Scorpion National Championships at Teign Corinthian Yacht Club - Day 2

After the tail end of Hurricane Bertha had passed the scorpion fleet were looking forward to a day of 2 races to try and catch up. Shortly after tallies had been released launching was postponed as a heavy rain storm came through. The boats still left on the beach took shelter and eventually launched into light and shifty conditions.

The race started on a very port biased line, making most of the fleet tack off onto port on the gun and reaching into the windwad mark. Andy Mckee and Chris Massey led the fleet followed by Pete Mitchell and Simon Forbes and Ryan and Hannah Buchanan.

With the wind increasing Andy and Chris consolidated their lead and even had time to drop the kite on the second set of triangles to release the spiniker sheets from around the boom. There were also several boats capsizing around the course, but a special mention has to go to Kevin Gosling and Andy Service for their pitch-poling skills which resulted in Kevin flying through the air like a human caterpult!

Behind the battle for the podium places was taking place with Steve Walker and Jerry Hannibus taking second place after Pete and Simon suffered a windward capsize which resulted in then snapping their spinnaker pole and having to retire, allowing Tom Gillard and Sam Breary pulling up to third.

As the fleet completed the 4 rounds of the course in less than 40 minutes the race officer looked to move his course, but in the building breeze and with a dark cloud looming on the horizon racing was abandoned for the day.

On the sail home several boats got into trouble coming in at low tide over the bar. Alan 'The Hoff' Richie put his lifesaving skills to the test to swim from his boat and sail in a capsized boat!

Day one's race is still postponed and the race officer is looking to get 2 races in tomorrow to catch up.

Results after Day 2: (one race)