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Meet the Scorpion, a lightweight, high performance, non- trapeze
two person racing dinghy widely acknowledged as one of the prettiest
boats around. Its powerful adjustable rig gives exciting sailing
in all weathers to crews across an incredible weight range, age
and experience. Evolving in recent years to become one of the best,
highly competitive and most affordable racing dinghies available,
the Scorpion is a thriving modern classic for the new Millennium.
 The
Boat Originally designed for launch and recovery through Cornish
surf, the 14ft hard chine planing hull is built to strict measurements,
with rig controls and cockpit layout left to personal choice. The
pivoting centreboard provides a tremendous advantage when launching
and coming ashore in a breeze. With the ability to adjust the rig
easily while sailing, the Scorpion can be raced in most conditions.
At just 81kg, the Scorpion enjoys terrific acceleration - few boats
surf down a wave better and it's easily handled ashore. The  Scorpion
is highly responsive, points well, tacks easily, and its ability
to carry a large spinnaker on tight reaches is legendary.
The Class
The class is fortunate in having a strong and pro- active members'
association with a detailed strategic plan and youth policy as well
as supporting sailors of all abilities and ambition. The active
class website (www.sailscorpion.co.uk) allows members to keep in
touch, and the lively newsletters contain technical articles, advice
on tuning and race tactics, and news and views. The annual handbook
provides members' contact details, directions to open venues and
clubs offering fleet racing and the latest tuning guides.
Training
The association arranges race training for all standards by the
country's top coaches, including Relling One Design's Olympic coach
Adam Bowers.
The Sailing
The class is spread throughout the UK and Ireland at both inland
and sea clubs. Well attended open meetings provide competitive sailing
and a brilliant social scene. The annual class national championship
provides a week of superb sea sailing and excellent apres sail.
And the European championship which is held every two years in Ireland
is an event not to be missed. The popular inland championship, held
once a year, provides a traditional end of season party. This year's
event at Notts County on October 14- 15 will be extra special because
it coincides with the class's 40th anniversary.
The People
Known as the 'friendly class', Scorpion sailors are among the most
helpful and sociable around. The adjustable rig means that Scorpions
can be sailed by a wide range of people and nearly half the core
crews now mixed. With competitive weights of 19 to 27 stone, the
boats can be as successfully helmed and crewed by youngsters as
by two adults.
Affordability and choice
Costs and waiting times for new boats have recently tumbled, but
the famous build quality remains. Nigel Potter (Paintcraft) a top
Scorpion helmsman offers ready- to- race 'off the shelf' wooden
boats (with either spinnaker bags or chute) for under £7,000. Chris
Turner (Specialised Marine - a leading International Fourteen builder)
is finalising a new foam sandwich model - an even less expensive
and lower maintenance option at around £5,500 on the water, including
sails.
With shorter delivery times for new boats, exceptional second-
hand boats are available. Scorpions are well known for their longevity
and older, highly competitive boats can be purchased for as little
as £1,000. It is possible for newcomers to dinghy sailing to get
their hands on a Scorpion for only £500.
Contacts
The Scorpion class offers affordable new boats, friendly open meetings,
exciting championships, and a rising profile in the dinghy world.
To find out more take a look at www.sailscorpion.co.uk or contact
the class secretary William Jeffcoate on 01623 882909 or Jeffcoate@bigfoot.com.
Vital Statistics
Length: 4.27m (14ft)
Beam: 1.45m (4ft 10ins)
Weight: 81kg (180lbs)
Sail Area:
Main: 6.7sq m (272sq ft)
Jib: 3.25m (235sq ft)
Spinnaker: (max)11.14m (120 sq ft)
PN: 1060
Jane White
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