Lark class at the Lymington Dinghy Regatta

Larks at the Lymington Dinghy Regatta 2021 © Paul French

Larks at the Lymington Dinghy Regatta 2021 © Paul French

Five larks were lucky enough to get entry to this sold-out event. The Larks were paired with the Seafly class on the West Course, sailing a starboard rounding trapezium course in a steady SE force 4.

Steve Cumley and Eluned Stewart took advantage of the biased line and crossed the fleet from the port end. Chris and Kate Holliman however showed their excellent boat speed and skill in the choppy water to over take them up the first beat. The Hollimans called the lay line perfectly in the strong ebbing tide to extend their lead all the way to the finish.

The second race, the Hollimans lead from start to finish around the same course, their pace and ability to pick the lay line was impeccable throughout the race, leaving the other larks doing battle behind.

The wind shifted 20 degrees before the final race of the day and while the race officer reset the course, the Hollimans decided to head back to shore to get ready for the BBQ and the small matter of a football match leaving the other 3 larks to have a tight battle in the picking breeze which was won by Cumley/Stewart.

Larks at the Lymington Dinghy Regatta 2021 - photo © Paul French

Aching limbs and a few sore heads were felt around the dinghy park on Sunday morning as the fleet launched. The breeze was again around a force four and the forecast rain was yet to materialise.

As the tide was flooding, the first two races were a port rounded trapezium. Nigel Hufton/Yasmin Sfaxi flew up the first beat with Nigel Scott/Rosie Targett hot on their heals. Hufton/Sfaxi extended their lead down the run and were not to be caught but Cumley/Stewart eventually reeled in Scott/Targett to steel second place from them shortly before the end of the second lap.

The second race in the weakening tide made for a more tactical race with places changing hands frequently with Cumley/Stewart eventually taking the win over Hufton/Sfaxi.

The tide turned for the final race of the event and while the race officer changed the course back to starboard roundings, the rain came and the wind picked up. The larks enjoyed some very lively two sail reaches. Cumley / Stewart lead from start to finish but with the other two boats very close behind making for very exciting racing.

Thank you to Royal Lymington Yacht Club and Lymington Town Sailing Club (LTSC) for hosting a fantastic event and especially for the cup of tea and doughnut after racing!

Overall Results: