- Scorpions are a great class for young sailors (original) (raw)
The National Scorpion Association organises racing events and events to promote the class every year. The Silver Scorpion Travellers' series of Open Meetings sponsored by CraftInsure are spread over the season and over the country. The annual highlight is the National Championships, which were hosted in 2023 by Eastbourne Sovereign Sailing Club in Sussex. The 2024 Championships is at Castle Cove SC in Weymouth.
Racing a Scorpion is a great step for seriously competitive young sailors
Including Lawrie Smith, Tony Wetherall, Stevie Morrison and Alex Hayman amongst others
Plenty of youth sailors who have gone onto achieve things in the world of top level sailing have their foundations in the Scorpion fleet.
These include Lawrie Smith who was first under 18 at the 1971 and '72 national championships who went onto win an Olympic bronze medal and helm in the America's Cup.
Other successes are America's Cup sailor and Fireball World Champion Tony Wetherell, Fireball World Champion, 49er World Champion and Olympic sailor Stevie Morrison & Alex Hayman who has gone on to Sail GP.
But back to the here and now, why should youths race Scorpions?
There's a multitude of reasons, the class has one of the best attended nationals in the UK and attracts some of the county's best sailors - who aren't just great sailors on the water but they are also happy to offer advice to the rest of the fleet - so there's always someone to ask if you're in need of advice or tips!
The boat is also accommodating to lighter teams due to the raking rig, so being light is no barrier. The modern twin spinnaker pole systems now make handling the generously sized symmetrical spinnaker easier than ever, making that blast downwind even more enjoyable- there's no feeling quite like tanking down a 3 sail reach in big breeze in a Scorpion.
The Peter Jones Trophy is awarded each year to the highest placed U18 Helm at the Nationals.
But if you think the socials are just as important as the racing then the Scorpion class continues to deliver. With a variety of socials including the Sheppy Raffle and of course the famous Fancy Dress party on the final night there's something for everyone. And with a special drive by the class towards youth sailing this year there's no better time to get involved.
If you and a friend fancy a go at this years nationals (or even if it's just you - we can help with pairing up) then get your name down for our competition to win free entry to the 2024 Nationals and a boat to use for the event.
Even if you don't win we will still do all we can to facilitate getting as many youth sailors to the event as we can.