2023 National Championships Final Report

The final day’s racing at the Enterprise Nationals saw a nail-biting finish with three contenders all vying for the top spot.  Waking up to an unusually overcast morning, Race Officer Marcus Wilkinson once again set a great course for the fleet to enjoy the solid easterly wind.  The battle was on between Matt & Ivan Jaycock against Tim Sadler and Richard Sault, with Phil Ford & Jane Humpage close behind.  The next leg saw Nigel and Andy Bird, followed by Vince Horey and Fresh Abendstern finding a left hand shift to gain ground on the leaders.  At the finish, it was disappointment for Phil Ford as he was disqualified for OCS, giving first place to the Jaycocks, with the Birds second and Sadler/Sault third.

The final race saw the sun reappear to maintain the champagne sailing conditions which had marked the whole event.  It also saw the first general recall of the event, with a few notable sailors getting overly cosy with the crew on the pin end RIB.  A quick turnaround by the race crew saw Jonathon Woodward with new-to-the champs crew Dan Swafield followed closely by Penzance Commodore Colin Stephens and Simon Lees lead the fleet with Woodward holding pole position to the finish, but sadly was OCS denying him the winning position.  Had Woodward not been OCS, this event would have seen eight different winners over the eight races.  But his premature start saw Sadler/Sault taking the gun, with the Jaycocks second and the Birds in third place. 

As the fleet sailed in, the exceptionally well-organised and super-friendly volunteer team at Penzance Sailing Club were once again ready to help with the trollies, serving welcome cups of tea in the dinghy park and even more appreciated free beer, cider and soft drinks on the club veranda handed out by the lovely Karen Bowdler from Looe SC.. 

After a sausage and mash supper, the fleet convened for the final night prizegiving which saw prizes spread out amongst the fleet.  Plymouth University sailors Sebi Schmidt and Lorelei Bates won the Classic Boat award (sail number under 22000) with Brian and Esther Bowdler from Looe SC winning The Generation Tray and Mr & Mrs Bird picking up the Rolling Pin Trophy for first couple (married or cohabiting) sailing together.  Encouraging more entrants to take part in the championships, Phil Sowden and Alex King from Highcliffe Sailing Club were awarded the ‘first time at the champs’ gift with their entry fee refunded (a great incentive to get more attendees!)

The Ron Brittain Trophy for first competitor under 18 was won by Dan Swaffield from South Staffs SC, with Lloyd Williams, crewed by Becca Knee from Penzance SC winning the Yachts and Yachting Trophy for first helm under 21.  Looe SC’s Dave Jackman won The Yachtsman Trophy for first helm over 40, with Ann Jackson crewed by Alan Skeens winning the Iris Bowl for first Lady helm and Andy Bird taking the Mary Arnold Baker Trophy for first lady in the event, whether helm or crew.  The Peter Squires Team Trophy was won by Looe SC, with Paul Young and Karin Sandler from Midland SC awarded the Ginga Trophy for lowest placed boat with all races competed (which was quite a feat considering the conditions faced by the fleet on “Big Sunday”).

Overall, it was Martin Honnor and Isabel Hedley Fenn who came 5^th, with Phil Ford and Jane Humpage 4^th overall awarded the Steve Nicholson Trophy.  With just two points between them, it was Vince Horey and Fresh Abendstern who came 3^rd just behind Nigel and Andy Bird taking the Slim Pickins Transom Trophy for their 2^nd position, and Roy Barker Trophy for veteran helm over 60. 

With beaming grins and numerous ‘man hugs’ to celebrate their reunion back in the boat after a seven-year absence, it was Tim Sadler and Richard Salt (aka Salty) from Yorkshire Dales SC who were the popular winners of the champs, winning the prized Gold Cup, Helensburgh Trophy, Pirate Trophy (counting all races sailed) and Admirals Trophy for Grandmaster Helm over 50, and Salty taking home The Betty Southworth Trophy for first crew over 40.

Final thanks went to the class sponsors including Noble and Goat Marine, and to all those from within the Enterprise Class who had worked so hard to make this event such a huge success, led by the ever energetic Steve Sargeant, supported by Julie Moore, Carol Ford, Ann Jackson, Charles Morrish, Johnny Allen and Paul Young.  Overall though it was a huge thank you to Penzance SC who hosted the event and supplied so many cheerful and hard-working volunteers. 

Next year’s Enterprise Championships will take place at Looe Sailing Club starting on 27^th July.  Bound to be a hugely popular venue, the class hopes to see many more blue sails taking to the water for a week of fun and friendly activities both on and off the water.

Photos available here: https://www.photolounge.co.uk/Event-Images

By Alice Allen

Enterprise National Championship 2023