Three events were combined for the Scorpion Regional Challenge at Northampton SC on 31 July/1 August, most races were staggered starts – giving the less experienced advantages of 2, 4 or 6 minutes.

As the reservoir stayed ‘shiny’, competition moved to the volleyball court, with the big guns (the Crowthers) of the north helping them to a shoreside lead. Raft building/racing stretched the paddling muscles of two teams – cut short by a zephyr, allowing two flight races. The first was won by Peter Gray helming for Dave Wade, with Robert Jollye and Alan Ritchie in second, and Nicky and Sue Orgles third.

Race two was inch close for the first three boats – Alex and Andy Hayman taking line honours, Pete and Dave second and Robert and Alan third.

Points were scored in the evening for sailing quizzes, matchbox and plank racing – with massive variances in style/ability.

Sunday morning dawned windier and misty – allowing two further flight races, the first again won by Gray/Wade, followed by the Haymans, but this time closely followed by Pete Rose and Matthew Young. In the final fleet race, the Haymans scored another first, with Gray and Wade second and the Orgles third again.

With the afternoon’s two mass start open meeting races – the total scores gave North a narrow victory from South with Midlands third and Sidmouth fourth.

Results

First Junior Pair – Stephen Hackett and Maddie Martin – Sidmouth

Second Junior Pair – Tom McEvoy and Ed Barnes – Notts County

First Junior Helm (only) – Alex Hayman

First Junior Crew (only) – Matthew Young