Paintcraft / Rooster Scorpion Open at Notts County Sailing Club

Exciting racing at the Notts County Scorpion Open © David Eberlin

The Paintcraft / Rooster Scorpion open at Notts County Sailing Club attracted an excellent entry of over 30 boats, no doubt helped by the promise of good winds, sunshine and of course the evening social. Entries came from far and wide, from Sidmouth in the South west to Pennine in the North.

Ken Twemlow and team started the racing soon after noon, with a series of 3 short sharp races, setting a course of double beat, broad reaches and runs. The fleet came in for a quick break then back out for two more races. There were a few spills, and with the wind gusting up to 30 mph at times - it was a good job the water still retained some of its summer temperature.

Stevie G and Jerry Hannabus on a fast reach during the Notts County Scorpion Open - photo © David Eberlin

The evening saw a meal cooked by Pauline and social enjoyed by all.

Sunday saw lighter winds sunshine and an early 10am start. Three races were held back to back allowing prize-giving by early afternoon.

Sam Mason with father Richard on her way to the junior prize at the Notts County Scorpion Open - photo © David Eberlin

Results over the two days were closer on the water than the numbers show, with the two leading Staunton Harold SC Scorpions swapping places in many races. Tom Gillard and Rachel Rhodes took six firsts out of the 8 races, winning overall by 4 points, Peter Gray and Richard Pepperdine winning the two other races, and with a string of seconds. Third place was Dan Henderson and Amy Clay (ex Nott's County) on equal points with Steve Graham and Jerry Hannabuss fourth, with Ian Cadwalader and Ellie Devereux fifth.

Chris Martin and John Tailby at speed during the Notts County Scorpion Open - photo © David Eberlin

We also had four juniors competing in the open, all from Notts County. The junior combo of Cillian Dyne and Georgia Ridell, sailing (1920) and Freddie Pascaul sailing in his first open with Jeff Peters (2007), also Samantha Mason, sailing with father Richard (1997), who took the shield for first placed junior.

A big thank you to the event sponsors Paintcraft and Rooster sailing.

Tom Gillard and Rachael Rhodes winning the Notts County Scorpion Open - photo © David Eberlin

More photos at www.ncsc.org.uk/scorpion-open-22

Overall Results: