THE 67th Wilson Trophy – the largest, most prestigious event in the international dinghy team racing calendar – took place at the Marine Lake in West Kirby over the weekend.
Hundreds of enthusiastic spectators lined the promenade to watch the three-day competition to watch 30 teams of sailors from across the globe.
It was won last year by local favourites the West Kirby Hawks – and Hawks triumphed again beating their opponents from the USA, Days of Thunder, 3-2.
Action from Wilson Trophy held in West Kirby Marine Lake at the weekend. Pictures: Eric Wells
The Wilson Trophy at West Kirby Sailing Club is the annual pinnacle of team racing in the UK and the world – with competitors coming from the United States, Germany, and other countries as interest in the sport spread internationally.
Adam Whittle, principal Race Officer oversaw 336 races which included a five-race final with the winner only being decided in the last 150 yards of the finish of the fifth and final race.
He said: "The wind direction early on in the weekend was challenging for the course managers, Richard Cornah and John Dixon, who worked tirelessly to provide the best possible course they could.
"David Taylor led a 23 strong umpire team, some of whom travelled from the USA, Norway, Ireland and around the UK.
"West Kirby Sailing Club members accommodated all competitors and officials and catered for over 200 people each day."
Team racing is a very tactical branch of dinghy racing and yacht racing, combining the need for adequate boat speed with superior handling, good teamwork, and sound understanding of strategies for converting a losing position into a winning one.
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