27/05/09
The Lark Class is pleased to announce an association with Ovington Boats to build new Larks
The Ovington mould has been modified to improve consistency in the hull assembly, at the same time ensuring that the construction provides an overall consistency in hull weight. The hull and deck is to be constructed from epoxy foam sandwich. Whilst the boat is not vastly different from the successful design of the past 10 years, it has significant refinements improving the quality of the boat.
The prototype hull is nearing completion and will be fitted to a standard Lark specification and is expected to be seen on the water in June.
Chris Turner Managing Director of Ovington Boats, said, “We are delighted to have been appointed as the official builder for the Lark Class and are making every effort to ensure that this new Ovi Lark is built to the highest quality using the latest technology. We see our techniques as a step up in quality, without putting any of the older boats at a speed and performance disadvantage, which has been paramount in the build brief from the Class.”
Simon Cox, Chairman of the Lark Class Owners Association, said, "The Larks are excited to be working with a builder who has the reputation and track record of Ovington Boats. This partnership guarantees the future of the Lark Class with well thought through, strongly built boats. The Larks have experienced significant growth in popularity due to its affordability and highly competitive fleet."
Note to Editors:
The Lark was designed in 1966 by Michael Jackson, designer of many National 12s and Merlin Rockets. The GRP hull is 4.065 metres in length, and the Lark carries a sail area of 9.75 square metres upwind with a spinnaker of 7.4 square metres. The class currently has a Portsmouth Number of 1073, making it one of the fastest non-trapeze dinghies on the water.
Although a one-design class, the Lark Class Rules cater for a choice of fittings, including foils and sails. The Lark is ideal over a wide range of crew weights, typically from 18 stone up to 25 stone all up. Since the Class’s inception, there have been three builders, Bakers the original builders, G.W. Parkers and more recently Rondar Sailboats. The Class is now entering an exciting new era with the Ovington Boats’ Lark.
The Class has a proactive Class Association and the Nationals are due to be held from Brixham towards the end of July. In addition there is a new Midlands and North of England Circuit, to support the well established Travellers’ Circuit. Further details on the Lark Class Association website at http://www.larkclass.org
Further information on how to join the Class Association can also be found on the Class website.
Enquiries to:
Lark Association: info@larkclass.org
Ovington Boats: Chris Turner: chris@ovingtonboats.co.uk
Press Enquiries to:
Titch Blachford at Strawberry Marketing
Telephone: +44 (0) 1590 645082
titch@strawberrymarketing.com