Lark Belle Isle Series at Royal Harwich Yacht Club
by Alan Krailing 24 Jun 2008 13:10 BST
21-22 June 2008
The Larks were welcomed to Royal Harwich Yacht Club for the latest round of the Belle Isle Series on the 21/22nd June. The annual event, which is shared with the National 12s and Fireflys lived up to its reputation as one of the very best events on the calendar.
PRO Graham Ireland was another to live up to his reputation, presenting the latest courses from his vivid imagination with dramatic style at the briefing. With many still scratching there heads in bewilderment, the fleet launched for 3 back to back races in a shifty south easterly.
Harry Pynn & Helen Krailing definitely knew where they were going, leading the fleet from start to finish chased hard by Emma Harris & Becky Priest with the Alan Krailing & Edd McArdle some way back in 3rd.
Race 2 was won by Alan & Edd who took the lead from Simon Cox & Joe Hunt down a screaming first reach. Emma & Becky were 2nd again with Simon & Joe in 3rd.
Harry & Helen stormed away into a huge lead to win race 3 and lead overnight. Smashie Bennett & Karen Jewkes fought off the challenge from Matt Stearn & Adam Owens to finish 2nd.
Sunday saw bright sunshine and a shifty force 6 howling in from the south west, creating many a nervous wobble on the downwind legs. Alan & Edd came through unscathed to take 1st in both races. Chris Whitehouse & Jane Alexander had a good day with a 2nd and 3rd. A 3rd in race 4 helped Emma & Becky to 3rd overall, while Harry & Helen’s 2nd in the final races saw them into 2nd overall, just behind Alan & Edd in 1st.
The Silver fleet was won by Holly Hewat & Ally Dart, with a sterling performance in breeze. Rob & Ruth Marlow sailed consistently in the testing conditions to take the bronze.
Overall Results:
1st 2464 "Rocket Ronny" Alan Krailing & Edd McArdle (Waldringfield SC)
2nd 2452 "Kiss My Face II" Harry Pynn & Helen Krailing (Waldringfield SC)
3rd 2311 "Bomber" Emma Harris & Becky Priest (Waldringfield SC)
4th 2444 "Doris" Matt Stearn & Adam Owens (Waldringfield SC)
5th 2411 "Voodoo" Chris Whitehouse & Jane Alexander (Ranelagh SC)
6th 2500 "Pussy Galore" Simon Cox & Joe Hunt (Waldringfield SC)
1st Silver - 2442 "Lucky Pants" Holly Hewat & Ally Dart (Medway YC)
1st Bronze - 2490 "Bob" Rob & Ruth Marlow (Northampton SC)