Enterprise class return to Looe for the 2024 Nationals
by Alice Allen 3 Jun 13:55 UTC
27 July - 2 August 2024
Enterprises at Looe © Neil Richardson
The Enterprise Nationals are taking place from 27 July - 2 August at Looe Sailing Club, one of the most popular destinations for the class. With Looe Sailing Club celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, it's shaping up to be a top event not only for the quality of the sailing, but also the onshore socials!
The Enterprise fleet is renowned for 'sail hard, play hard', and Looe always delivers a high-quality championship, thanks to its experienced race management team, and excellent beach and shore support. The friendly sailing club is located a short walk from the seafront and dinghy park, within the centre of the town. With its sandy beach, bustling streets, shops, pubs and restaurants, combined with masses of choice of accommodation within walking distance of the town and the club, it's the perfect holiday venue for sailors and their families.
The event starts on Saturday 27th July with an afternoon registration, then the first points race scheduled for Sunday 28th July. It is hoped - weather permitting - to get all 9 races completed before the end of Thursday 1st Aug, with the last day set aside for racing if required. This format works well in Looe as some accommodation runs from Friday to Friday.
With Looe Sailing Club's famous hospitality, competitors will enjoy a welcome reception onshore, with a beach team to help take and retrieve trollies from the beach, and daily drinks in the dinghy park after sailing. The club is open every night with a packed programme of activities, including fancy dress party, live bands, a nightly prize-giving and the famous 'Ginga' awards.
Prizes each day will come from a number of high-profile brands with overall sponsorship secured from Goat. As a result, the entry fee remains at £250 (£200 for under 21s) with early entry discount running until 13th July, and late entries charged at £280.
With the aim of encouraging first timers to the event, Looe Sailing Club Commodore Simon Bennett has introduced a 'first timers' discounted entry at just £200. "The Enterprise is one of our fleet boats, and we have always been a very strong supporter of the Nationals. We encourage many of our new sailors into the Enterprise Class, and want to get more first timers from all over the country coming along to enjoy the fun of racing, maybe on the sea for the first time, and taking part in this event. Within the fleet there are categories and prizes all down the fleet, for families sailing together, first 'couple', first combined age over 100 years, youth prizes and first timers - you may not win overall, but we know you'll have a great time at Looe' and probably walk away with some goodies," he says. Simon is happy to be contacted on 07810 482832 / with any queries.
Enterprise Association Rep and Looe SC member Steve Sargent is also on hand to help a 'crew and helm' matching service. "Quite a few people may have an Enterprise but not have a regular crew, and we have lots of contacts with keen and able crews wanting to take part in this event," he says. "It's making it easy with a single contact point in order to match people up and help get more boats taking part." For those either looking for a crew, a helm, or even a boat to charter for the week - contact Steve Sargent on 07979 594848 or .
Please go to the Enterprise Association website to enter online.