Juniors 2012

Just to clarify the age boundaries for Juniors
For Junior prizes and the Bronze Scorpion - U19 on Dec 31st 2012
For Youth prizes - U22 on Dec 31st 2012
For Youth Combo at Nationals - U40 combined age on last day of Nationals
Any other queries please email me misspennyj@hotmail.com

Scorpion Spring Season Preview

Fair play to the brave among us who have been venturing out in the chilly airs and high winds already this season! For the rest of you who have made the tactical decision to wait until a little later in the spring before leaping into a boat, I’m sure we can entice you out onto the water when you see what a cracking season we have in store for you!

In January and February the firm favourites of the Sailjuice Global Warm-up series, have seen star performances from many of our Scorpion fleet. Pete Gray and Rachael Rhodes in 2013 got off to a flying start with a 5th at the Grafham Grand Prix with Tom Castle and Tim Hartley hot on their heels in 10th in 2022. New Scorpion owner Doug Horner made a great debut in 1988 coming 27th and Julie and Paul Holroyd were right behind him with a 29th in 1963.

At the Bloody Mary the following week Pete and Rachael made second appearances but this time in separate boats, though Barry Wolfenden and Rachael (2024) definitely showed Pete and Rich Pepperdine (2013) who’s boss with a 26th and 42nd respectively. Tom and Tim also gained a very respectable 80th place and current Top Junior Helm in the Scorpion fleet Helena Pugh, with her crew Libby Courage, picked up 182nd place in their new boat 2002.

With the Steve Nicholson trophy this weekend and plenty of Scorpions planning to attend, the season is off to a great start, plus there are many more great events just around the corner. In February we have the last two events in the Sailjuice series – Tiger Trophy and Draycote Dash – then in March the regular Scorpion series begins with Hoo Freezer (10th/11th) and Dovestone Training and Open (31st/1st Apr). After that there’s Grafham Open (21st/22nd Apr), Chew Valley Open (12th/13th May), Sidmouth Open (26th/27th May) plus many more. Throughout the season we will also be running a number of Youth (U22) and Junior (U19) events – further details to be announced shortly.

In addition, if there are any other events that you and your fellow Scorpion mates are planning to attend, remember that if more than 6 scorpions from at least 2 different clubs participate the event will count towards the Silver and Bronze (U19) Traveller Series.

If you’d like to try out a Scorpion, the Scorpion Committee are here to help arrange boats to borrow or boats to buy. With over 15 events in the season there are plenty of opportunities to have a go. Ideal crew weight is 20-25 stone (combined!) so great for men and women, plus we have an age range of about 14 to 64 so no excuses! For more information please contact us via the website www.sailscorpion.co.uk and either post in our Forum or email us at Association – Committee.

Scorpion Nationals 2012

We are now planning the details of Scorpion Nationals for 2012 which run from 18th to 24th August at Paignton Sailing Club. For those who have not been there before, Paignton is an excellent nationals venue, with a friendly club, sheltered launching from a sandy beach, large open bay with little tide and a seaside holiday resort suitable for families. Everything is within easy distance of the clubhouse. The Notice of Race and Entry forms wil be put on the website within the next couple of weeks. However, it is a good idea to book your accomodation as soon as possible. Places are booking up fast, especially the larger apartments, so don't miss out.

If you have any suggestions for the social programme, please let us know at nationals@sailscorpion.co.uk

Watch this space!

Help Needed At The Dinghy Show 2012

The 2012 Dinghy Show is at Alexandra Palace on Sat/Sun 3/4th March. As usual we will be having our own stand and we need Scorpion Association members to man it. No training required !

Alan & Janet Ritchie are organising the stand, and will be on hand both days with literature, photos, membership forms, second-hand boat lists, and words of encouragement and wisdom. But they can't do it alone, give them a break !

All we need from you is an hour of your time, to be on the stand, talk to anyone showing an interest, enthuse, explain, sympathise (with non-scorp owners), hand out boats lists, and take details of anyone wanting further help, or a trial sail, or to join the association, etc.

Entry concessions may be available to volunteers (ask Alan), - but you shouldn't need that. It's great fun meeting all the punters, it makes you feel very important, and of course they all know you've got a Scorpion, so 'Respec !'.

Don't wait for a queue to form. Volunteer now by emailing Alan at . . . . Volunteers.