Noble Marine Enterprise National Championships at Tenby Sailing Club - Overall

Jeremy and Becca Stephens win the Noble Marine Enterprise Nationals at Tenby © Alison Robertson Morrish

Jon Woodward and Alex Homer finish 2nd in the Noble Marine Enterprise Nationals at Tenby © Alison Robertson Morrish

Oli Boocock and Luke Hartshorn win the Silver Fleet in the Noble Marine Enterprise Nationals at Tenby © Alison Robertson Morrish

Sailing on Thursday was not possible due to a combination of sea state and fog, as a result three races were scheduled for Friday with the first sound signal at 11.00.

The forecast wind was WSW F4, shifting slightly left. The reality was anything between NW and SW at any moment making things somewhat tricky for the Race Officer. Wind strength also varied between 4 and 2 with the occasional localised 'squall'.

Course: trapezoid outer loop with three beats

Race 7

Jeremy & Becca Stephens were first to the windward mark closely followed by Lauren Bowdler crewed by dad Brian from Looe SC. They had successfully played the right hand side of the course to be up with the leaders. Jon Woodward & Alex Homer rounded next with Jeff Dyer & Abbie O'Connor and Chris Palmer & Ella Rich in hot persuit. Meanwhile Charles Morrish & Dan Swaffield worked the left side looking for the forecast shift, for a time it looked good, and then suddenly the wind went back and it didn't!

Jeremy & Becca stretched out their lead while Jon & Alex pulled through into second. On the final beat Charles & Dan were able come through into third place which they then held to the finish.

Race 8

In the pre start Charles & Dan clashed rigs with James & Owen Holdaway resulting in the Holdaways' mast collapsing and as a result they were unable to continue racing, fortunately no one was hurt. Charles & Dan subsequently retired from race 8.

Jeremy & Becca were first to the windward mark closely followed by Jon & Alex, on the reach they were able to extend their lead before turning onto the down wind leg. Behind these two there was a closely fought battle for third place with Paul Young & Mhairi Ogilvie eventually winning out over Richard Leach & Alex Rich in fourth.

Race 9

Jeremy & Becca sailed in leaving the rest of the fleet to battle out race 9; by this time the wind had dropped to F2.

Paul & Mhairi were first to the windward mark with Jon & Alex who had favoured the right hand side just behind. A little further back Charles & Dan rounded third. The positions stayed the same on the reach with Charles & Dan closing the gap down the first run. At the leeward mark Jon was able to round first and Charles second. These two then battled it out with the lead changing several times. On the final beat Charles & Dan found a lift into the mark to take first place which they were then able to hold to the finish, Jon & Alex came home in second, just ahead of Paul & Mhairi.

Thanks are due to Nigel Denchfield, the PRO for getting all races in and managing the courses in challenging conditions ably assisted by the mark laying and rescue teams. Thanks also to Tenby YC for hosting a thoroughly enjoyable event.

Finally heartiest congratulations to Jeremy and Becca Stephens from Penzance SC, most worthy Enterprise Nationals Champions.

Overall Results: