Helly Hansen Lark National Championship 2019 at Rock - Overall

Prizes in the Helly Hansen Lark Nationals 2019 at Rock © Dan Watson

With the overall championship wrapped up on day three, day four of the Lark Nationals at Rock provided the opportunity for settling the minor places along with other highly coveted prizes such as the bronze and silver fleets, the buddy system, the coveted fidelis trophy along with the all important house prize for those sharing accommodation.

Strong overnight winds and a North Easterly breeze had created a surfers paradise, so race officer Martin Hough made the decision to delay the start and move the race course to Daymer bay. The wind had dropped by the race start and conditions were glorious with some screaming reaches in the sunshine.

With two gate starts it was a good day to be pathfinder. The current relief on the right side of the beat paid big dividends. A number of boats were late for the shortened gate. Class chairman Nigel Scott and Kirsty Phipps enjoyed a swim after coming together with Paul and Vicky Gardner on the start. John Brickwood crewed by Megan Brickwood were pathfinders for race 8 rounding the windward mark ahead of James Stewart and Ruth Johnson. The Brickwoods continued to lead the way until Stuart and Nick Hydon pulled through by judging the crucial starboard lay line to perfection. Champions in waiting, James Goss and Chris White, still recovering from the celebrations the night before, pulled through overtaking Harry Pynn and Gemma Cook on the final beat to take third place.

In race 9, Simon Cox and Anna Nankervis were pathfinders, but were somewhat hindered by the chop from boats lining up for the start. Steve Cumley and Eluned Stewart were last out of the gate and quickly tacked over to the favoured right hand side. James Goss and Chris White again demonstrated their speed, extending to a large lead by the finish. Cumley and Stewart held on for second ahead of the Hydons, with Cox and Nankervis in 4th.

Overall, James Goss and Chris White convincingly won the championship. Chris has now won as both a helm and a crew.

This championship has had everything. Amazing and well organised sailing, awesome socials, superb location and family friendly race scheduling. The larks will be keen to return to Rock soon.

• Gold fleet, most improved, Lark Salver (Rock Open meeting): James Goss and Chris White
• Bronze fleet: Neil and Sue Firth
• Silver fleet: Keri Harris and Theo Harris/Freya Storm
• Fidelis (1st helm outside the main prizes having completed 4 or more lark nationals): John Brickwood and Megan Brickwood
• Married couples: Harry Pynn and Gemma Cook
• First female helm: Emma Harris and Becky Priest

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