Lark Open at Rock Sailing and Waterski Club
by Nigel Hufton 10 May 2018 12:29 BST
5-7 May 2018
Larks at Rock © Chris Holliman
The early May Bank holiday saw the first sea open of the Lark season at Rock. A forecast of no wind meant some people didn't travel – but it was good to see 2 Scorpions join us this year for this joint event. We hope more people will support this brilliant event next year, without which it cannot continue.
While the rest of the country basked in sunshine, a sea mist caused headaches for the excellent PRO, Martin Hough, but he managed to conjure up some great courses and wind to run twelve excellent races.
On Saturday, the fleet sailed over the Doom Bar in a cool NNW wind. Nigel Hufton and Matt Wood started as pathfinders and built a comfortable lead, which set the pattern for the day, ending up with 3 wins. Nick & Jo Marlow showed their class, scoring two seconds before breaking their main halyard in the third race. Dougal & Helen Scott scored three solid thirds.
Day 2 saw another three races in the Bay. The previous day's practice meant everyone was sailing better and it was the Marlows who had the best day in the shifting breeze, scoring 3,1,2, to Hufton/Wood's 1,3,4. The Scotts won a race and Chris & Kate Holliman got into the Top 3 twice. The sun appeared in time for Chris to video the fleet sailing in from his drone – there are some excellent views on the Lark Facebook page.
On Day 3, a short-course format was introduced – 6 races over a 1-lap sausage. With each race lasting around 10-15 minutes, it was an all-action affair with much place-changing and some heated rules discussions at marks! Five different boats got into the Top three, including Rock first-timers Neil & Sue Firth and Rock stalwarts Chris Ellis and Judith Young.
After twelve races, there was only two points between the top two, but it was Hufton/Wood's consistency and six firsts which proved decisive.
Thanks go to Martin Hough for being a brilliant PRO and to Rock Sailing Club for holding such a great weekend. We cannot wait to be back next year and hope that more people make the trip to this brilliant venue.
Overall Results: (12 races, 3 discards)
1st 2538, Nigel Hufton & Matt Wood, 13pts
2nd 2462, Nick Marlow & Jo Marlow, 14pts
3rd 2484, Dougal Scott & Helen Scott, 22pts
4th 2537, Neil Firth & Sue Firth, 36pts
5th 2530, Chris Ellis & Judith Young, 40pts
6th 2475, Chris Holliman & Kate Holliman, 47pts