Final preparations for the Scorpion Nationals at Penzance
by Fiona Taylor 3 Aug 07:21 BST
2-8 August 2025
When joining the traffic to Cornwall there is only one game to play and indeed one letter to choose! 'I spy with my little eye, something beginning with, S!'... Scorpion! And in fact 55 of them making their way to the beautiful waters of Mount's Bay and the warm welcome of Penzance Sailing Club.
I am tasked to write this report, embracing the 80's theme that will be "celebrated" in the fanciest ways on Thursday night as the fleet jump to the beat in their best 80's outfits. How many 80's song titles can you spot in this write up?
On arrival the dinghy park was alive with Scorpion sailors, none of them holding back the years and all hoping they are simply the best. The fleet races as one, but results are split into 4 fleet, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. The competition this year once again is (I'm) on fire... and there will be plenty of opportunities to push it and show that when the going gets tough, the tough get going!
The Scorpion fleet is a family fleet where our shwags hope to relax whilst they enjoy their holiday, and if the weather continues like today where the skies were definitely true blue, and the sun beating down, then the essential golden brown look is guaranteed prior to going back to life in a week's time. There is no doubt that once again Penzance has provided another day in paradise.
Many boats arrived earlier in the week, those keen beans had been practising hard to ensure that when under pressure they would get into the groove before racing begins on Sunday. For those boats arriving later it may be a question of having faith that once on the water, their boats will run like the wind. Although with the heavy winds forecast on Monday it may well be a blue Monday and a case of welcome to the jungle!
Saturday night saw the welcome reception and the competitors briefing, where a gentle reminder of giving a little respect on the water is a key message, even if you feel hungry like the wolf and are desperate to prove that you win again.
As I put my cover on my boat, having completed measurement, good news only 4kg over the minimum weight, I am reminded that any performance issues can not be attributed to the boat being solid as a rock... and instead my crew and I will need to ensure we don't stop believing... practice makes it perfect.
Looking across the car park at my fellow competitors, chatting, laughing and bringing the Scorpion look of love to life, I know that whatever the wind may bring, I'm never gonna give you up.