Please select your home edition
Edition
Musto 2023 HPX LEADERBOARD

Lark u25 Competition winners reflect on the 2022 Musto Lark Nationals

by Alice Davis 8 Jun 2022 15:06 BST 1-4 June 2022

Following the 2022 Musto Lark National Championships at Pentewan Sands SC, Alice Davis is in reflective mode, providing her thoughts on the Lark Class and the event after successfully gaining her place at the champs by winning the Lark Class u25 Nationals Competition...

This half term I sailed the Lark for the first time at the nationals in Pentewan with Bettine Harris, following our competition win in which the Lark Class generously gave us the use of the Demo Boat, free accommodation and entry to the event. After arriving on Tuesday night, we were up early to sort out the great new class boat that we would be using for the next 4 days, and have a bacon roll from the lovely team behind the galley at the club! After a bit of waiting on shore due to a lack of wind, we launched off the beach and did two races that day in light conditions. The first race was not off to a great start, after slightly overestimating the steering ability on the Lark, and having to do a 720 on the start line, however we caught up again whilst trying to figure out the handling of the boat. The second race was a slight improvement from the last in the light airs. After just two races, we were in early, giving us lots of time in the afternoon to do what we wanted! In the evening, there was a small social with food served by the club.

It was soon recognised that the Lark, in comparison to the 420, is surprisingly different. The boat handling is different as it is relatively stable in comparison to the 420. Pointing high is definitely a no go, as we were told by basically everyone we talked to in the fleet!

The next day had similar winds to the Wednesday, and we got three great races in, with a couple of gate starts which I have only ever done in the 200s! Towards the end of the day it felt like we were just about starting to get to grips with the boat. The evening was again a great social evening and the class was so welcoming to me and Bea - we felt like we fit right in.

The third day dawned with a small breeze which we managed to sail one race in. After forgetting to pull our outhaul on, we sailed a great race, coming 3rd. Maybe it was the lack of outhaul that did it? We felt like we were starting to really get the hang of the great boat, but unfortunately after that race, the breeze shut off and became very shifty, so we sailed back in and waited ashore for a couple of hours before they called off racing for the day, which was the right call, but it was a shame as the weather was not looking promising for the next day (big breeze and waves). In the evening there was a barbecue and fancy dress dynamic duos, for which Bea and I dressed up in our slightly hurriedly prepared beans on toast outfits. It was a great evening with lovely food and drinks.

As predicted, the last day was called off, due to the dangerous sea state that would have prevented us from launching off the beach. However the race team made the call to abandon the days racing nice and early, which prevented a lot of waiting around. In the morning the prize giving was held and then it was time for a long journey home.

I would like to thank the Lark class for this great opportunity that myself and Bea have been given. It was a really good week and I very much enjoyed meeting a new group of people and sailing a slightly different boat than usual!

The social side of the event was very enjoyable, as everyone was really welcoming and inclusive, which was nice due to the big age difference between sailors.

The skill level across the fleet was pretty high; there are definitely some very good and experienced sailors in the Lark class who make it pretty difficult to reach the front of the fleet if you make one mistake!

Related Articles

Battle of the Hikers preview
No trapeze? Get to Rutland this May! The very popular Battle of the Hikers will take place on the 27th and 28th May 2023. 30+ boats are expected. The Graduates were the biggest class last time. Nick Craig sailing his OK was the overall winner. Posted on 18 Mar
Larks at Itchenor
Three different Midland Clubs take Podium spots Three different Midland Clubs take Podium spots at Itchenor Lark Open Meeting. Posted on 12 Oct 2022
Lark 2022 Masters Championships at Itchenor
Fleet welcomed with gloriously sunny skies Itchenor Sailing Club hosted the bi-annual Lark Masters Championships and dinner on Saturday 8th October. After two years of cancellations due to Covid and storm force winds, the fleet were welcomed with gloriously sunny skies. Posted on 11 Oct 2022
Larks at the Waldringfield Cartoon Trophy
A joyous weekend of sailing and socialising on the sunny Suffolk coast A joyous weekend of sailing and socialising was held on the sunny Suffolk coast for Waldringfield's Cartoon Trophy weekend on 10th/11th Sept, where each class winner actually wins a framed cartoon from the famous local cartoonist, Peyton. Posted on 14 Sep 2022
Lark Inlands at Banbury
Well supported by a Red Arrows fly-past, which may have also been seen at the British Grand Prix The Larks gathered for the 2022 Inland Championships at Banbury Sailing Club. The weather looked kind, but just in time for the 2pm start it turned for the worst and various forecasts were generally inaccurate. Posted on 6 Jul 2022
Musto Lark Nationals at Pentewan overall
Strong Easterlies make the surf to big to launch on the final day After a long third day sitting in the sun and waiting for wind that never reappeared, the LARK competitors threw themselves into the Crews Union and Fancy-Dress Night with huge enthusiasm. Posted on 4 Jun 2022
Musto Lark Nationals at Pentewan day 3
Spotting the wind ahead was crucial to climb the ladder A light north-easterly wind met the fleet for day 3 of the Lark National Championships with calm conditions. Posted on 3 Jun 2022
Musto Lark Nationals at Pentewan day 2
Matt White and Marion Enkel lead overall, after posting two firsts and a second Day two started with a gentle easterly breeze. The fleet launched safely from the east facing beach and made a short beat to the starting area. Race 1 of the day was started with a gate start and lead at the windward mark by the pathfinder. Posted on 2 Jun 2022
Musto Lark Nationals at Pentewan day 1
Hydons make strong opening statement with two bullets The first day of the 2022 Lark Nationals kicked off today at Pentewan, with 35 boats from all over the country contesting two races on Mevagissey Bay. Posted on 1 Jun 2022
Musto Lark Nationals 2022 - Runners & Riders
Almost 40 boats are expected at Pentewan Sands, including many new faces The Lark National Championships will be held over the Jubilee from 1st-4th June. Almost 40 boats are expected, including many new faces and a vibrant mix of younger and older sailors. Posted on 23 May 2022