Scorpion Open at Staunton Harold Sailing Club
by Nigel Pepperdine 29 Sep 2021 14:01 BST
25-26 September 2021
Staunton Harold Scorpion Open © Alan Gillard
Sailed at Carnac? Staunton Harold Sailing Club can really offer better: excellent hospitality and a friendly atmosphere. For the annual Scorpion open meeting competitors were greeted with a dying wind on the Saturday and only one of the 5 or 6 sprint races was completed.
However, then there was Sunday. How many sprint races could race officer Tim Gray set, only his able assistant Wendy (and wife) could help. Tim was in his element, 5 races before lunch followed by yet another 5 in the afternoon and a different course each time. As the day extended the wind increased and the sun shone. Oh yes and the racing. Each race comprised a tight line making a good start essential. The fleet was always given a good beat and then a variety of reaches runs or simple windward leeward courses. It made for great racing.
National Champions Tom Gillard and Rachael Gray put in a fine performance winning 7 of the 11 races, however they didn't have it totally their own way; Peter Gray and Richard Pepperdine claimed the remaining 4 podium positions. I wonder who had bragging rights over Sunday dinner?
Third place was taken by Nigel Pepperdine and Amy Clay in a generously loaned boat claiming a couple of seconds. Debbie Gibson and Simon Forbes were fourth having a good second in race 4th race.
A cracking weekend's sailing was enjoyed by all.
Overall Results: (top three)
1st 2013, Tom Gillard & Rachael Gray, 11pts
2nd 2045, Peter Gray & Richard Pepperdine, 14pts
3rd 2037, Nigel Pepperdine & Amy Clay, 29pts