Enterprise Open at Pilkington Sailing Club
by Bill Rhodes 19 May 2010 07:33 UTC
15 May 2010
Enterprises at Pilkington © Steve Blackburn
The event was not well supported by visitors. Those who did not come missed a glorious day's sailing with a good breeze and warm sunshine and some real action at the front of the fleet. The day started bright and the only question for the race officer was the wind direction which initially was somewhat variable However with a water based start he judged matters very well.
Race 1
Richard Critchley in 23121 quickly established the lead. He was initially challenged by Paul Sheppard in 20897 who was then overtaken by R. Taggart in 22817. Karen Morris crewed by Lisa Woods (two ladies from Ethrow S.C.)in 23165 who have supported the Pilkington Enterprise Open for about 3 years started in 5th place but by lap 2 had got to 3rd. P. Sheppard drifted out to 4th and M. Rusk to 5th. Richard Critchley took first place.
Race 2
After completing the water based start, the positions were 1st 22817 R. Taggart, 2nd 23121 R. Critchley, 3rd 20897 P. Sheppard, 4th Karen Morris, but again Karen Morris exchanged positions with Paul Sheppard and moved up to 3rd. A capsize caused M. Rusk to drop from 5th to 6th and elevated R. Lancaster to 5th. R. Taggart took first place.
Race 3
R. Taggart on 22817 quickly broke through R. Critchley on 23121, and although Richard closed the gap many times appeared unable to break through. Meantime the ladies from Ethrow S.C. maintained a steady third place with P. Sheppard 4th. R. Lancaster in 5th quickly lost out to M. Rusk on 22904 who stayed 5th with Roger 6th.
Unfortunately for R. Taggart, R. Critchley entered a protest which resulted in a disqualification in the last race and deprived R. Taggart of the overall trophy which went to R. Critchley.
Overall Results:
1st 23121 R. Critchley & R. Lea (Pilkington) 1.5pts
2nd 22817 R.Taggart & D. Roberts (Pilkington) 2.75pts
3rd 23165 K. Morris & L. Woods (Ethrow) 5pts
4th 20897 P. Sheppard & S. Bristow (Pilkington) 7pts
5th 22904 M. Rusk & S. Colley (Pilkington) 9pts
6th 19980 R. Lancaster & S. Barton (Pilkington) 10pts