Over the weekend of 28-29 September, 25 scorpion teams travelled from as far away as Elton to attend a weekend of great sailing at Netley SC. The weather presented the fleet with high temperatures, a good steady wind, and cloudless skies.

The first race got under way in 14 knots of wind, around an Olympic-style course. The tide played its part all weekend, with one side of the beat being favoured by most. First out of the blocks were Jock Fellows and Mike Hannan in 1980 Storm, leading from Ian Harrison and Dave Broome in 1977, followed by Carol and John Haines in 1952 Carte Blanche, then 1927 No Limits sailed by Simon Holden and Sarah Maguire. Over the next two reaches, the Haines’ over took Harrison in to second place, with the top three then remaining the same until the finish. By the third lap, fourth place had changed many times, finally being taken by Nigel Potter and Tarquin Parsons, in 1987.

Race two got underway in similar conditions, this time the initiative being taken early on by Phil and Jane White, sailing 1932 Frolic, pursued again by the Haines’, and Dave Machin and Fiona Mackle sailing 1972 Red Rooster in third. By the next lap, the whites had opened up a healthy lead, with Barry and Linda Wolfenden, in 1938 Harry the Halibut moving into third. On the final beat, the Haines’ crept through to take the race, with Harrison taking third, and Machin fourth.

Sore heads were the order of the morning, due to the usual well-stocked Netley bar with the racing not starting until a comfortable 11am. Conditions again were near perfect, with slightly more wind than the day before. Harrison led at the first mark, closely followed by Potter, and the Wolfendens. The three swapped places all race, with Potter finally taking line honours from Harrison.

The final race proved crucial, with at least four boats all capable of winning the event. Harrison led brilliantly from start to finish to take the well-deserved title, with Fellows and Hannan coming through to second, with the Wolfendens third, and the Haines’ in fourth.

Overall Results

1st 1977, Ian Harrison and Dave Broome

2nd 1958, Carol and John Haines

3rd 1980, Jock Fellows and Mike Hannan

4th 1987, Nigel Potter and Tim Parsons

5th 1938, Barry and Linda Wolfenden

First Junior 880 – Stephen Hackett and David Johnson