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Scorpion Open 2011
The Scorpion open attracted over 30 boats, with calm drixxiliy conditions on Saturday and a good breezeon Sunday ... Full report to follow
Photos under thanks to Ian Pilkington for driving so well, the photos are really a team effort. Report Below (13/10/11) and short musings under (14/10/11) full results (from club computer) 23 10 11
Scorpion Open at Notts County - Sponsored by Morton Boats
A total of 30 boats representing 13 different clubs from the length and breadth of the country arrived at Notts on Sat 8th Oct for what has been traditionally the best attended open outside of the Nationals.
A light south-westerly greeted the competitors and the direction and turnout made it possible for RO William Jeffcoate to set a single fleet start as opposed to flights as has happened in earlier years.
With 3 races scheduled race 1 got away clear with Peter Gray and Rachel Rhodes from Staunton Harold in 2013 setting the early pace. This pairing held the lead throughout and the podium places went to Dave Woodhead and Jerry Hannabus in 1947 and Andy McKee/Tarren Jones in 1951. Local sailor Kevin Hope with Amy Clay making the switch from Fireballs showed early promise with a 4th.
In the second race the wind dropped to virtually nothing and the RO shortened the course to ease the misery - Pete & Rachel repeated their earlier success with Dave and Andy swapping places in 3rd and 2nd.
With no prospect of an increase in wind strength the RO decided to abandon for the day - this was met with a huge cheer from the grateful fleet.
(The early finish to racing enabled the fleet to hit the bar early - a great shame! - and by the time dinner was served everyone was ravenous. Paulines fare is usually spectacular but this one seemed better than ever with plenty of people going back for seconds.
The entertainment started with a first set by the Old Bilberries followed by The Potholes - both groups managed to prompt a bit of dancing and singing and more than one had lost their voice next day)
Day 2 saw considerably more wind, a bit milder, and even a bit of sun. William had decided on 3 short races starting at 10.00am and promised a 1pm finish in time for lunch and an early getaway for the visitors. And this is exactly what happened, almost to the minute.
Race 3 was again dominated by Pete, Dave and Andy in that order and after a general recall in the 4th followed by an immediate black flack the fleet behave and got away clean. The result was a repeat of race 3.
Race 5 saw Pete slip to 8th but he had it won by then anyway so this allowed Andy and Tarren in for their first win of the series followed by Dave and Jerry in second and Matt Potter and Simon Hibbert from Notts in 1987 3rd.
Officiating for his final time as club commodore John Parr and partner Kim Parnham Flint complimented the fleet on an exceptional event and thanked all those who had travelled to be part of it. Main prizes were presented by Peter Richards of sponsors Morton Boats.
Results
1st Peter Gray/Rachel Rhodes - 2013 Staunton Harold SC
2nd Dave Woodhead/Jerry Hannabus - 1947 Elton SC
3rd Andy McKee/Tarren Jones - 1951 Dovestone SC
4th Simon Gillow/Fiona Brett - 2003 Chipstead SC
5th Richard & Sarah Mason - 1997 Notts County SC
Scorpion Open
8-9 October 2011
Scorpions with a speckling of grey sails mill about aimlessly awaiting the start, on grey water under a grey sky, dampened by a grey drizzle.
The race officer tries to decide where to put the windward mark as; pendulum like, the wind swings from North West to West and on to South West and then back.
Mark set, the boats cruise the line looking for the favoured end, crisp white jibs flutter as “GO” nears.
A gentle first beat, then a hint of more wind and the leader almost planes, but the hint was a tease as the wind decreases to a strong zephyr.
As the second races approaches some heave to and others have a relaxed reach as the windward mark is moved.
The drooping wind sock is reflected in the mirror like edges of the lake, they creep round slowly as the wind dissipates, the gate is moved and boats drift to the end.
Outside the Scorpions wait patiently, inside wet cold disappointed sailors hang around in small groups dissecting the races, quiet conversation interrupted by shivers and then applause as the RO abandons the third.
Sunday
5am: A still warm morning, Colin curled up by the TV.
Not a wind and not a sound apart from a dripping tap and a solitary halyard.
To the west, the orange glow of the city whilst to the east, two pairs of vertical red lights at Staythorpe and a plume of steam from the sugar factory, are the only signs of life in the real world.
5.30: A faint pink stripe signifies the awakening dawn, accompanied by the gentle creek of the marquee; twitching burgees indicate a whisper of wind.
Outside a solitary bird begins the dawn chorus soon to be joined by more.
6.00: The air is warm and sticky almost tropical the illusion helped, by the conservatory magnifying the light rain into a monsoon. I hope it clears and makes way for wind.
6.30 The cleaning gnome makes a welcoming cuppa for the Food Fairy, then she’s back to her domain preparing breakfast for the yet to wake campers.
The silence of the predawn is replaced by the sizzle of frying bacon and Abba on the radio.
The notice board reads:
10.00am Start, 3 back to back
Most notice, some don’t.
More wind, but not lots.
A faster sail and better races for all, close duels the length of the fleet, from first to last all work hard.
Tired, pleased people leave the water with trolley dollies of all types to help.
Tea and “Cow Pats”!! Refresh and refuel.
Prizes for many and a speech for one, ends a weekend of challenge and fun.
