GJW Direct Lark National Championship at Lyme Regis Sailing Club - Overall

Stuart Hydon & Rachael Rhodes win the 2016 GJW Direct Lark Nationals at Lyme Regis © Nigel Scott

Going into the final day of the GJW Direct Lark National Championships at Lyme Regis any one of four teams could still win the event. Stuart Hydon and Rachael Rhodes in 2495 were leading the event and had to finish 4th to guarantee the win.

The wind had changed to a South Easterly overnight and appeared light from the shore but once launched the fleet were greeted by a force 4 and with the wind against tide the waves provided ample opportunity for overtaking downwind.

Chris Holliman and Kate Hutchins in 2475 and went right up the first beat and lead round the windward mark but where were the main protagonists? An over enthusiastic tack by Chris Whitehouse and Simon Haighton caused them to fill up with water up the first beat and this took them out of contention. Stuart and Rachael rounded 2nd and overtook Chris and Kate on the second lap to win the final race and take the event.

Other championship contenders Steve Hall and Holly Hewat in 2537 and Alan Krailing and Ed Harris in 2521 went left up the first beat. Alan and Ed pulled through to 2nd place ahead of Holliman and Hutchins.

Congratulations to Stuart and Rachael on their first National Championship win. The class would like to thank Lyme Regis Sailing Club for hosting a fantastic event.

Overall Results:
If you finished in the top ten at the Lark nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here