HOBSON & WHEATLEY WIN ENTERPRISE UK NATIONALS

Close Scores Make Every Point Count

46 teams raced at the Allen, North Sails and Selden Enterprise UK Nationals held at Mounts Bay. After four days of heavy air racing the wind dropped on the last day giving the teams a complete new outlook for the last race. Defending champions Dave and Chris Jackman, and North Sails expert Paul Hobson and Craig Wheatly battled every inch of the race course. Heading to the final race both teams had four bullets with Paul and Craig having less points which guaranteed their win after a dramatic final race.

This is the first time Paul Hobson has won the Enterprise Championship on the helm making him the only sailor to win the event both as a crew and as a helmsman.

Class Expert Paul Hobson’s Key Points For Success:

1. Flat is fast. Always work on keeping the boat flat.
2. On gate starts, try to keep a nice space to leeward, making the mark rounding close and tight to the gate boat.
3. Don’t be greedy; minimise your risks and focus on the boats ahead.

Hobson/Wheatley used the North Sails SJ-4+ mainsail and the FG-3 jib.

Next for Paul and Craig are the October Looe SW Regatta followed by Winter Championships at Northampton in November.