Reflections on the Scorpion National Championship 2026 at Looe

Scorpion National Championship at Looe Day 3 © Nick Lightbody

And so as we look wistfully at the fading bruises from a week in Looe we reflect on what happened and where the predictions got it right:

1. We had a great time watching the carnival come past us on Saturday evening. Tick

2. The predicted wind all week wasn't as per the race predictions (no surprise there). No wind Sunday, Monday or Friday so we condensed 9 races into a light wind forecast week (3 long days on the water). Cross
   
   The winners at the after party - Scorpion National Championship at Looe day 5 - photo © AJ Eaton
3. Gilly 'n' Rach smashed it again with 7 race wins. Watching them leave carrying a cardboard box 'coffin' filled with silverware is always a slightly worrying spectacle. Tick

4. You have to have a Staunton Harold sailor in the boat to win a race - Apart from Rache - Husband Pete with Pepsi and super Crew 'Bear' Forbes brought home the big pots. - Cross - we all assumed other clubs also could sail fast

5. 30 under 25s - some helming, some crewing but all in the mix whether in their own or borrowed vessels - the scorpion foundation continues to keep the older owners involved. Tick

6. A guest sail for one Pete Harper stepping in for an unwell sailor on the Wednesday - will this attract him to try and do a whole week in Tenby? Cross - not even in wildest dreams

7. Zoe stepped up to become party organiser no.1 with Rich on quiz duties amongst other situations doing a great job so we could all have fun. Tick

8. Rache did organise at least one session of beach games for the under 25s however I suspect she also sorted more sandy fun when we weren't watching. Tick

9. Jerry's hiking handles will be optional soon - an extra 20g of weight saved so another mars bar in the dry bag to compensate. Cross - against expectation 20g matters to some

10. The age of the boat doesn't matter - 1929 - 30 years old came 3rd but having twin poles makes a difference - first single pole boat in 16th. Tick

11. The SWHaBHs had a great time with lunches, excursions, exploring both on and off the water and even appearing as extra's in Beyond Paradise (on TV screens everywhere next summer!) - Tick

12. Evening socials were great. When a race officer brings the Cheese n Cider it must be good - what with quizzes, pro ams, sheppey raffles and a great fancy dress disco the club house was a busy place to be all week. Tick

So that's 7 ticks - correct predictions, 5 crosses - some of which were not even considered... What we can predict is this:

We looked on at the Fireflys in Tenby the following week and need to point out that Looe ran out of some drinks mid-week before another unscheduled delivery had to be arranged. Look out Tenby - the Scorpions are coming in 2027...

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