As usual, the Lark class was greeted with excellent hospitality and challenging conditions at Starcross open meeting over the weekend of 14-15 July.

The first race was delayed while waiting for an incoming sea breeze, which travelled up river and then straight back to sea again to be replaced by the forecast north-westerly Force 2-3. Race officer Andy Warner, managed to set a good course given the changeable conditions, and Emma Harris and Helen Woodward led from the line to the finish, pulling out a lead of six minutes as the wind died and the tide strengthened for the remainder of the fleet, who had difficulty crossing the finish line. Dougal and Nigel Scott battled all the way with visitor from America, Mason Woodworth and Steph Calvin, finally crossing in second and third respectively.

As the last breath of wind faded away, the race officer decided to send everyone to the pub instead of out on the water and everyone enjoyed a walk to the Turf and back again followed by some excellent food and a disco at the clubhouse.

After a lie-in and a very relaxing start to Sunday, the competitors finally got on the water to start race two in a sunny, but variable Force 1-3. Paul and Vicky Gardner led to the windward mark, after a huge windshift on the first beat, only to hit the mark and then capsize in a freak gust. This enabled Richard Dowsett and Rachel Jones to take the lead, which they expanded to finish a considerable distance ahead of Peter Cook and Janet Exelby in second and Harris/ Woodward in third.

Race three saw similar conditions, but this time with a mighty battle between Cook/Exelby and Woodworth/Calvin for the lead. Cook/Exelby eventually took line honours with Steve Cumley and Dave Miledge following in behind Woodworth/Calvin.

Going into the last race, the competition was still open. Harris/Woodward took the lead on the first beat, closely followed by the Scotts who battled closely for a lap before Cook/Exelby put on a spurt of speed to overtake both boats on the run. Harris/Woodward regained their lead on the following beat and pulled away to the finish to secure victory overall. Cook/Exelby and the Scotts fought closely to the finish to cross the line in second and third in that order.

Overall Results

1st Emma Harris and Helen Woodward (Bristol Corinthian YC) 5 pts

2nd Peter Cook and Janet Exelby (Bristol Corinthian YC) 5pts

3rd Mason Woodworth and Stephanie Calvin (Carrickfergus SC) 9pts

4th Richard Dowsett and Rachel Jones (Bristol Corinthian YC) 12pts

5th Dougal and Nigel Scott (Ranelagh SC) 12pts

6th Steve Cumley and Dave Miledge (Leeds SC)16pts