Lark Open at Weymouth Sailing Club
by Emma Harris 12 Sep 2023 02:41 PDT
9-10 September 2023
Larks at the Weymouth Regatta 2023 © Weymouth Sailing Club
Weymouth Sailing Club hosted the Lark fleet as part of their annual regatta over the weekend of 9th & 10th September, and what a welcome we had!
From the moment we walked across the threshold, everyone we met was welcoming and incredibly friendly - which was a particular feature of Saturday, when an abandonment due to lack of wind, saw the fleet heading to the club terrace to enjoy a sunny afternoon sampling the delights of the bar in the company of WSC members, and ending the day by witnessing George Ford's three monumental drop goals on their giant TV.
We had more luck on Sunday, as a light breeze meant the small - but perfectly formed - fleet could get out into the bay. The port biased line in the first race lead to a few shenanigans, seeing Nigel Hufton/Helen Scott doing turns and Emma Harris/Rachael Jenkins, in their newly adopted ship, peeling off the line in front. A long and slightly port biased windward leg saw Emma/Rachael round first ahead of Nigel Scott and Tegwyn Tricker (a recent returner to the Lark fleet, and back to stay!), with Steve Chatten/Dan Watson in 3rd. Nigel/Helen eventually crept through to take 3rd in an fading breeze.
After a little wait for the breeze to fill back in, Race 2 saw Nigel/Helen pick up a breeze not seen by the rest of the fleet, and pull out a long lead which they held to the finish. Emma/Rachael finished in 2nd.
The breeze continued to fill in for Race 3 and, despite some of the other regatta fleets sailing home, PRO, Paul Browning kindly agreed to stay on the water to hold a 3rd race just for the dinghies. Emma/Rachael won the line and managed to stay ahead to the finish, winning the event, with Nigel/Helen in 2nd.
From a personal point of view, this was my first Lark open meeting for many years, and it was fantastic to be back in the Lark fleet on their return to Weymouth after a 10 year+ break. With the National Championships being held there in 2024, it was a timely reminder of what a great championship venue Weymouth SC really is. I can't wait to get back. Roll on 2024 and thank you to all the WSC members who made us so welcome.
Overall Results:
1st Emma Harris & Rachael Jenkins
2nd Nigel Hufton & Helen Scott
3rd Nigel Scott & Tegwyn Tricker
4th Steve Chatten & Dan Watson