Enterprise Open Meeting 2013
12 Enterprises, including 6 visitors, took to the water at Aldenham for the last meeting in the Nimbus Series. A force 3, ENE was expected with force 4/5 gusts backing later to come more Easterly.
The wind strength was good from the committee boat start but became very unpredictable after rounding the windward mark close to the trees. Phil and Laura Bevan (Grafham Water) negotiated this leg successfully, rounded the gybe mark while others rafted up behind and went on to establish a sizeable lead which they held to the end of the race.
The second race started in similar conditions but this time there was a close battle between Phil and Laura, Martin and Laurence Davies (Rugby & Daventry) and Paul Young and Megan Ward (Midland) with a regular swopping of positions. At the finish Phil & Laura managed to hold off Martin & Laurence to cross the line just in front.
The wind had been moving more easterly towards the end of the second race and this led to a course change after lunch. Paul & Megan, Martin & Laurence, Phil & Laura opened up a lead on the rest of the fleet even though Phil and Laura had already secured first place by winning the previous races. Lloyd Walker & Katie (Leigh) and Les Smith & Neil Marcus (Aldenham) closed the gap but were unable to catch the first three and Paul & Megan won the third race to claim second overall on equal points with Martin & Laurence.
The final positions were: -
1: 22439 Phil & Laura Bevan, Grafham Water SC, 1st G Master
2: 22901 Paul Young & Megan Ward, Midland SC, 1st Master
3: 22320 Martin & Laurence Davies, Rugby & Daventry SC, 1st GG Master
4: 22353 Lloyd Walker & Katie, Leigh SC
5: 23094 Keith and Katy Tyler, Hunts SC
1st Aldenham boat: 22857 Les Smith & Neil Marcus
Les Smith, Class Captain
