Typhoon Scorpion Nationals 2021 in association with Craftinsure and FFX - Day 1

Sunday was a tough day at the office. The 71 competitors, who had passed registration and scrutineering with flying colours, ventured out with trepidation to the race course to face a packed day of on the water activities in a stiff 25mph SW with occasional showers.

After a practice gate start, the fleet started a much needed practice race with a number of competitors taking the opportunity to have a swim, including Tom Lonsdale abandoning Emily Cole-Evans mid tack.

Day 1 of the Typhoon Scorpion Nationals in association with Craftinsure & FFX at Penzance - photo © Lee Whitehead / www.photolounge.co.uk

Race 1: Course - T3L Triangle / Sausage /Triangle

Steve Walker and Jerry Hannabus (2044) bravely opened the gate with no guard boat, but the fleet behaved themselves and were evenly spread. Tom Gillard and Rachael Grey led round the first mark, hoisted and extended - never to be caught.

Us mere mortals were left to battle the perfectly set triangles that were ready to catch out any mistakes. This included the jury boat chasing Vince Horey & Rob Gardiner waving a little red flag, and Nigel Wakefield and Pasty spectacularly failing their first hoist and swimming.

The final scores on the doors were: 1st Tom & Rachael, 2nd Sam Watson & Shandy, 3rd Alan Krailing & Si Forbes.

Day 1 of the Typhoon Scorpion Nationals in association with Craftinsure & FFX at Penzance - photo © Lee Whitehead / www.photolounge.co.uk

Race 2: Course - T3L

The wind didn't abate for the second race with the late starting fleet choosing to let the pathfinders, Baz and Oli Fellows, battle the elements on their own for the first minute. A late port lift let Alan Krailing and Si Forbes lead the fleet in from the left followed by Tom & Rachael.

The Scorpion showed its seaworthiness to its full potential in the rolling Mounts Bay swell, but it was a depleted fleet that made it to final finish line, the last gybe claimed some noticeable names. A fast-finishing Vince & Rob rounded off the podium climbing up from sixth at the first mark

The Penzance SC safety team were amazing and didn't come off the water until all competitors were safely ashore with beers and pasties. A number of us were grateful for our sponsors Typhoon and Craftinsure's products.

Day 1 of the Typhoon Scorpion Nationals in association with Craftinsure & FFX at Penzance - photo © Lee Whitehead / www.photolounge.co.uk

The evening's social was the Isle of Sheppey Race night where we were joined by the Scorpion Wives, Husbands, girlfriends and gender neutral support crews (SWHAG) fresh back from their sponsored lunch for an evening of fun.

The National Scorpion Association would like to say a massive thank you to the event sponsors, who have been so good to the Scorpion class, especially during these times.

Typhoon - Typhoon International have been innovators in providing personal protection from the elements since 1947. We have a reputation for the manufacture of exceptionally high-quality marine products, including drysuits, wetsuits, diving suits, buoyancy aids and more.

Craftinsure - Craftinsure is owned by Boat owners who are set up the business nearly 20 years ago and Craftinsure now insures over 20,000 boats. We only insure Boats. Craftinsure is a 'Quote and Buy' online business, we pass on the cost savings of being online to you as very competitive premiums. We are direct to customers only - we do not deal with brokers or marinas, so you get the savings.

FFX - Are one of the largest independent suppliers of power tools and power tool accessories, hand tools, fixings and fasteners, and general construction consumables. FFX's head office, on-line operation and distribution centre is in Lympne, Kent with branches in Ashford and Folkestone.

The class encourages Scorpion sailors to support our sponsors wherever possible, since they are so good at supporting us.

Find out more about the class on our Facebook page or Class Website

Day 1 of the Typhoon Scorpion Nationals in association with Craftinsure & FFX at Penzance - photo © Lee Whitehead / www.photolounge.co.uk

Results after day 1:

Day 1 of the Typhoon Scorpion Nationals in association with Craftinsure & FFX at Penzance - photo © Lee Whitehead / www.photolounge.co.uk