Enterprise Open at Frampton on Severn Sailing Club

Entertained spectators in the strong winds at Frampton © Phil Kirk

Entertained spectators in the strong winds at Frampton © Phil Kirk

Who said sailing is a poor spectator sport? The spectators were certainly entertained in the strong winds at Frampton on Sunday 4th April. 14 Boats started the first race and it was Phil Kirk and James Askew (Frampton) who popped round the windward mark first. Russell Bright and Ali Culverwell (Penarth) and Dave and Henry Morgan (Bowmoor) were in hot pursuit. The wind built throughout the race and a number of sailors went swimming. Phil and James took the finish gun with the Morgan’s second and Russell and Ali in third.

After lunch the wind had built in strength but was still shifting through 30 degrees in the vicious gusts. Russell and Ali had built up a comfortable lead but capsized in a header. Phil and James had steadily recovered from a bad start and a 720 penalty to take the lead. The wind, now gusting to a F7 was testing the sailors and delighting of the spectators, who were considering scores for artistic impression, for the capsizes or fast planing. Phil and James managed to stay upright and despite a close encounter with the shore, crossed the finish first. They were followed by Steve Higgs and Dave Wiggins (Bristol Corinthian) in second and Nick and Jo Penn (Penarth) in third.

The final race was contested by 5 determined boats and Roger Appleby and Sarah Gregson took an early lead. Charles Richardson and Nicky Linfield (Bristol) blazed into second on the first reach and entered a close battle with Steve and Dave after Roger and Sarah retired. Steve Higgs and Dave Wiggins got the win on the line,

At the presentation thanks were given to the race officer’s team and all those who helped on the day.

Overall Results: