2021 Musto Lark National Championship - Runners & Riders

Larks racing at Rock © Roger Williams

Keen to restart sailing, The Larks will be one of the first dinghy classes out of the starting blocks with their 2021 championships, sponsored by Musto. We return to Rock, with its excellent sailing, beautiful estuary, friendly club and lots of other attractions. Anyone wanting to join in the fun can still enter here.

As ever, competition will be fierce, with seven previous winning helms (and 6 crews) in the mix. Here we take a look at the Runners and Riders who might expect to be Top Ten.

• Chris & Nic White - Chris has won the Larks as both helm (2018) and crew (2019) - one of only two people to do so. Back with past champion Nic, they are a formidable team. Likely to be good in all conditions and expect some race wins. Top tip for the 'Marrieds Trophy'.

• Stuart & Nick Hydon - Twice winners (2016-17), they have brilliant tactics and boat speed - and an uncanny ability to thread their way through the fleet. The shiftier the better.

• James Goss & Rachael Rhodes - James is current champion helm and teams up with top Lark crew (and scorpion helm/crew), Rachael. Likely to be better the windier it is.

• John and Vicky Brickwood - A Lark 'God' (i.e. three-time winner) John managed 6th on his return last year and will be looking to improve on that with twice champion crew Vicky. They have heaps of experience and talent and will do well in all conditions. The family rivalry with the Hydons adds extra spice.

• Tim Fells & Fran Gifford - Another Lark 'God', Tim will be returning to the fleet for the first time for over 20 years. However, he has kept his hand in - winning the B14 champs and Salcombe Merlin Week - and is joined by top Merlin helm/crew Fran Gifford.

• Nigel Hufton and Pete Nicholson - Nigel has competed at every Lark Nationals since 1983 and won the Nationals as crew in 1994. Still trying to complete the double, coming 2nd and 3rd in the last 2 years. New pairing with top Merlin crew Pete Nicholson might just be what is needed to make the break.

• Harry and Gemma Pynn - Past champion and regularly Top 5. They excel at Estuary sailing and know the sweeping tides of Rock well. Particularly strong in light to medium wind. Holders of the Married Prize.

• James Stewart & Jeremy Stephens - James is a crewing legend and regularly Top 10 helm in Larks. This year he teams up with past champion 'Ironman' Jeremy, who has the ability to raise the game of any helm. As the wind builds, they will go better and better. The family rivalry of James and Eluned will add interest.

• Ed Bradburn & Sarah Norbury - Ed is past Lark Inland champion, accomplished OK sailor and runner-up crew in the GP14 worlds. Expect race wins and a strong performance from this pairing.

• Steve Cumley & Eluned Stewart - Past winners (2007). Highly tactical and familiar with Rock. Strong in all conditions and will should pop up in the odd race or two.