Typhoon Scorpion Nationals 2021 in association with Craftinsure and FFX - Day 4

It's easy to spot a Scorpion sailor walking in Penzance town, just have a look at their bruised legs - it's been a tough week.

Although the wind was still in the North West, it was a lot lighter and it was lovely to see a number of the classic boats on the water including David Bleakley & Laura Bray's 244 - Shuala, resplendent with her original blue sails, and John Mursell & Dougal sailing 1329 - Oozoo.

Oozoo, in the expert hands of the Curran brothers, was one of only two Scorpions ever to win all the races at a National Championships. With Tom Gillard and Rachael Grey's faultless performance this week, the question was, could they join this illustrious club?

Day 4 of the Typhoon Scorpion Nationals in association with Craftinsure & FFX at Penzance - photo © Lee Whitehead / www.photolounge.co.uk

Race 7: Course - S3L Sausage /Triangle /Sausage: Leeward Finish

With the Cornish mizzle clearing, the course was set around a bearing of 325 degrees and the first-time pathfinders Jock & George Fellows opened the gate with the crews just perching on the side deck. Again, the early starters were rewarded with a port lift into the mark. Tom & Rachael managed to work their way out of the middle right of this bunch to round in the top three.

The observant amongst you, will notice the first offwind was a run. A number of crews failed to spot this and sailed off to Lands End in vain. Whilst the lighter breeze led to a more compact fleet which meant mark roundings were somewhat congested.

On top of that the jury boat got in on the action, yellow flagging Tom & Rachael for rule 42, but they had enough in hand to complete their turns and still stay in front.

At the finish it was Tom Gillard & Rachael Grey, then Pete Grey & Rich Pepperdine, and Alan Krailing & Si Forbes.

Race 8: Course - S3L Sausage /Triangle /Sausage

The mean wind bearing of 325 remained unchanged from race 7, but the puffs were always coming from the left. This favoured the early starters, to the disadvantage of the pathfinders George & Rosie Povall.

Pete Grey & Richard Pepperdine rounded the windward mark first and, although pressed hard by the pack, they were never headed and took the gun. Second was Tom Gillard & Rachael Grey, then Tom Jeffcoate & Tim Hartley.

Although Tom & Rachael have secured a well-deserved championship win with a day to spare, tomorrow's racing brings a second discard into play and the battle for runner up is hotly contested between three boats: Alan & Si, Pete & Rich, and Tom & Tim.

The SWHAGS invaded St. Ives by train and tonight's social is paella and games night. Let's hope we get through this in one piece.

Full results below

Lee Whitehead has a number of video interviews from the championships, on his YouTube channel.

Day 4 of the Typhoon Scorpion Nationals in association with Craftinsure & FFX at Penzance - photo © Lee Whitehead / www.photolounge.co.uk

Sponsors

The National Scorpion Association would like to say a massive thank you to the event sponsors, who have been so good to the Scorpion class, especially during these times.

Typhoon - Typhoon International have been innovators in providing personal protection from the elements since 1947. We have a reputation for the manufacture of exceptionally high-quality marine products, including drysuits, wetsuits, diving suits, buoyancy aids and more.

Craftinsure - Craftinsure is owned by Boat owners who are set up the business nearly 20 years ago and Craftinsure now insures over 20,000 boats. We only insure Boats. Craftinsure is a 'Quote and Buy' online business, we pass on the cost savings of being online to you as very competitive premiums. "We are direct to customers only - we do not deal with brokers or marinas, so you get the savings."

FFX - Are one of the largest independent suppliers of power tools and power tool accessories, hand tools, fixings and fasteners, and general construction consumables. FFX's head office, on-line operation and distribution centre is in Lympne, Kent with branches in Ashford and Folkestone.

The class encourages Scorpion sailors to support our sponsors wherever possible, since they are so good at supporting us.

Find out more about the class on our Facebook page or Class Website

Day 4 of the Typhoon Scorpion Nationals in association with Craftinsure & FFX at Penzance - photo © Lee Whitehead / www.photolounge.co.uk

Results after day 4:

Day 4 of the Typhoon Scorpion Nationals in association with Craftinsure & FFX at Penzance - photo © Lee Whitehead / www.photolounge.co.uk