Lark Class announce GREAT8

GJW Direct & Helly Hansen sponsor GREAT8 © GJW Direct / Helly Hansen

The Lark Class is proud to announce the launch of a brand new circuit called The Helly Hansen / GJW Direct GREAT8.

The GREAT8 will be 8 key events throughout the year across the country, which includes the Nationals, and a variety of some of the best sea venues available, mixed with challenging reservoir, estuary and pond venues. The circuit will include the Nationals for the first time in recent history, which will count for 2 events. Results will be worked out on a teams best 5 'GREAT8' open meetings or their best 3 plus their Nationals result. Which ever is better!

The GREAT8 opens this year at South Staffs, one of the largest Lark clubs, with a 2 day event over 21st/22nd March. We then move down to the Lark classic at Rock over the May Bank Holiday 2nd-4th May. Next up is Lyme Regis, (our 2016 Nationals venue) on 6th/7th June. A new Lark venue in the form of Dabchicks on the East Coast's Mersea Island on 13/14th Jun, another brilliant and challenging sea venue. Followed quickly by another East Coast classic at Royal Harwich on the 4th/5th July. After a short break to prepare boats and get some last minute training in on and off the water it's time for 'The Big One' The Lark National Championships at Saundersfoot, Wales from 1st-7th Aug. Remember, this event is worth 2 x GREAT8 results! After a week of battling it out in Wales we have another break to allow body and boats to heel. Until 26th/27th September, when we are off to one of the best Reservoir venues in the country, Datchet, for our Inland Championships. Last but certainly not least we finish the GREAT8 season in another Lark favourite, the brilliant sea venue and amphitheater that is Plymouth for our 'Final Fling' I think everyone can agree that is quite a amazing circuit!

We are very lucky to have the GREAT8 sponsored by Helly Hansen as well as of course long term sponsor of the class GJW Direct. The sponsorship will mean that there will be incredible Helly Hansen prizes to be won at every GREAT8 event and not just at the end of season prize giving. These prizes will include high-ticket items like Jackets and Fleeces at every event.

This is a major and exciting change in the history of the class which goes along with other recent evolution for the Larks including introducing laminate sails in 2014.

So The Lark now have a new circuit, a new format, fantastic venues, brilliant sponsors and excellent prizes, So get the dates in the diary, and come and get involved in some of the best racing you can find in the UK.

To find out more about the Helly Hansen / GJW Direct Lark GREAT8, visit www.larkclass.org or the class facebook page www.facebook.com/larksailing

We are all very excited to see who will become the first ever 'Helly Hansen / GJW Direct Lark GREAT8 Champion'!

May the best sailors win!