Scorpion National Championship 2026 at Looe Sailing Club - Day 2
by Steve McCarthy 4 Aug 09:49 BST
1-7 August 2026
Looe beach and harbour © LSC
The Waiting Game in Looe
After Sunday's breeze failed to show, the Race Officer proactively tinkered with the SIs for Monday's racing. The plan was clear: abandon the practice race in lieu of a practice gate start, followed immediately by three back-to-back championship races.
As the fleet arrived at the dinghy park around 11:00, there was a wave of cautious optimism that Day 2 would finally get the 2026 championship off the mark. However, the wind gods had other ideas and at 11:59, the Race Officer signalled an undefined postponement, and the waiting game resumed for the second day.
The dinghy park quickly settled into camps of hopeful optimism and deep scepticism. Sailors did what they do best when stuck ashore: world to rights debates, endless boat tinkering, deep chin-scratching, and the obligatory consumption of Cornish pasties and ice creams.
As the hours ticked by, the classic dilemma of "desire to sail versus the call of the pub" took over the dinghy park chit-chat. Finally, at 14:51, the inevitable decision to abandon racing for the day was made. An update to the SIs quickly followed, scheduling an 11:00 start for Tuesday with the three race plan.
With the weather forecast promising a firm, proper breeze, Day 3 looks set to be the official championship kick-off.
With a few spare hours to fill before the evening's main events, the teams scattered. Efforts turned to swimming, beach games, and a few keen crews determined to get afloat hoisted their sails to set out for a sneaky practice in the bay. Eventually the bar called, even to the keenest that set out to sea, and sails were again rolled back into their sail bags ready for the evening's frolics.
The evening's social itinerary kicked off at 19:30 with the highly anticipated Isle of Sheppey Raffle, MC'd by Lee Marriott. This paved the way for the daily Champagne Moments awards presentation. Once again, the prizes were inventive, creative, and highly appropriate for a day spent on dry land.
With a race breeze on the horizon, the next Champagne Moments look guaranteed to finally include some actual sailing accolades!
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