Noble Marine Scorpion Nationals at Sidmouth Sailing Club - Day 3
by Peter Work 21 Aug 2013 13:46 BST
17-23 August 2013
Daily prizes provided by P&B
A day of bright sunshine and patchy breeze. The race officer took the early decision to postpone the fleet until late afternoon when a steady 10-12 knots of breeze filled in. It allowed crew to go off swimming, rock pooling and building dams!
After a general recall, much to the relief of championship leader Pete Gray who was half way up the first beat with his jib down due to rigging issues, the fleet got away under black flag. John and James Mursell led to the windward mark followed by Andy McKee and Steve Graham and Simon Holden Pete Hardy after a band of pressure out to sea gave the boats on the left hand side the advantage.
The waves had built for some exciting downwind surfing allowed Steve Hall and Oli Wells and Pete Gray and Rich Pepperdine to chase down the leading pack. Steve and Oli continued their charge to squeeze into the lead up the final beat but a quick gybe set by Andy and Steve gave them the advantage to power over the top of Steve and Oli to take the win. John and James Mursell managed to hold off Pete Gray and Rich Pepperdine for third Place.
Wednesday's racing has been abandoned due to light winds and the fleet will gather on Thursday in hope for some more breeze.
Results after Day 3: (five races)
1st Steve Hall and Oli Wells 7pts
2nd Pete Gray and Rich Pepperdine 7pts
3rd Pete Mitchell and Simon Forbes 10pts
4th Andy McKee and Steve Graham 16pts
5th Jack Banks and Penny Jeffcotte 21pts