Scorpion National Championship 2026 at Looe Sailing Club - Day 3

Scorpion National Championship at Looe Day 3 © Nick Lightbody

Glamour sailing, but a day to go right (apparently)

Following two weather-enforced lay days filled with beach games, social events and more than a few visits to Looe's pubs, the fleet was eager to finally get afloat. Monday night's Isle of Sheppey raffle, followed by the traditional late-night trip into town, left a handful of competitors nursing sore heads, but spirits remained high as crews prepared for the first warning signal of the championship at 10:55.

Race 1 got under way in around 10 knots of breeze. Pathfinders AJ Eaton & Chris Eaton showed excellent early pace to lead the fleet around the first windward mark, but reigning National Champions Thomas Gillard & Rach Gray soon stamped their authority on proceedings to take the opening race. Stevie Hall & Stevie Graham secured second place, with AJ Eaton & Chris Eaton completing the podium.

Scorpion National Championship at Looe Day 3 - photo © Nick Lightbody

The breeze built to around 13 knots for Race 2, bringing with it a heavy squall that caught much of the fleet off guard. As many as 15 boats took an unexpected swim as the gust swept across the course. Pathfinders Michael Lennon & Dave Orrell rounded the first windward mark in the lead, but once again Thomas Gillard & Rach Gray demonstrated their championship credentials, fighting through to claim a second victory. Stevie Hall & Stevie Graham again finished second, while AJ Eaton & Chris Eaton made it another podium finish in third.

By Race 3 the breeze had increased to a variable 15+ knots, producing classic Looe Bay racing. Darren Roach & Fresh Abendstern led at the first windward mark, closely followed by Joe Warwicker & Andy Service. As had become the theme of the day, Thomas Gillard & Rach Gray worked their way to the front to complete a clean sweep of race wins, with Joe Warwicker & Andy Service taking second and Darren Roach & Fresh Abendstern achieving a third place.

Scorpion National Championship at Looe Day 3 - photo © Nick Lightbody

Back ashore, competitors were welcomed by a film crew on the beach filming a live music performance for Beyond Paradise. Several SWAGS and SHABS were only too happy to assist the film crew for a chance in the spotlight, signing up as contracted extras and adding a little Scorpion flavour to the production.

As ever, the racing was only half the story. Post-race brownies and a well-earned beer were followed by the Class AGM before the fleet rounded off another memorable day with fish and chips and the ever-popular championship quiz and the new Champagne moments, Soggy jib award and of course the highly anticipated daily prizes.

Scorpion National Championship at Looe Day 3 - photo © Nick Lightbody

After two days of waiting, the 2026 Scorpion National Championship is finally under way. Thomas Gillard & Rach Gray have laid down an early marker with three wins from three races, but with plenty of championship racing still to come, there is everything left to play for.

Results after Day 3: