A ship is called a ‘she’ because there is always a great deal of commotion around her; there is usually a gang of men about her or working on her; she has a waist and stays; it takes a lot of paint to keep her good-looking; it is not the initial expense that breaks you, but the upkeep; she can be all decked out and dressed all over; it takes an experienced man to handle her correctly; without a man at the helm she is absolutely uncontrollable; she shows her topsides, hides her bottom, and when coming into port, she always heads for the buoys.

WHAT IS AN ENTERPRISE?

The Enterprise is a 4 metre sailing dinghy designed by Jack Holt. It is one of the largest classes in the world and this popularity is due to its excellent qualities both as a cruising and a two-man racing boat. There are now over 23000 registered boats.

ESTABLISHED AND GROWING CLASS

This means that good class racing and open meeting racing is readily available all over the country. The National Enterprise Week usually attracts over a hundred entries. The class is also growing at a rate of approximately one hundred new boat registrations every year. There is an established owner's association with experience in dealing with members' problems and representing their interests. A quarterly magazine acts as an excellent medium for news and views between members and the annual Year Book provides all the up to date information about the class.

The Enterprise is an active and exciting boat to sail and it is raced competitively almost everywhere. It attracts many high class helmsmen throughout the country and standards are high. Crew weight is not a crucial factor to success as is often the case with very light displacement boats and yet the Enterprise is light enough to be handled easily ashore. Enterprises are also very seaworthy.

FRIENDLY CLUB RACING

The Enterprise Class has always had a reputation for being a friendly class and this of course directly reflects its membership. Those who have just bought an Enterprise or are thinking of doing so will be assured of a warm welcome to any club where they are sailed and will be able to call upon any assistance or advice they need from other Enterprise owners. Its all a consequence of there being so many of the blessed things!

CHOICE OF CONSTRUCTION

A large proportion of new boats are glass fibre and the newer style of interior layout makes the boats look most attractive.
Alternatives are the composite boat for those who like wooden decks without the fuss of fitting out a wooden hull. You can also obtain a conventional all-wooden boat from one of the specialist builders, or one of the newer wood/epoxy boats built in a mould and to a simplified internal design/layout.

Once you have bought your Enterprise there are a few other things to be done and others to think about:

You will need to insure your boat a) to protect your investment and b) to comply with most club rules regarding protection of third parties. In this respect the Enterprise Association has arranged a scheme which is recommended to its members. This offers excellent value for money, is constantly reviewed and at £2million, is in keeping with current trends.

If you intend to race, you must have a valid Measurement Certificate. The Association Year Book has sections at the back covering the requirements and procedures to enable you to obtain a Certificate, whether you buy second-hand, go for a new boat, or take the plunge and build one yourself. These sections also list where you can obtain the plans.

The Year Book is available from the Enterprise Association at a cost of £2.--, by post from the Hamble Office.

Membership of the Association and possession of a valid Measurement Certificate will allow you to race in any of the many events, be they Club Races, or Enterprise Open Meetings, Area Championships, Masters, or the National Championships.