Enterprise Cock of the North Series Opener at Scammonden Water Sailing Club
by Claire Watson 14 Apr 16:17 BST
The Cock of the North series got under way at Scammonden Water with a strong turnout of 21 boats, all eager to kick off the season in style. While conditions proved challenging, spirits remained high both on and off the water.
Racing saw 2 out of the scheduled 5 races completed, with the conditions taking their toll across the fleet. Only 50% of boats managed to finish the first race, dropping further to 35% in the second, highlighting just how demanding the day was.
Wind conditions over the weekend, showed a solid westerly to south-westerly breeze averaging around 17 mph, with gusts reaching up to 25-28 mph. Combined with passing showers, this created highly unstable and shifty conditions, with big variations in pressure across the course—making for challenging and unpredictable racing, particularly on an inland venue like Scammonden. It truly delivered "four seasons in one day."
In such testing conditions, local knowledge proved invaluable. Hosts and local sailors Oli Boocock and Luke Hartshorn demonstrated exactly how it was done, mastering the shifting breeze and tricky water.
A big congratulations to Paul Young and Igor Bakowski from Midland SC for securing an excellent 2nd place. Completing the podium in 3rd were Chris and Owen Smith, proudly representing the host club.
Well done also goes to all other prize winners across the range of categories, including furthest travelled, first female helm, and even best drawing—ensuring there was something for everyone to celebrate.
A huge thank you must go to the volunteers, who were outstanding throughout the weekend. From the kitchen and bar teams to the race committee and those providing towing vehicles, their efforts made everyone feel incredibly welcome—like true members of the club.
A big thank you to the sponsors for their support—this event wouldn't be possible without them. The series is backed by Peak Dinghy, North Sails and Allen, with event support from Hogs Head Brew House (Pale Sail) and Flowhire Limited. Saturday night was made even better with live music from Keegan and Harrison. We're also grateful to Stoneywood Motors, BPI Auctions and RGW Glazing for their generous raffle prize donations.
Although we didn't get as much racing as hoped, the fleet certainly made up for it ashore, with Saturday night's dance floor proving just as lively as the racing had been challenging.
We now look forward to returning next year for another fantastic event.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | R1 | R2 |
|---|
| 1st | 22118 | Oliver Boocock | Luke Hartshorn | SWSC | 1 | 1 |
| 2nd | 22901 | Paul Young | Igor Bakowski | Midland SC | 3 | 2 |
| 3rd | 23135 | Christopher Smith | Owen Smith | SWSC | 5 | 3 |
| 4th | 23089 | Charles Morrish | Dan Swaffield | St Marys | 2 | 7 |
| 5th | 22418 | Andy Gomm | Daisy Ross | Ogston SC | 4 | 5 |
| 6th | 22908 | Nigel Orkney | Claire Watson | Largo Bay SC | 8 | 4 |
| 7th | 22451 | Mike Goodwin | Lucy Goodwin | SWSC | DNF | 6 |
| 8th | 20900 | Chris Fry | Leo Fry | Ogston SC | 6 | DNF |
| 9th | 22619 | Martin Honnor | Abigail Honnor | Ogston SC | 7 | DNC |
| 10th | 22886 | Richard Wharram | Hannah Wharram | SWSC | 9 | DNF |
| 11th | 22629 | Richard Critchley | Emily Fox | WISH/ Bassen | 10 | DNC |
| 12th | 22821 | lan Turrell | Cody Alder | SWSC | 11 | DNF |
| 13th | 22127 | Alan Goodman | Dianne Hill | SWSC | DNF | DNC |
| 13th | 20816 | Mike Lewis | Lisa Griffin | St Marys | DNF | DNF |
| 13th | 23520 | Matt Rawson | Pheobe Rawson | Ogston SC | DNF | DNC |
| 13th | 23159 | Jamie Holdaway | Owen Holdaway | SWSC | DNF | DNC |
| 13th | 472 | Philip Wilson | Rosie Wilson | Ogston SC | DNF | DNC |
| 13th | 22112 | Mhairi Ogilvie | Duncan Willoughby | Largo Bay SC | DNF | DNC |
| 13th | 22075 | lan Sheldrake | Liam Thompson | | DNF | DNF |