Please select your home edition
Edition
Melges 15

Lark Open at Weymouth Sailing Club

by Emma Harris 12 Sep 2023 10:41 BST 9-10 September 2023
Larks at the Weymouth Regatta 2023 © Weymouth Sailing Club

Weymouth Sailing Club hosted the Lark fleet as part of their annual regatta over the weekend of 9th & 10th September, and what a welcome we had!

From the moment we walked across the threshold, everyone we met was welcoming and incredibly friendly - which was a particular feature of Saturday, when an abandonment due to lack of wind, saw the fleet heading to the club terrace to enjoy a sunny afternoon sampling the delights of the bar in the company of WSC members, and ending the day by witnessing George Ford's three monumental drop goals on their giant TV.

We had more luck on Sunday, as a light breeze meant the small - but perfectly formed - fleet could get out into the bay. The port biased line in the first race lead to a few shenanigans, seeing Nigel Hufton/Helen Scott doing turns and Emma Harris/Rachael Jenkins, in their newly adopted ship, peeling off the line in front. A long and slightly port biased windward leg saw Emma/Rachael round first ahead of Nigel Scott and Tegwyn Tricker (a recent returner to the Lark fleet, and back to stay!), with Steve Chatten/Dan Watson in 3rd. Nigel/Helen eventually crept through to take 3rd in an fading breeze.

After a little wait for the breeze to fill back in, Race 2 saw Nigel/Helen pick up a breeze not seen by the rest of the fleet, and pull out a long lead which they held to the finish. Emma/Rachael finished in 2nd.

The breeze continued to fill in for Race 3 and, despite some of the other regatta fleets sailing home, PRO, Paul Browning kindly agreed to stay on the water to hold a 3rd race just for the dinghies. Emma/Rachael won the line and managed to stay ahead to the finish, winning the event, with Nigel/Helen in 2nd.

From a personal point of view, this was my first Lark open meeting for many years, and it was fantastic to be back in the Lark fleet on their return to Weymouth after a 10 year+ break. With the National Championships being held there in 2024, it was a timely reminder of what a great championship venue Weymouth SC really is. I can't wait to get back. Roll on 2024 and thank you to all the WSC members who made us so welcome.

Overall Results:

1st Emma Harris & Rachael Jenkins
2nd Nigel Hufton & Helen Scott
3rd Nigel Scott & Tegwyn Tricker
4th Steve Chatten & Dan Watson

Related Articles

Larks at the Waldringfield Cartoon
Craftinsure Travellers Series event held over the weekend Race Officer Patrick Gifford set a demanding and varied series for the six-boat Lark fleet at this year's Waldringfield Cartoon. With tides and winds shifting across the weekend, the racing was full of drama, tactical gambles, and the occasional capsize. Posted on 8 Sep Musto Lark Nationals at Abersoch overall
Tom Gillard and Rachel Gray wrap up the win The fourth and final day of the Lark Nationals 2025 dawned with 6-12 knots forecast. The majority of the fleet were pleased to see lighter conditions after a big day yesterday, and everyone was pleased that most of the broken boats had been repaired. Posted on 30 Jul Musto Lark Nationals at Abersoch Day 3
Wild Winds and White Horses The fleet awoke to howling winds and a stirring sea on day three of this year's Musto Lark National Championships. With max gusts making 30 knots and white horses galloping offshore, the stage was set for a thrilling—and punishing—day of racing. Posted on 29 Jul Musto Lark Nationals at Abersoch Day 2
Three races held to bring the schedule back on track With 3 races planned for and completed on day 2, clearly the overall positions were likely to change substantially. Posted on 28 Jul Musto Lark Nationals at Abersoch Day 1
A very light wind and strong tide make for a tricky first race The 2025 Musto Lark Nationals kicked off today at the South Carnarvonshire Yacht Club in Abersoch. The usual class stalwarts were joined again this year by defending champion Tom Gillard crewed this time by long term sailing partner Rachel Grey. Posted on 27 Jul Musto Lark Nationals runners and riders
Returning to the golden sands and turquoise waters of Abersoch this month The Musto Lark Nationals (27-30 July) returns to the golden sands and turquoise waters of Abersoch, a venue that promises champagne sailing and tight tactical racing. Posted on 15 Jul Craftinsure Lark Chairman's Trophy at Weymouth
Working with the 'Youths on Boats' (YoBs) programme The Craftinsure Lark Open circuit returned to Weymouth Sailing Club 21-22 June, challenging for the coveted Chairman's Trophy. The hosts provided champagne sailing on the waters of the 2012 Olympics, followed by a social on Saturday. Posted on 26 Jun Craftinsure Lark Open at Banbury
A shifty westerly and lower-than-usual water levels restricted the size of the course A shifty westerly and lower-than-usual water levels restricted the size of the course which led to some very tight racing at the Craftinsure Lark Open Meeting at Banbury Sailing Club. Posted on 9 Jun Lark class Frank Carter trophy at Frensham
Held every year since 1967 Frensham Pond Sailing Club hosted their Lark Open on Sunday 18th May, sponsored by Craftinsure. The event has been held every year since 1967, racing for the Frank Carter trophy. Posted on 21 May Craftinsure Lark Open at Rock
What a weekend it was! For nearly 40 years, a magical sailing event has taken place at Rock over early-May Bank Holiday, the annual Lark Open, sponsored by Craftinsure. This year, the Scorpions came to join in the fun - and what a weekend it was! Posted on 6 May
Copyright 2025 YY Online Services Ltd. registered in England no. 7895890
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy