50th Scorpion Nationals at Looe Sailing Club - Day 4
by Tom Jeffcoate 4 Aug 2010 19:36 BST
31 July - 6 August 2010
Race 6 – sponsored by Allen Brothers
Sunshine, wind and pasties. The local forecast proved right with their prediction of force 5 / 6, the wind was a steady 20 – 23 knots gusting up to 29 at times. Just what was needed to clear a few heads after last night’s karaoke which saw 160 litres of punch disappear, crowd surfing and the floor shaking. It also led to some pretty exciting sailing and even the top guys were not adverse to a quick dip – take a bow Messrs Wade and Mursell (from 1st and 3rd positions respectively).
First out the blocks were Chris Turner & Ben Raynor who led to the windward mark followed by Pete Gray & Rich Pepperdine. Chris & Ben pulled away while the battle for 2nd developed between Pete, Dave Wade and John Mursell. Dave got past Pete and set about chasing down Chris – he managed it only for the aforementioned swim to slow him down and he had to settle for 2nd. Swims for Pete and John allowed Tom Jeffcoate & Mark Hogan and Tim & Sarah Parsons into the fight for 3rd with Tim & Sarah getting the last beat right to take the final podium place.
Also enjoying the conditions were James Salter and Hope Brodie who, after finishing 68th yesterday, were 5th to the windward mark. Hope confessed she screamed the whole way downwind but they still held on to finish 25th in the race.
With the wind up none of the crews fancied having a go and the fleet returned to shore to enjoy pasties on the beach, content after a great sail. Overall 6 points separate the top 5 places with 3 races left. A slight more moderate breeze is forecast for tomorrow and all is left to play for.
Full results are available on the Scorpion class website.