Scorpion National Championship 2026 at Looe Sailing Club - Day 4

Scorpion National Championship at Looe Day 3 © Nick Lightbody

Race four of the championship got under way in challenging fashion after a lengthy sail down to the committee boat. The second day of racing brought more wind than the previous day and, to match this, the race committee shortened the gate time.

Some crews appeared to struggle with this more than others, with multiple collisions with the gate boat, several port-tack infringements into other boats, and some colourful language from certain sailors all before the gate had even shut. Gilly and Rachel managed to avoid the mayhem, taking an early lead and holding it for the remainder of the race. Behind them came the two Stevies, followed by the newly formed pairing of Ben Whaley and Oliver Rayner. Pete Gray and Rich Pepperdine were determined to show that they were not out of contention after yesterday's unfortunate retirement, banking their first counter of the day with a fourth place.

Scorpion National Championship at Looe Day 3 - photo © Nick Lightbody

They continued this form by going on to win the second race of the day. It made a welcome change from our usual race winners, who were just behind, while still keeping the Gray surname in first place once again. In third place, demonstrating that consistency is key, were Ben and Oliver for the second race running. A notable mention goes to the boat lying second overall, who spectacularly capsized across the top reach to record their first discard of the series.

Scorpion National Championship at Looe Day 3 - photo © Nick Lightbody

The final race of the day challenged the tired legs of the Scorpion fleet. With the prospect of four beats looming, it became a game of keeping going right to the very end. A significant wind shift off the start meant that those of us who started early faced the gruelling task of recovering from a major setback in the opening stages. This time, Ben and Oliver rounded the first mark in the lead, having held Gilly and Rachel off upwind. Eventually, however, Gilly and Rachel resumed their familiar position at the front to take the win once again, ending day two with six races sailed and five race wins counting. Ben and Oliver held on for second, capping an impressive day and finishing joint second overall, no easy feat for a boat that is apparently 10kg overweight. Completing the top three were the two Stevies, who, together with Ben and Oliver, ended the day on 17 points.

Scorpion National Championship at Looe Day 3 - photo © Nick Lightbody

Looe Sailing Club again showed their commitment to giving the fleet a great time on and off the water and the fleet enjoyed a selection of Cornish cheeses and proper Cornish cider, made on his farm by our RO Francis Marshall. Not sure how many clear heads there will be in the morning with another 3 races looming.

But with the final day now upon us, forecasts of lighter winds offer hope to the lighter boats in the fleet, giving them the opportunity to challenge some of the bigger crews at the front and to demonstrate their prowess in more favourable conditions.

Results after Day 4: