Lark Racing
Fleet Races
The Larks race in the one-design racing class (a race consisting of one model or design of sailboat), and the first boat to finish wins the race. The races are officiated by the EYC Race Committee and follow the Sail Canada’s Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS).
Who Can Join?
Lark racing is open to any EYC members using their own boat or crewing on a member-registered boat.
Boat Registration
All boats must be registered by the third race of the season along with the $90 registration fee.
Race Schedule
Larks race every Sunday morning in July and August.
Skipper’s Meeting: 9 am
Race Start: 10 am
Announcements & Awards
After the race, enjoy BBQ and refreshments at the clubhouse for the awards ceremony.
Discover the Lark Fleet
The Erieau Yacht Club is home to a vibrant and historic Lark fleet. Fourteen Larks make up the fleet, with nine racing regularly throughout the season. Weekly races are held on beautiful Rondeau Bay, complemented by a special Lakeside race each year.
Courses are typically set as classic windward–leeward layouts, though the fleet also enjoys racing a modified Olympic triangular course from time to time. Course details are always clearly reviewed before racing begins at the skippers’ meeting, ensuring everyone starts with confidence.
Racing & Scoring
Lark racing uses a simple and exciting low point scoring system that keeps the competition close all season long. First place earns one point, second place two points, third place three points, and so on. At the end of the season, the boat with the lowest total score is crowned Season Champion.
Trophies
Racers compete not only for bragging rights but for trophies as well. Awards are presented for the overall season champion, along with trophies for select individual races.
Crewing on a Lark
Any member in good standing is welcome to race on a registered Lark. Skippers are expected to have prior Lark sailing experience, but crew members only need basic sailing knowledge. With the guidance of an experienced and welcoming skipper, new crew can quickly learn the ropes and become part of the tradition.
About the Lark
The Erieau Lark is a distinctive 16 foot, flat bottomed wooden scow, easily recognized by its gunter rig—a departure from the gaff rig used in the original design. Before adopting the Lark, the EYC raced a variety of dinghies, but the Lark’s popularity quickly grew until it became the club’s signature racing boat.
The Lark Fleet has a rich and varied history at the EYC. It is our only fleet that uses boats hand built by EYC members past and present!
The original Larks were built in Rondeau beginning in the 1930s by brothers Pop and Al Weir. The first Lark to join the EYC fleet was Red Bird, owned and sailed by Sally Kerr. In 1963, her younger brother Bill Kerr made significant design improvements, increasing the “belly” of the hull between the centerboard pin and mast, and replacing cedar planking with mahogany sheets—enhancements that helped define the modern Lark.
At its peak, the fleet numbered as many as 27 boats. While Larks have largely disappeared from competitive racing elsewhere, the EYC is proud to be home to what is believed to be the only remaining active racing fleet.