Lark

Description

The Lark (commonly known as the Lark dinghy or Lark class) is a popular two-person, non-trapeze one-design racing sailboat designed in 1966 by Michael Jackson (a British designer also known for National 12 and Merlin Rocket designs). First launched in 1967 and built primarily in glass-reinforced plastic (GRP/fiberglass) by builders like Parker Boats/John Baker Ltd. (UK), it has seen over 12,000 hulls produced, making it a long-running and active class with a strong international following, particularly in the UK and Europe. The Lark features a fractional sloop rig with mainsail, jib, and symmetrical spinnaker for exciting, high-performance racing that's fast yet accessible (no trapeze required), suitable for mixed crews (often family or club racing), inland/coastal waters, and competitive events like nationals and opens; it's renowned for close, tactical one-design racing, good planing in a breeze, and a Portsmouth Yardstick around 1073 (one of the fastest non-trapeze dinghies). The class association (larkclass.org) maintains strict rules for fairness, with active fleets, tuning guides from sailmakers like North Sails, and a friendly community.