prevailed to win by a couple of boat lengths over Jon/Dave, with Les/Alex coming in third. Time for a well-deserved lunch!

Race 3 - With a course change in place, Paul/Sophie got into the lead with Les/Alex in second and Jon/Dave in third. Les/Alex then capsized on a gybe mark handing second to Jon/Dave. Soon, a huge squall came through, knocking down Paul/Sophie and allowing Jon/Dave, who managed to stay right side up, to take a win. Meanwhile Les/Alex beat Paul/Sophie in the Enterprise righting stakes and took a second place. Author's note: I watched the squall come in, spread out over the lake and, in an instant, flatten at least six boats across the two competing fleets. They sorted themselves and continued racing. Well done!

Broadwater Enterprise Open - photo © Andy Wheeler

Race 4 - With Jon thinking 'All to play for! Dave and I need to win to beat Paul' and Paul thinking 'I need to win this', race 4 got under way with less wind than before. Paul/Sophie did not start well but worked the wind shifts well to lead the race from the first mark with Les/Alex in second. Some place changes ensued, including Jon/Dave coming through to take second but, following an unfortunate mainsheet mishap induced capsize (we've all done that), handed second back to Les/Alex before the finish. Paul/Sophie, kept on their toes by a building breeze and taking no chances, took another first place.

Paul/Sophie won the 2024 BSC Enterprise Chess Trophy. Very well done in the conditions, especially to young Sophie. Second place was keenly contested throughout with Jon/Dave just taking it over Les/Alex in third place.

Broadwater Enterprise Open - photo © Andy Wheeler

A tough and challenging day, with big gusts, shifts, squalls, and swims! Thanks to the race management and safety boat teams - RO team Jeremy Deacon/Richard Beke, Safety Boat team Tim Davies/Andy Wheeler/Andy Chaplin and Dave Tong for assisting in the galley. Special thanks to Alex from the Solo fleet for leading the event organisation.

Overall Results: