Scorpions at the Notts County Rio Regatta
by Nicola Willars 9 Jun 2016 08:40 BST
4-5 June 2016
Scorpions at Notts County © David Eberlin
Carnival atmosphere greets the fleet
This year the Graduate's joined us (for their Nationals) for what was a record turn out for the 2016 Regatta, which was superbly organised by Scorpion Sailors Vivienne Weston and Adrian Jones.
With 7 Scorpions entered (including one visitor) we were able to enjoy a fleet start, and also saw plenty of novice and junior helms enjoying a sail in Scorpions in the other cup races.
After a close encounter on Friday evening with the BBQ, which had been positioned windward until Alan Ritchie arrived (dressed head to toe in neoprene for the open water swimming...!) and put us straight, the racing began in earnest with beautiful sunshine and what can only be best described as Patchy Wind.
Not to be deterred, the fleet battled through the day and had enough energy left to enjoy the banging tunes of DJ Ti.Mothy's "Silent Disco".
Sunday saw a little more wind, and the leader board was established with The Masons in 1987, closely followed by The Ritchies in 2005 and Dave & Sue in 2000. Jon Willars enjoyed the company of "Scorpion Rockstar" Joyce Henderson in 2002, for what was his third crew change in as many races.
Sunday evening left no time for relaxation as we were encouraged to Limbo, Disco and be memorised by the Close Up Magician, all after our spicy Brazilian themed meal.
Monday brought some proper wind, and yet another change of crew in 2002. Special mention to 14 year old Chloe in 1920 who beat her dad and finished second to Janet and Allen, without a capsize even when throwing caution to the wind with the kite up on every reach, very gutsy!
And also to Adrian Jones who crewed for novice helm Nigel Leehane, and Dave Snutch who crewed for 1novice helm Tim (The Bosun) Miles-Hayler in the Regatta Cup – both new sailors very much taken with the Awesome Scorpion.
The NCSC Regatta is a fantastic weekend of sailing and off the water fun for all the family, and we hope to welcome the Scorpion Fleet back again in 2017.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | Pts |
|---|
| 1st | 1997 | Richard Mason | Sarah Mason | NCSC | 1 | 1 | (DNC) | 2 |
| 2nd | 2005 | Janet Ritchie | Alan Ritchie | Chipstead | ‑4 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 3rd | 20051 | Chloe Willars | Nicola Willars | NCSC | 3 | ‑5 | 2 | 5 |
| 4th | 2000 | Dave Snutch | Sue Barnes | NCSC | 2 | 3 | (DNC) | 5 |
| 5th | 2002 | Jon Willars | Joyce Henderson | NCSC | (DNC) | 4 | 3 | 7 |
| 6th | 2002 | Jake Willars | John Willars | NCSC | 5 | (DNC) | DNC | 12 |