Lark class plans for 2018
by Nigel Scott, Lark Chairman 2 Mar 2018 19:53 GMT
3-4 March 2018
Great moments sailing a Lark © Gareth Fudge /
www.boatographic.co.uk
Many dinghy sailors attending the RYA Dinghy Show this weekend at Alexandra Palace, may well notice that the Larks do not have a stand there this year for the first time in decades. Please be assured that this is part of a deliberate plan to support grass roots Lark sailing through a variety of measures, and follows an in-depth review of the cost/benefits of the show to the class over the last few years.
We are committed to using members' money wisely and to support and promote the class in the best way possible. The show costs us around £1000 and we have decided that by investing this same amount and committee member's time, into training, we will develop and encourage existing more members than via the show. We also aim to attract more members, by promoting training and 'Try a Lark' days, and spending more on publicity.
So not being at the show is a positive decision for us. This doesn't mean we won't be back, we just won't have a stand this year.
The first training event will be at Frensham Pond in April, full details of which can be found on www.larkclass.org
Other events are planned to coincide with the Brixham and Marconi Opens, in the build up to our first Nationals at Sidmouth 18-21st August 2018.
We are also looking at other ideas to attract people into Larks, they include:
- developing a fleet of Larks at a Birmingham club and working with local universities to sail against each other
- having an Association boat to lease
- asking existing members to lease/share to younger people or time-poor sailors
We wish everyone a great weekend at the show, and look forward to seeing you at our events.