Lark Travellers' Series Round 4 at Marconi Sailing Club
by Nigel Hufton 19 Jun 2018 11:31 BST
27-28 May 2018
Racing during the 2017 GJW Direct Lark Nationals at Brixham © Gareth Fudge
The 4th round of the Lark Travellers' Series was held at Marconi Sailing Club on 27/28 May. Huge thanks go to Marconi Sailing Club who organised a fantastic weekend complete with camping, sunshine, a band and glorious sailing conditions.
Seven travellers joined three local boats for a superb weekends sailing. Three races were held on the first day with the wind building to a Force 3. Navigating the strong tide and avoiding self-induced errors was the order of the day. Glen Enkel crewed by Nigel Hufton managed this best of everybody on day one, and came off the water in the lead with a very consistent second, third, second. Steve Chatten and Ruth Johnson also had reason to be happy having bounced back from a seventh in race one to win races two and three ending the day in second overall.
On day two the competitors were rewarded with glorious sunshine, although a slight reduction in wind strength meant that avoiding the tide became the overwhelming priority. Tactics, and race strategy counted for everything with critical decisions needed on when to cross the channel and when to sail further to avoid tide.
Nigel and Fiona Denchfield found the conditions to their liking leading all three races at some point. Glenn Enkel, this time crewed by Gary Van Blerk were also continuing their consistent form from day one. But it was Steve Cumley and Eluned Jones, who managed to sneak through in each race to record three straight wins, and win the open meeting. Steve Chatten/Ruth Johnson claimed a second in the final race which was just enough to give them second overall from Glenn Enkel in third, with the same points but fewer race wins.