DeWalt Scorpion National Championship at Eastbourne Sovereign Sailing Club - Day 3

Race five

Tuesday started with what looked like a calm appeal but rain came in so there "aint no sunshine". It was however to be a "lovely day" with many claiming that they "can't get enough" of the screaming reaches and they just want to "do it again".

DeWALT Scorpion Nationals at Eastbourne Day 3 - photo © Ben / Send It Media

The first race of the day started in moderate winds with minimal tide and a beat where one way or another would get you to the top mark without too much drama. Once again "all the young dudes" showed the way with their demonstrations of "life in the fast lane". Further down the fleet and life was a little "rock and roll" with courageous sailing by all where "I will survive" was most definitely the motivating sentiment.

After the full 3 laps were sailed the usual suspects came out in the chocolates with Sam squared (Sam Pascoe & Sam Barker) taking care of the business followed by Alan Krailing & Simon Forbes and Tom Gillard & Rachael Gray). The remaining top places were taken by our established professional teams who make this fleet such a phenomenal experience for everyone.

DeWALT Scorpion Nationals at Eastbourne Day 3 - photo © Ben / Send It Media

Race six

The second race of the day saw more wind and more tide. The start felt more crowded, making the first beat for many a challenge to create the necessary "bridge over troubled water" that enabled the fleet to hug the shore and make the long starboard tack to the windward mark. Once again there was no need to "imagine" who the leading boats were. "Rocket man" Tom & Rachel showed everyone that they had "moved on up" into the winning position. Working down the fleet there were times when some of the downwind legs were a "walk on the wild side", with reassurance within the teams to "baby hold on".

The wind continued to build throughout the race and for many it was a question of "staying alive" and for other there was certainly evidence that they were indeed "low riders" having become "tangled up in the blue".

DeWALT Scorpion Nationals at Eastbourne Day 3 - photo © Ben / Send It Media

Whilst the battle I'm sure was fierce to stay "one step beyond" the next boat, the final beat felt like the highway to hell with bodies aching, brain power fading as the "carwash "experience of big waves and strong gusts continued relentlessly.

"Rocket Man" held his lead to the end with Sam Squared and Mrs Bear making the top 3.

DeWALT Scorpion Nationals at Eastbourne Day 3 - photo © Ben / Send It Media

After the very testing conditions of the day key lessons learnt in our boat were "love the one you're with" even if they mess the beat up! And on the "long and winding road home" to arriving at the beach, greeted by a fabulous shore crew, "It's all right now"!

For those reading the write ups and thinking "wish you were here" don't hesitate "Sail Scorpion". Possibly the best boat in the world.

The fleets aching bodies were succoured by an evening of Fish and Chips and sponsored pro/am drinks, with many thanks to our sponsors DeWALT and Craftinsure.

Results after Day 3:

Find out more at sailscorpion.co.uk/scorpion-national-championships-2023.html