The Enterprise Association UK

Reports from Events in the NW during 2009.

Click on year for 2008 reports

On this page you will find reports and photographs of open meetings and coaching days held in the NW during 2009. Click on the club name to go to the event you want to read or just scroll through the page.

• Southport SC
• Etherow CPSC
• Chester S&CC
• Killington
• Wigan SC - NW Areas
• Bassenthwaite SC
• West Lancs YC
• Rudyard Lake SC
• Pilkington SC
• Winsford_Flash_SC
• Toddbrook_SC

 

Etherow Country Park Sailing Club Open 24 October 2009 report by Steve Blackburn

12 boats arrived at Etherow CPSC. We were welcomed with a glass of sherry, bacon butties and Etherow’s legendary friendliness. The weather was very warm and a good wind was blowing from every angle (sometimes at the same time). The sun even ventured out through out the day on the smallest lake on the North West Top Helm Circuit sponsor Speed Sails.

Race 1 soon approached and Tiger Tony Wood and Charlie Berry (Etherow) created the best start and never looked back. Steve and Diane Blackburn (WLYC and Pilkington) held second catching Tony at times but never quite bridging the gap. In third were the Etherow’s finest girls Karen Morris and Lisa Woods. They sliced through the fleet to hold third. Paul Howarth and Rachel Rattigan (Etherow) finished in fourth. All the positions stayed the same for the remainder of the race.

It was time for lunch where a vegetarian or beef hotpots were the  dishes of the day, and greatly enjoyed by all. We soon set sail again for race 2. The wind was all over the show throughout the day and equally frustrating. After a general recall Steve create a superb start holding first for a lap or 2. Tony soon caught Steve as holes where everywhere. Steve and Tony where on opposite beats and opposite Runs and reaches all on the same leg. There had been a beat on nearly every leg of the course. Karen and Lisa again held third until they used their local knowledge and powered passed Steve and nearly caught Tony and in the process to finish second, with Steve third. Again Paul Howarth came in fourth with John Berry and Mike (Etherow) in fifth.

After another short rest we set sail for the final race of the day. The wind was blowing much stronger and from the opposite end of the lake. This wind change made things a little more manageable. Although very strong gusts coming over the mill caused some to capsize. Off the start Steve and Tony were inseparable for a while. Both infringing and had to carry out 720s. Tony again used his local knowledge and took first place Steve held on to second with the Girls Karen and Lisa in 3rd. Tim and Jacky Finch (Chester) sailed well to finish fourth with Paul Young and Fiona (Midland) in fifth.

Again a special thank you to everybody at Etherow CPSC for their efforts for creating a little jewel of an open. This is one event to try, as you will never experience anything like it.

Pos	Sail No	Helm	Crew	Club	R1	R2	R3	Pts
1st	22163	Tony Woods	Charlie Berry	Etherow	1	1	1	2
2nd	21350	Steve Blackburn	Diane Blackburn	WLYC / Pilkington	2	3	2	4
3rd	23165	Karen Morris	Lisa Woods	Etherow	3	2	3	5
4th	22603	Phil Howarth	Rachel Rattigan	Etherow	4	4	DNS	8
5th	23050	Tim Finch	Jacky Finch	Chester	6	8	4	10
6th	22901	Paul Young	Fiona Rattigan	Midland	8	6	5	11
7th	21983	John Berry	Mike	Etherow	10	5	6	11
8th	21318	Alison Payne	Kev Law	Toddbrook	5	7	7	12
9th	19755	Richard Hemmingway	Janet	Etherow	7	9	9	16
10th	21643	Lyn	John	Etherow	9	DNF	8	17
11th	21568	Craig W	Frances	Etherow	11	10	9	19
12th	19581	Darren	Liam	Etherow	12	11	DNS	23

 

Chester S&CC Enterprise Open Meeting - 3 October. Report by Tim Finch

Bright sunshine and a strong, but a not impossible, blustery SW wind greeted competitors who had defied the extreme weather forecast to attend Chester’s Enterprise Open Meeting. It wasn’t the basic wind strength that caused problems, but the unpredictable and violent gusts sweeping across The Meadows. 

In the first race Wally and Lesley Riley lead around the windward mark and got away from a group of six boats jostling for position on the short run. Chester juniors Lewis Kneale and Alex Dromgoole got away from the bunch, and gradually chipped away at Wally’s large lead, eventually taking, and holding first place on the last lap despite severe pressure right up to the line.

Lewis Kneale (16) and Alex Dromgoole (15) winners of Chester Enterprise Open – Photograph Neil Marshall

Going into the final race any one of three boats could have won the meeting. It looked as though Paul and Megan would triumph, but they capsized near the top mark after leading for several laps. Alison and Kevin powered through to take the race with Lewis and Alex 2^nd and Mark Nield and Amy Spreyer 3^rd. Gaining second place in the final race gave the club juniors Lewis Kneale and Alex Dromgoole the Greenall Whitley Trophy. Wally and Lesley Riley were second, Alison Payne and Kevin Law secured  3^rd overall.

Paul Young and Megan Ward (22901) leading the final race from Alison Payne and Kevin Law (21318). – Photograph Neil Marshall.

Overall Results

 

Position	SailNo	Helm	Crew	Club	Race 1	Race 2	Race 3
1st	22400	Lewis Kneale	Alex Dromgoole	Chester	1	(DNF)	2
2nd	23137	Wally Riley	Lesley Riley	CS&CC	2	1	(DNF)
3rd	21318	Alison Payne	Kevin Law	Todbrook	-5	3	1
4th	22901	Paul Young	Megan Ward	Midland SC	3	2	-5
5th	22660	Bill Broughall	Fay Newman	CS&CC	-4	4	4
6th	20629	Mark Nield	Will Rushforth / Amy Spreyer	Chester	(DNF)	6	3
7th	22117	Mike Maddocks	Carys Done	CS&CC	-6	5	6
8th	15901	Tim Finch	Jacky Finch	Chester	(DNF)	(DNF)	7
9th	22821	Amy Spreyer	Chris Spreyer	CS&CC	7	(DNS)	(DNS)
10th	20400	Geoff McCardy	Tim McCardy	Elton	8	(DNF)	(DNS)

 

 

Killington Sailing Association Open Meeting - 27 September

Boats half way up the long beat in the second race

A mild September day was had by all as 14 Ents at Killington SA. We were met with great hospitality and bacon butties. The wind was light but built up through out the day to a gusty force 5. Overcast was the weather with a southwesterly breeze.

Race 1 Eddie pilling & Dave Boustead (Arnside) went round the windward mark first Steve Blackburn & Royston Taggart (Pilkington / WLYC) and Alan & Matt Johnson (SCYC) 2nd and 3rd. Alan soon passed Steve and soon took the lead to finish the race. Steve, Dave and Pete Lawson & Gareth Balfour (Killington) were all battling for 2nd place even slowing themselves down as the mid-pack seriously caught them up. Pete finished 2nd, with Steve 3rd and Eddie 4th.

Race 2 after lunch we had a choice of 3 delicious dishes and free cups of tea and coffee. We soon set sail after a restart Steve Blackburn was over the line. But everyone else was clear Alan soon took the lead and finished first. Pete wasn’t far behind with Eddie in 3rd. Steve finished 4th and Richard Critchley & Rob Lea (Pilkington) with thier best performance of the day held 5th.

Back to back was race 3 with Alan again taking the honors Pete held 2nd Eddie 3rd Steve again was over the line and pulled up to finish 4th. Alison Payne & Kev Law (Toddbrook) sailing very well held 5th

A big thank you to Killington SA the organization time and effort to make this a jewel of an Open Meeting.

By Steve Blackburn

On the run to the leeward mark

Results:

1st Enterprise      19876      Alan Johnson Matt Johnson       SCYC      1 1 1 2
2nd Enterprise     22405     Pete Lawson Gareth Balfour      Killington  2 2 2 4
3rd Enterprise      23158     Eddie Pilling Dave Boustead     Arnside     4 3 3 6
4th Enterprise      21350     Steve Blackburn Royston Taggart Pilkington / WLYC    3 4 4 7
5th Enterprise      21318    Alison Payne Kevin Law               Toddbrook 8 6 5 11
6th Enterprise      20673    Richard Critchley Rob Lea           Pilkington 10 5 6 11
7th Enterprise     23050     Tim Finch Alex Dromgoole         Chester    5 8 8 13
8th Enterprise     21483     Paul Graham George Graham    Buwain     DNS 7 7 14
9th Enterprise    22277     Colin Munroe Mel Munroe             Ullswater  6 9 DNF 15
10th Enterprise 23245     John Berry Rick Hayton                  Etherow     7 10 DNS 17
11th Enterprise 22131     Paul Holdsworth Lydia Cole         Killington   9 11 9 18
12th Enterprise 19755    Richard Hemmingway Janet Adamson Etherow 11 13 10 21
13th Enterprise 2213      Janet Baker William Baker             Kilington 13 14 11 24
14th Enterprise 22374 Trevor Fillingham Karen Waine       Pilkington 12 12 DNS 24

Wigan SC - NW Areas 15-16 August

 Great event, superbly organised, wonderful hospitality,  fantastic winds, what more could one ask for?

 

 

Close racing and lots of wind for the NW Areas at Wigan - The fleet approach the windward mark. Photo Sue Barton

A total of 14 boats raced through the Weekend in Warm, Windy Wet and Sunny Conditions. We are very grateful that Wigan SC  were able to run the event after we lost our venue at Elton, due to repairs to dam. As all the competitors arrived it was raining, however, as soon we set sail the rain stopped the sun came out and the wind increased dramatically.

Race 1, Charlie & Megan Adams (WLYC) had a superior start and rounded the windward mark first, Followed by Steve Blackburn & Royston Taggart (Pilkington / WLYC) in third were Mike & Dawn Birch (WLYC) Steve Passed Charlie and was able to create a comfortable lead to finish first. Charlie Finished second and mike held third. Pete Lawson & Gareth Balfour (Bass / Killington) came in 4^th after fighting through the pack.

 

Race 2, Again Steve soon found the lead with Pete in second. Alison Payne & Kev Law (Toddbrook) held third in the Pink Enterbox. The positions stayed the same for the remainder of the race. The racing was very close and intense with a mistake creating loss of positions or fatal capsizing as gust streamed through the flash.

We all retired for the evening and was hoping for another exciting days racing. Sunday soon arrived. The wind was still bursting which was enjoyed by most.

Paul and George Graham and Mike and Dawn Birch on one of the fast planing reaches - photo Sue Barton

Race 3, Again Charlie had the superior start but was soon caught by Steve & Pete. Steve & Pete battled tooth and hammer for first. Pete was quicker on the long reach, which we all enjoyed across the Scotchman’s Flash. Steve was quicker upwind so it was very challenging to watch. Steve Held his nerve to finish first, Pete consolidated second. Paul Young & Phil Harrison (Midland) holding third.

After Lunch, which consisted of hotpot, chicken curry, chowder and home made cakes too. Which was surely enjoyed by all.

Race 4, The wind had dropped which must have comforted some. The start line was very port bias. Steve held the far pin an executed a perfect port flyer to secure his final win. Pete soon came through the fleet with Paul & George Graham (Burwain) came in third sailing superbly.

Race 5 was back to back and soon started. Pete just made it to the windward mark a head from Tim & Jackie Finch (Chester) Paul Young came through the fleet to finish second, Mark & David Nield (Chester) pop up in 3^rd ahead of Tim Finch.

A special thank you to Wigan SC for organising the North West Area Championship. A superb event run by a club for whom nothing was too much trouble. Can thoroughly recommend as a venue. Very easy to reach too. Just off J25 of the M6.

Steve Blackburn and Royston Taggart NW Area Champions 2009 - Photo Wigan SC

OOD Team from Wigan SC at NW Areas - photo Wigan SC

More great photographs here

Video of racing on Sunday here (less windy than Saturday)

Sailed: 5, Discards: 1, To count: 4, Entries: 14, Scoring system: Appendix A

 

  Bassenthwaite Enterprise Open on the first weekend of Bass Week 1-2 August

22 Enterprises, the largest fleet at Bass Week, arrived at Bassenthwaite Lake idyllically set in the North West of the Lake District below the mountain of Skiddaw. Wet and windy conditions prevailed hitting a force 6 at times.

At 1pm race 1 started, with very close racing at the front of the fleet. Ed Pilling & Dave Boustead (Arnside) lead the pack, with Steve Blackburn & Nick Hampson (WLYC / Pilkington) holding second. Mark Ninnim & Rob Smith (Bass) came in third with Richard Critchley & Rob Lea (Pilkington) in 4th.

After 10 miles still nothing in it as the leaders plane upto the final mark and beat to the finish - Eddie Pilling and David Boustead, Mark Ninnim and Smith, Alan Baker and Gill Kincade - photo Stan and Sue Barton

Race 2 soon came round; again the fleet was very close. Mark Dingsdale & Diane Blackburn fought their way into first while Steve again held 2nd and Mark Ninnim again held third. The sailing was very fast and furious with a mistake creating a place loss.

After a beer fuelled evening and a fantastic disco, we headed for bed, looking forward to another exciting day of racing.

Day 2, race 3 and the wind had dropped a little and swung a little. Again the racing was very close. Steve Blackburn & Eddie Pilling were leading the race but places were changing frequently. Steve managed to break from Eddie on the last beat to win. Again Mark Ninnim came in 3rd with Mike Cossey & Christine Barron (Tamworth) coming in 4th.

After lunch the final race approached, and once again the racing was extremely close. The wind seemed to have dropped but soon strengthened. Tim & Jackie Finch (Chester), Eddie & Steve were out in front until the second beat and a huge shift to the left changed positions. Mike Cossy gained and took the lead, finishing 1st, while Steve pushed through the fleet to finish 2nd. Tim Finch finished 3rd with Mark Ninnim in 4th.

A great weekend was had by all. Big thanks to Bassenthwaite SC for exciting racing and holding an excellent event.

Overall Results:

Pos	Sail No	Helm	Crew	Club	R1	R2	R3	R4	Pts
1st	21350	Steve Blackburn	Nick Hampson	Pilkington SC	-2	2	1	2	5
2nd	23158	Edward Pilling	David Boustead	Arnside	1	4	2	-11	7
3rd	23166	Mark Ninnim		Bass SC	3	3	3	-4	9
4th	22823	Mike Cossey	Christine Barron	Tamworth SC	7	-12	4	1	12
5th	22885	Mark Dingsdale	Clare Gerrard	Pilkington SC	(DNF)	1	7	5	13
6th	23137	Wally Riley	Frances Riley	Chester S&CC	-6	5	5	6	16
7th	20673	Richard Critchley	Rob Lea	Pilkington SC	4	6	8	-10	18
8th	23050	Tim Finch	Jacky Finch	Chester S&CC	(DNC)	7	9	3	19
9th	22695	Alan Baker	Gill Kincaid	Tynemouth SC	5	-8	6	8	19
10th	21483	Paul Graham	George Graham	Burwain SC	8	10	-13	7	25
11th	21318	Alison Payne	Kevin Law	Toddbrook	10	-14	12	9	31
12th	22918	Charles Fletcher	Joy Fletcher	Ripon SC	12	11	14	-19	37
13th	22199	Peter Middlemiss	Alistair Middlemiss	Tynemouth SC	9	(DNC)	17	14	40
14th	1068	Mark Blackham	Alex Blackham	Chase SC	11	9	(DNC)	DNC	43
15th	22315	Kevin Bilham	Scott Bilham	Ely SC	(DNF)	13	15	15	43
16th	22946	Allan Dale	Sue Dale	Ripon SC	(DNC)	DNC	10	12	45
17th	23221	Michael Tomlinson	Sue	Ripon SC	(DNC)	DNC	11	13	47
18th	22117	Mike Maddocks	Carys Done	Chester SC	13	17	18	-20	48
19th	1909	Dennis Beard	Jo Beard	Yeadon	(DNC)	15	21	17	53
20th	20684	Gerald Dawson	Helen Blackburn	Pennine	(DNF)	DNC	16	18	57
21st	20181	Michael Wilde	Sam Doney	Berwick Upon Tweed	(DNF)	16	20	21	57
22nd	22623	Eric Christan	Clare Christan	Ely SC	(DNC)	DNC	19	16	5

By Steve Blackburn

Sun, sea, sand and sailing is what we had installed for us at Ainsdale on Sea 14th June 2009 with a warm force 1-2 westerly breeze. We set our boats up and 5 out of the 10 competitors had flyaway whisker poles. I’m sure there's a catchphrase somewhere. A quick briefing and off on a long walk to find the sea. Luckily we got a tow from Ruth Adams in their 4 x 4.

As we waited for the tide to pick the boats up one by one we arrived at the start for race 1. An Olympic course had been set (triangle & sausage) The Lasers also had their Open and started before the Ents. John Berry (Etherow) had brought his brand new JJ to sail which he must have enjoyed. A clean start was had by all and off up the beat we went. Tim & Hannah Sadler (Ripon) went round the windward mark in first with Charlie Adams & Oliver Hilliker (WLYC) followed. The race was very close and by the end of the second beat Charlie had taken the lead and held on to the end of the race. Tim held second with Jonathon Woodward & Alex Halliwell (Redditch / WLYC) overtaking to come in 3rd.

Now usually we have lunch but there was no take-away service, Banana butties and sports drinks are what we had, not sure on the others.

Race 2 soon got underway. Steve Blackburn & Royston Taggart (WLYC / Pilkington) had a flyer at the committee boat end and was first to the windward mark. Dave & Beth Porter (WLYC) were 2nd and Tim Holding up 3rd. The racing was very close as the wind was very patchy and small lifts or headers could be had. Not forgetting the tide. Steve Blackburn held onto his lead and comfortably won with Dave Porter 2nd and Tim Sadler 3rd.

Race 3 soon approached and off we went for the final race. Jonathon Woodward was first round the windward mark followed by Barry Moss & Julie Moore (Shustoke). Tim Sadler and Steve Blackburn went round 3rd and 4th. On the downwind leg the boats with the flyaway whisker poles used them to their advantage. Steve managed to receive room for the mark from Jon and Tim. Barry had dropped low and also hailed but no room was given. Steve soon extended his lead through the next following beat and run. Charlie Adams had sailed well and moved up to third throughout the race. The race was extended with an extra triangle. Steve used this to his advantage and extended his lead even further to finish 1st. Jon also escaped and finished second, with Charlie holding onto 3rd.

Pos	Sail No	Helm	Crew	Club	R1	R2	R3	Pts
1st	21350	Steve Blackburn	Royston Taggart	WLYC / Pilkington	9	1	1	2
2nd	22272	Charlie Adams	Oliver Hilliker	WLYC	1	4	3	4
3rd	23089	Jonathan Woodward	Alex Halliwell	Redditch / WLYC	3	6	2	5
4th	23127	Tim Sadler	Hannah Sadler	Ripon SC	2	3	6	5
5th	22102	Dave Porter	Beth Porter	WLYC	5	2	5	7
6th	23008	Barry Moss	Julie Moore	Shustoke	4	7	4	8
7th	21983	John Berry		Etherow	7	5	8	12
8th	21276	Tom Hewitt	Megan Adams	WLYC	6	9	7	13
9th	22901	Paul Young	Phil Harrison	Midland	10	8	9	17
10th	22526	Clive Porter	Jordan Porter	WLYC	8	10	10	18

 

7th June 2009 saw 23 boats attend round 4 of the Top Helm Series and joint with the Midland Double Chine Series. Both sponsored by Speed Sails. We all arrived at Rudyard, a place made famous by Top Gear with the 'Toyboata'.

Race 1 got under way after a total recall, every boat was practically over the line. We used the wrong transit. Up the first leg Martin & Laurence Davies (Rugby & Daventry) held 1st with Steve Blackburn & Rob Lee (WLYC) in 2nd the wind was swirling, gusting and could just change direction without any warning. Steve was one of the 1st to capsize with many following through the next few legs. Dave & Beth Porter were excelling in the conditions and soon moved to 1st. Karen Morris & Lisa Woods (Etherow) also moved through the fleet and held 2nd, with Jonathon Woodward & Alex Halliwell (Redditch) finishing 3rd.

It was bitterly cold, with a fluky wind from the east for Rudyard Lake Open Meeting

After a short rest, we set sail for race 2. The wind had swung and was be fairly well behaved. A clean start for all and Dave Porter and Ges Brown & Dennis Swain (Chester) had superior starts. Alan Johnson & Jane Hivey (SCYC) held third and even moved in to 1st for a while. As the rain began the wind decreased. Dave Porter took full advantage to take the win and the Open Meeting. Ges Brown also moved back to third with Steve Blackburn overtook to take 3rd.

Time for a well deserved lunch, cold wet and a confused were the sailors as the came to land. Not sure what had quite hit them. Excellent buffet was laid out. Jacket Potatoes, Salad Cus Cus and much more. I particularly like desert, Apple Pie and Cream. Luckily while we were enjoying our lunch. The wind had building up again, rain reduced and stopped. So race 3 could begin.

Close racing as Tony Woods leads Alan Johnson, Ges Brown and Paul Young

Tony Woods & Charlie Berry (Etherow) and Steve Blackburn made the most of the start. Jonathon Woodward came from the back to hold contention and Ges Brown also challenged. The top four seemed to escape from the middle pack, I’m quite sure every sailor in the top four held 1st at one time through the race. Tony held his lead to finish 1st with Jonathon in 2nd and Steve in 3rd. John Berry & Ben Steel (Etherow) took full advantage of a wind shift and finished forth.

1st - Dave Porter & Beth Porter          West Lancs YC
2nd - Jonathon Woodward & Alex     Halliwell Reddich and West Lancs
3rd - Steve Blackburn & Rob Lee      Pilkington SC
4th - Ges Brown & Dennis Swain     Chester S&CC
5th - Alan Johnson & Jane Hivey       SCYC

 

High winds and overcast skies greeted the sailors at Pilkington’s Open Meeting on Eccleston. A good job a fortifying breakfast was served to prepare the sailors for a tough day to come.

The turn out was very low due to the strength of the wind. There were gusts of around 40mph in a mean wind strength of 15 – 20 mph. The gusts descending from behind trees didn’t make things any easier either. The course for race 1 was a beat up the first buoy then another small beat to a mark set in the wind shadow of trees on the bank and island, which made the buoy difficult to reach and get away from. These two windward marks were followed by a reach with a gybe at the end. A run, with the chance of a capsize, gybing onto a broad reach before gybing again onto a fast plane to the leeward mark. The course stayed the same for all three races!!!

Start of first race - Mark and Tim tack on lifter up the bank! - photo Stan Barton

Mark Dingsdale and Claire Gerrard (Pilkington) and Tim & Jackie Finch (Chester) spotted the port lifter up the bank and bravely crossed the starboard boats. Mark unfortunately lost places when he sailed for the wrong mark letting Paul Shepherd and Steve Bristow and Tim and Jacky through who were pursued closely by Royston Taggart and Diane Roberts. On the third beat Royston, Tim, and Alan Roberts and Rob Lea pulled through only for Royston to capsize on a hairy gybe.  Alan and Tim pulled away from the fleet with Alan going onto win.  

Break time was well deserved and Hotpot, vegetables and Apple pie and custard were the favourite dish. Usually at Eccleston Mere, an idyllic oasis with herons, dragonflies and 20 lb. carp jumping through the water. Hearing lions roaring from the Safari park 1 mile up the road. The only thing was roaring was the wind for race 2 and the odd competitor.

There's a gybe at the next mark!!! - photo Stan Barton

Again Mark led from the gun but could not hold onto his lead. Many sailors were struggling with the conditions. Alan and Mark both capsized early in the race along with many others, but Alan and Rob recovered well to join the leading group of Royston and Tim. On the final lap Tim capsized leaving Chris Smith and Martin Rusk in third place at the finish behind Royston and Alan.

It was all to play for in the last race; Royston and Alan both having a 1st each need win to secure Open. Mark Dinsdale had recruited a fresh new crew in Steve Blackburn. Again Alan and Roy started well. Mark and Steve held 3rd for the 1st lap before reading the shifts better on the second beat to take the lead.  Mark and Steve powered ahead to lead by a huge margin. Mark soon used his extra boat speed to full effect and left all the competitors by a huge margin. This changed things and Alan only needed to finish above 4th to win the open, however Alan capsized leaving him in 6th place and out of the running. A Sudden a squall came through and capsizes took place raising Alan finish 5th. With Roy 2nd and Mark 1st it was a tie with Roy and Alan on the same points. Roy won on the last race rule.

Mark Dinsdale and Clare Gerrard planing down to one of the three gybe marks on the course - photo Stan Barton

Results:
1st Royston Taggart & Diane Roberts (Pilkington) 3pts
2nd Alan Roberts & Rob Lee (Pilkington) 3pt
3rd Mark Dingsdale & Claire Gerrard (Steve Blackburn Sub) (Pilkington) 4pts
4th Chris Smith & Martin Rusk (Pilkington) 6pts Only boat not to capsize
5th Tim & Jackie Finch (Chester) 7pts
6th Paul Shepherd & Steve Bristow (Pilkington) 8pts
7th Trevor Fillingham & Karen Waine (Pilkington) 19pts
8th Richard Critchley & Helen (Pilkington) 19pts
9th Paul & George Graham (Burwain)

 

Winsford Flash SC Open Meeting - 19 April 2009

All searching for the wind off the start. It was like this all day!

Sunny weather and friendly faces greeted us at Winsford flash, 16 boats encountered on sailing a lake which seemed to have little or even no wind through out the day. The OD held an well-orchestrated briefing and also we held a minute silence to the late great Richard Estaugh.

Race 1 took place after the OD felt there was enough wind to start the race. Tony Woods and Charlie Berry (Etherow) went round the first mark in the lead. I say the first mark as the wind was swinging on every leg and on every race. Tony was followed by Royston Taggart and Diane Roberts (Pilkington) and Charlie Adams and Oliver Williker (WLYC). Tony and Charlie were so far in front  they all lost their way. Steve Blackburn and Nick Hampson (Pilkington / WLYC) hadn’t and took the lead briefly. Charlie soon made a mend and took the lead. Tony caught up and battled with Charlie right to the end of the race. The wind picked up briefly and Charlie finished 1st with Tony second and Royston in 3rd.

Everybody was enjoying the sun, with a great choice for lunch from steak pie to a healthy Jacket spud, although the desserts didn’t seem quite as healthy. Race 2 soon came round, again with little wind. Tony had a superior start and finished 1st. Royston held 2nd with Richard Critchley & Helen Connolly (Pilkington) finishing 3rd. Pilkington representatives held 2nd to 5th, With a total of 5 boats.

We had a fairly long rest waiting for the wind. We all watched model airplanes diving and swooping and even a helicopter came to have a look. Typical trick, the wind appeared and soon as we all launched the boats before disappearing yet again. Tony started well with Royston right behind. Lots of changes in positions took place as the wind(?) fluctuated. Richard overtook and caught up Tony, and Richard took Tony to wire but managed to hold his nerve to the finish. Karen Morris & Lisa Woods (Etherow) sailed a brilliant last leg to overtake Charlie and Royston to claim 3rd.

Another superb Open from Winsford, so a big thank you.

By Steve Blackburn

Results.
1st 22163 Tony Woods & Charlie Berry Etherow2pts
2nd 20673 Richard Critchley & Helen Connolly Pilkington 5pts
3rd 22814 Royston Taggart & Diane Roberts Pilkington 5pts
4th 22272 Charlie Adams & Oliver Williker WLYC 6pts
5th 23165 Karen Morris & Lisa Woods Etherow 7pts
6th 21333 Steve Blackburn & Nick Hampson Pilkington/WLYC 11pts
7th 23050 Tim Finch & Jackie Finch Chester 13pts
8th 21350 Chris Smith & Anna Hampson Pilkington 15pts
9th 22570 Paul Lennie & Pam Gott Winsford Flash 16pts
10th 21983 John Berry & Ben Steel Etherow 17pts
11th 21409 Phil Duggan & Anna McRea Winsford Flash 17pts
12th 21483 Paul Graham & George Graham Burwain 21pts
13th 22899 Peter Gorst & Linda Shaw Winsford Flash 22pts
14th 19755 Richard Hemmingway & Julie Smith Etherow 24pts
15th 22413 Brian Herring & Ros Stevenson Winsford Flash 27pts
16th 22374 Trevor Fillingham & Karen Waine Pilkington 29pts

Local sailors Brian Herring and Ros Stevenson battle with the conditions

Toddbrook SC Enterprise Open Meeting 2009 - by Steve Blackburn

Part of the 18 boat fleet at Toddbrook Open Meeting - Would have been 19 but Alison Payne was suffering with a bad back. Toddbrook SC held the first North West Enterprise Event of the 2009. Conditions were a bit wild for the Training day on Saturday. Mike Birch was delayed when his car broke down in Stockport and he had to wait for the AA. So John Berry and Kevin Law went through boat tuning followed by an on the water session where starting was the main topic. Olympic coach  Paul Brotherton just happened to be passing, and gave a debrief after lunch followed by a talk on boat control and acceleration from just moving (not stopped) at starts. Everyone had a go at implementing what they had heared in a 11/2 hour afternoon sesson. It was a  little tricky because of the wind had increased significantly. Many thanks to Mike, Paul, John and Kevinf or a great learning experience. Sunday, was the start of the North West Top Helm Series. We were greeted with Sunshine. The wind had picked up 15 – 20 mph breeze, which most were enjoying. The start line was favouring the end of the line away from the OD hut. This meant you had to tack on port as soon as the gun went. We sailed to the top end of the lake, with a short run, broad reach, a reach, a run again, close reach and back on the beat. 17 boats on the line for race 1 and Alan Roberts & Rob Lee (Pilkington) had  the best start and gained ground on the fleet through the first 2 laps. Steve Blackburn & Nick Hampson (Pilkington) & Ed Pilling & Dave Boustead (Arnside) eventually overtook Alan. Ed held his lead for a lap until an error (he missed the toe straps and fell in!) slowed them down. Steve took full advantage to finish 1st. Ed recovered well and finished 2nd and Karen Morris & Lisa Woods (Etherow) held 3rd. After a great lunch of Jacket spuds and various toppings, cake and tea, we set sail for race 2, in very ficle winds. If you were in the right place you could gain hugely, in the wrong place  well best not to be too near to hear. Steve had the best start after a recall, followed by Ed, Alan and the girls. Tony Woods & Charlie were not far from the leading pack and on the 3rd beat and punched their way up beat to 1st place. Tony held his lead to finish 1st. Ed managed to break from Steve and finish 2nd with Steve 3rd. For race 3, sailing the same course as the previous races due to the direction of the wind we set sail. Tony came off the line in 1st and never faulted. Steve again held 2nd for a while and dropped to 4th with Karen & Lisa taking 2nd. Alan and Rob Came in 3rd for the highest place of the day. Thanks to Toddbrook SC for a great day. Results: Class Sail No        Helm                    Crew     Club Enterprise 22163 Tony Woods and Charlie Etherow 1 Enterprise 21350 Steve Blackburn, Nick Hampson Pilkington 2 Enterprise 23158 Ed Pilling Dave Boustead Arnside 3 Enterprise 23165 Karen Morris, Lisa Woods Etherow 4 Enterprise 2135 Alan Roberts, Rob Lee Pilkington 5 Enterprise 22814 Royston Taggar,t Diane Robert Pilkington 6 Enterprise 23050 Tim Finch, Jacky Finch Chester 7 Enterprise 20673 Richard Crichley, Martin Rusk Pilkington 8 Enterprise 21318 Ralph Morris, Kev Law Toddbrook 9 Enterprise 22072 Andy Goddard, Tom Goddard 10 Enterprise 22117 Mike Maddocks, Cerys Done Chester 11 Enterprise 21983 John Berry Andrew Etherow 12 Enterprise 22874 Alistar McDonald, Kieren Welsh Berwick 13 Enterprise 21605 Martin Petch, Jenetta Petch Toddbrook 14 Enterprise 19775 Richard Hemmigway Janet Adamson Etherow 15 Enterprise 22506 Anna Hampson, Becca Cox Pilkington 16 Enterprise 14722 Peter Lamb, Jenn Lamb Toddbrook 17 Enterprise 14830 Sue Wormold, Rob Wormold Toddbrook 18