scorpion open 09

Scorpion Open 09 link to photo - link to video

Yet again a superb turnout for the Scorpion Open, with a pleasant breeze sun, and being fairly warm, it was all set for a good day of racing. As usual racing was very close with a different winner for each race on Saturday.

Full report.

The weekend got off to a great start with a turnout of 44 boats from 19 different clubs. Perfect sunshine and a steady (if swinging!) 8 knots meant that 3 races of a good length were sailed after a relaxing late start.

The first race got underway with a clean start and Barry Wolfenden & Melanie Titmus and Richard & Sarah Mason quickly established their positions at the front of the fleet, with Peter & Thomas Rose in hot pursuit. The race officer set some very close, challenging reaches, which sorted the top dogs from the rest of the pack. After a change of course, Richard & Sarah Mason flew up to the front of the fleet again with Pete Gray & Richard Pepperdine finishing in second place. In the late afternoon, however, the wind started to drop with a few frustrating moments for some as the wind shifted and filled in from various unpredictable places. Andy Smith & David Scott and Richard & Sarah Mason however got everything spot on as they led the fleet by a leg and a half.

Sunday saw a marked change in conditions with 15 knots gusting 25. In Race 4 there were some new leaders with Pete Gray & Richard Pepperdine first and Andy McKee & Tarren Jones second. A few boats were delayed by some swimming due to the unpredictable gusts, but a flying 2-sail reach across the lake was enjoyed by everyone, no matter how soggy! The final race was sailed back to back in similar conditions and a few capsizes on the start line demanded some skilful boat handling. Andy Smith & David Scott managed to pull away to the front of the fleet, closely followed by Andy McKee & Tarren Jones. In the overall results there was a lot of variation in individual race positions, so consistency paid meaning Pete Gray & Richard Pepperdine were the overall winners.

Two junior crews, Thomas Rose and Jamie Clementson, were in the top 5 and Martin Moore won the junior helm prize.

At the same time, the current Scorpion National Champions Tom Jeffcoate & Andy Smith were battling away at the Endeavour Trophy achieving a 13th place overall.

Results:

1st Pete Gray & Richard Pepperdine 2013 (Staunton Harold) - pictured

2nd Andy Smith & David Scott 1994 (Notts County)

3rd Andy McKee & Tarren Jones 1951 (Dovestone)

4th Peter & Thomas Rose 1995 (Chew Valley)

5th John & Jamie Clementson 2010