Enterprise Open at Redditch Sailing Club

This event the thirteenth and final event in the 2012 Enterprise Midland Area Double Chine Series sponsored by Speed Sails was held at Redditch Sailing club on Saturday 20th October.

The ten boat fleet included five visiting boats from Emberton Park SC, Midland SC, Sutton SC and Ulley SC.

The early morning mist soon cleared away to reveal a dry warm day with very light and variable breeze making conditions tricky.

In race one Matt Velamail crewed by Gary Benton (Ulley SC) got the best start however Mike Cossey crewed by Alex Homer (Sutton SC/Midland SC) soon passed them, but then rounded the wrong first mark allowing everyone to catch up. Matt and Gary led at the first mark from Greg Croydon crewed by Gail Ranford (Redditch SC) and Dave Jackson crewed by John Noakes (Redditch SC). Despite many battles and place changes throughout the fleet the race finished in that order.

Race two sailed back to back was started on a new course. Matt and Gary were unfortunately over the line at the start and had to return. Martin Bottomley crewed by Jonathan Woodward (Emberton Park SC/South Staffs SC) led the race for the first two legs until Matt and Gary caught them up at busy leeward mark. Matt and Gary held this lead until the finish to win, despite Mike and Alex challenging them near the end. Greg and Gail finished third some way behind.

The third race sailed after an excellent lunch saw Mike and Alex tack onto port soon after the start to take the lead which they held for half the race despite challenges from Matt and Gary. Once Matt and Gary had overtaken they built a slight lead which they held to the finish to complete the hat trick and win the meeting. Dave and John then challenged Mike and Alex for second place; however Mike and Alex stood firm to take second with Dave and John finishing this race third some way behind.

Winning helm Matt Velamail thanked everyone at Redditch SC for a good day's racing.

Overall Results:

1st 23310, Matt Velamail & Garry Benton (Ulley SC) 2pts
2nd 22823, Mike Cossey & Alex Homer (Sutton SC/Midland SC) 4pts
3rd 22401, Greg Croydon & Gail Ranford (Redditch SC) 5pts
4th 22701, Dave Jackson & John Noakes (Redditch SC) 6pts
5th 22901, Paul Young & Megan Ward (Midland SC) 9pts
6th 23248, Martin Bottomley & Jon Woodward (Emberton Park/SSSC) 10pts
7th 20023, Margot Bish & Alan Shirley (Redditch SC) 14pts
8th 19689, Ian Ranford & Rob Eaves (Redditch SC) 15pts
9th 23228, Steve Orme & Paul Hiles (Redditch SC) 18pts
10th 16696, Philip Deeley & Kalvin Hodgson (Midland SC) 19pts