Bad tides

The Lark class had to wait for the tides to be right on the fist day of their open meeting

A superb turnout of 39 Larks enjoyed sailing at Rock, Cornwall over the May Bank holiday. The fleet had a good lie-in on Saturday, as the late tides necessitated a late start.

Two races were sailed in the bay in a good breeze. Chris and Rachel Jenkins worked the first beat well and extended to win the race followed by Sarah Richards and Nigel Wakefield and Michael-John Gifford and Hannah Mayhew.

In the second race dolphins distracted the fleet for long enough to allow Sarah Richards and Nigel Wakefield to sneak into the lead from Simon Cox and Laura Jakeman finishing in that order. The fight for third place was close with Nigel Hufton and Chris Whitehouse eventually taking the gun from the Jenkins in fourth.

Sunday's race was held in slightly breezier conditions. Chris Fish and Alison Dart saw off the challenge of Alan Krailing and Edd McArdle to win. Jon Fish and Toby Lewis came in third. With the tides causing havoc and the water rapidly disappearing the committee wisely sent the fleet in after one race.

Two races were held in the estuary early on Monday to catch the tide. These races tested not only sailing ability, but ability to sail with hangovers as the fleet had enjoyed Cornish hospitality and a stand-up comic the previous evening. The wind piped up to 15 knots and continued to build during the day. Richards and Wakefield capitalised on their pathfinder status to lead at the first mark and were never seriously challenged.

In the final race Fish and Lewis lead but were chased hard by Richards and Wakefield. These boats swapped places several times, as Fish & Lewis used their upwind speed and Richards and Wakefield sped downwind, eventually Richards and Wakefield took line honours and the event. Krailing and McCardle sailed a good race to finish second and second overall with a consistent score line.

The Lark Class would once again like to thank Rock Sailing Club for their hospitality and superb organisation. We can't wait to return next year - hopefully with better tides.

Results:

1-Sarah Richards and Nigel Wakefield 5pts
2-Alan Krailing and Edd McCardle 15pts
3-Jon Fish and Toby Lewis 15pts
4-Chris Fish and Alison Dart 20pts
5-Steve Cumley and Eluned Jones 27pts
6-Nigel Hufton and Chris Whitehouse 28pts