Lymington CraftInsure Silver Scorpion Open - Day 1
by Nick Lightbody 20 Jul 2025 08:20 BST
19-20 July 2025
Fourteen Scorpions accepted the Lymington Town SC and Royal Lymington YC invitations to enjoy a class start in their regatta for the third year, a great addition to the CraftInsure Silver Scorpion Open Meeting circuit.
Narrowly avoiding the thunderstorms deluging much of the South East the Scorpions enjoyed three good races with five female helms competing, with six female crews and one boat, the RYA Female Scorpion Project's 1905 Syruptitious, being sailed by two young women. The project was delighted to be visited by Andy Service's old friend Jim Hunt who wished the female sailors every success.
Race 1 set the pattern in the foul tide resulting in a good start and an early tack onto port being decisive. Ollie Meadowcroft crewed by Rob Gardner sailing 2053 won followed by P&B's Dave Wade crewed by the RYA Female Scorpion Project's Matty Evans with Dave's daughter Imogen crewed by Simon Forbes third and AJ & Chris Eaton fourth.
Race 2 ran a similar course in an increasing breeze with Wade & Evans winning from Wade & Forbes, Meadowcroft & Gardener were third and the RYA Female Scorpion Project's Arwen Fflur & Andy Service were fourth.
Race 3 was shortened to one fast lap with Wade & Forbes taking the gun from Meadowcroft & Gardner with Wade & Evans third and Chloe Willars & John Tailby fourth. A notable win as Imogen reckons its the first time she has beaten her Dad in Scorpions.
The racers were welcomed back to Lymington after a full afternoon's competition with a great supply of jam doughnuts and the promise of a stiff breeze for the Sunday morning races.
Results after Day 1: (top six)
1. 2051 Mrs Bear's Boat, Imogen Wade & Simon Forbes (Staunton Harold SC) 6 points
2. 2053 Ollie Meadowcroft & Rob Gardner (RNLI) 6 points
3. 2061 Dave Wade & Matty Evans (Draycote Water SC) 6 points
4. 2014 Intoxicated, AJ Eaton & Chris Eaton (Starcross YC) 15 points
5. 1929 L'Espirit de Turnip, Arwen Fflur & Andy Service (Delph SC) 15 points
6. 2017 Silver Balls!, Chloe Willars & John Tailby (Bartley SC / Notts County SC) 19 points