Scorpion Open at Hayling Island Sailing Club

Twelve enthusiastic Scorpion teams arrived at a new location on the Scorpion circuit, accompanied by Merlin Rockets and Fireballs. With a clubhouse straight from grand designs, and a booming sea on the shore side of the island - most were relieved to find we were to be raced inside the harbour. Once the fat boys sighs and snivels had died down, conditions were fruity in the harbour with a sucking tide to boot.

Straight out in front were Andy McKee and Chris Massey (Dovestone) to take the gun, followed by other hardy winter souls Pete Gray and Rich Peperdeu (SHSC) and Nev Herbert and Rachel Rhodes (SHSC). McKee again showed a clean transom in race 2 (on the ever shrinking sail area), followed home this time by Tim parsons and Mike Hannan (Lyme) and race tuned Ryan and Hannah Buchanan (Weston). The scheduled procession around the harbour was binned, whilst a monster squall ripped though the ensuing triangle. With a few 3 sail reaches across the mud, only a few had read the course lap count. Top marks went to Steve Mitchell and Simon Forbes (HISC), followed by Alex no gun Hayman, and Mr Hayman senior. 3rd were the Buchanans.

The top class facilities were enjoyed overnight, ready for another day. Again harbour bound, so sadly still starting last and sailing least, all fixed up Scorpions reassembled. Pete and Rich got going early and went (beaten by McKee on the water, but he was disqualified after a start line incident) followed by Ryan and Hannah, then Pete and simon. With wind and chop building, Pete and simon took race 5 to take command of the event. Race 6 was Mckee's again, with Tim and mike 2nd, then Pete and simon to seal it in 3rd.

With only 10 points separating the top 5 over 5 races, racing was close with the wintering scorpions proving that hard work in the cold pays off in the cold spring. Thanks to HISC for the well run event, and hopefully a return for the Scorpions next year to go 'outside'.

Overall Results: