GJW Direct Lark Belle Isle Series at Frensham Pond Sailing Club

Frensham Pond welcomed the Larks on a glorious spring day. Classic Frensham conditions - a shifty, fluky, generally variable NW F2 - would test the nerve of all competitors.

In Race 1, Nigel and Fiona Denchfield got off to a flyer, finding more breeze on the left of the first beat and coming into the first mark with a healthy margin. Behind them the fleet were all jostling. Nigel and Fiona held position well, until the final long run down the pond, where Stuart Hydon and Vicky Brickwood found an extra puff of wind, and shot off for the win.

Race 2 was run back to back. With a strong port bias, it was Chris Whitehouse and Karen Falcon who managed to tack onto port first, and get clear of the line. They held a strong lead, until once again, pressure differentials on the long run mixed things up - bringing the rest of the fleet back into play. Some tight tactical battles ensued, but Chris and Karen just managed reclaim the lead, to pip Stuart and Vicky, to the line.

After a relaxing lunch in the sun, Race 3 was arranged with an altered course, including a longer beat down the lake but retaining the tactically decisive long run back. This time, Charlie Roome and Dave Marlow judged the shortest route up the beat, but with the fleet snapping at their heels. Midway through the race Chris and Karen managed to work their way to the front of the fleet and were looking good. However, laurels can never be rested upon at Frensham. On the penultimate beat, Stuart and Vicky snuck through claiming victory.

This set up the final race with Stuart/Vicky on 121 and just needing to beat Chris/Karen to win the event. They covered well up the first beat, ensuring Chris/Karen were deep. Then impressively worked up through the field to claim the race and overall honours.

Thanks to Frensham for hosting a lovely open meeting, with challenging racing, and a hearty post racing tea. What more could you want on sunny Sunday in April?