Big Breeze, Big Hair, and Big Hopes: Scorpion Nationals Runners & Riders 2025
by Debi Forbes 11 Jul 19:23 AEST
2-8 August 2024
The Scorpions are returning to Penzance for the 2025 Nationals © Lee Whitehead /
www.photolounge.co.uk
Has your summer even started if you haven't read the Scorpion runners and riders?!
Penzance is bracing itself for an invasion of Scorpions, as the Magic Marine 2025 Scorpion Nationals rolls into town from 2nd to 8th August. With its dramatic coastline, tidal quirks and the promise of some Cornish sunshine (and cream teas), the venue promises a fitting stage for what's shaping up to be a hotly contested championship. As ever, the Scorpion fleet brings a heady mix of seasoned campaigners, dark horses, returning legends and fresh-faced challengers. After last year's drama at Castle Cove, the question on everyone's lips is: who's been quietly getting the hours in, and who's relying on muscle memory and a bit of breeze?
This year's fleet is stacked with talent, with more high-calibre sailors than ever before. The Platinum Fleet sees some fresh additions, including the current B14 World Champions, Chris Bateman and Lucy Loughton, and a Chilean Olympic Laser Radial sailor looking to make waves in a double-handed class. With this kind of pedigree sprinkled through the entry list, the battle at the top promises to be as fierce as it is unpredictable. So, let's take a look at some of those hoping to come out on top!
2021 - Chris Draper & Alex Hayman
When you've got an Olympian (seems to be a few of them this year!) and a Sail GP/America's Cup alumnus on board, expectations are high - but so is the potential for comedy when they realise the Scorpion doesn't foil. Chris and Alex bring a serious pedigree, but they'll need to recalibrate from 50-knot closing speeds to the subtler art of a Mount's Bay header. That said, their boat-handling, tactical nous and general superstar aura will make them ones to watch.
Don't fear there are also some familiar faces mixing it up too...
2058 - Pete Gray & Matt Rayner
Swapping out Rich Pepperdine for a younger, lighter, and potentially more limber model - Pete clearly means business. Will the fresh legs and reduced hiking weight prove decisive, or will they miss Rich's dry wit and spicy debriefs? Either way, expect them to be somewhere near the pointy end.
2051 - Imogen Wade & Simon 'Bear' Forbes
With Alan off gallivanting at the Cadet Worlds, Imogen has stepped in to tame 'Mrs Bear's Boat'. A big boat with a bright (pink) personality - if they can find a groove, this pairing could be dangerous. And let's not forget: family honour is on the line... will she beat her dad? Or will Dave be too busy looking over his shoulder?
2061 - Dave Wade and Ben Rayner
You've heard of the dad bod, well this is the dad boat. Can they show the youngsters how to do it? Usually somewhere between the front and the protest room - expect Dave to be in the mix, especially if the breeze picks up.
2040 - Joe Warwicker & Andy Service
Back with a boat upgrade and hungry after last year's top-end performance. Andy brings Olympic credentials, and Joe brings the determination of someone who knows they're close to the podium. If they hit their stride early, this could be the surprise package of the week.
2030 - Ollie Rayner & Alice Davis
420 veterans with championship pedigree, Ollie previously teamed up with Wally in 2024 - question is, was he a mentor or a bad influence? If this duo clicks and the boat behaves, they could make a serious dent in the top 5. Worth watching.
2053 - Rob 'DC' Gardner & Ollie Meadowcroft
Late entry, late to the line? Possibly. But don't be fooled by the laid-back vibe - these two know their way around a race course. If they make it out of the dinghy park on time, they could well rattle a few cages.
I'm sure there's another team that will be kicking about at the front... oh yes...
2057 - Thomas 'Gilly' Gillard & Rach Gray
Almost forgot. Multiple-time champs, endlessly consistent, and seemingly capable of stepping into any boat and making it go fast. Gilly and Rach have been clocking serious hours on the water (in any class that'll have them), and it shows. Whether it's light airs, big breeze, or a classic Mount's Bay mystery shift, they've got the experience and instincts to deal with it. If you're looking for a safe bet this is the team to watch. Again.
One for the Women
There's a real buzz around the female talent in the fleet this year - with 32 women entered (at time of writing), the 2025 Nationals mark one of the strongest showings yet. And while every boat is in it for overall glory, there's another battle brewing just beneath the surface: Top All-Female Boat and, perhaps the most anticipated silverware of the lot: Top Female Helm.
With at least five all-female teams on the water, the racing is sure to be tight, but keep a particular eye on:
2024 - Sandra Smith & Jeni Richards
Fresh off the back of a strong 2024 showing and earning promotion from the fleet's middle order, these two have momentum, and motivation. Don't rule out a mid-fleet giant-killing - or even a shock top-10 if conditions play fair.
As well as Sandra, you have a host of other female helms in the action. The competition for Top Female Helm has never looked so good. Whilst Chilean Olympian, Maria Jose Poncell, will line up against the rest. Imogen and Alice (see above) are serious contenders, but don't discount long-time campaigners Janet and Fiona, both of whom have the experience to strike if others falter. Add the returning Nicola Richards and Georgina Povall, match racer Sarah Jarman, and rising talents like Caitlin Bramah, Millie Irish and Arwen FFlur, who are all showing fearless pace and fast learning curves, and you've got the ingredients for a proper dogfight.
It's no longer a novelty to see female sailors mixing it at the top - it's the standard. And with this year's depth across the board, don't be surprised if one or more of them ends up on the overall podium.
With a strong mix of youth, experience, Olympic pedigree, and a few wildcard entries, this year's Nationals are shaping up to be one of the most competitive - and entertaining - editions yet. Whether you're chasing silverware or bragging rights, there's something in store for everyone at Penzance.
So, the countdown is officially on. We can't wait to welcome everyone alongside our amazing sponsors, Commercial Drone Training, Triggernaut and our headline sponsor Magic Marine, who have helped make this year's event possible. Magic Marine will also have a pop-up shop on the opening weekend, so don't forget to grab yourselves some extra kit!
It's been a few years since the Scorpion fleet last descended on the Mount's Bay area - and let's not forget, the last time they did, there were pirates involved. This year's fancy dress theme is the 1980s, so whether you're channelling your inner Mr Motivator, Madonna, or Maverick from Top Gun, get ready to bring the Lycra, the legwarmers, and the laser focus.
Don't miss out - it's going to be a belter.