Newsletter 14 05 25

SOLO OPEN EVENT 

Trust me to go away for a few days when theres been another great week and week-end of racing. Certainly judging by the Yachts & Yachting on line report (click here to view) of the Solo Open Sunday 11/5/25 this event couldnt have gone much better. Apart from a great turnout from a class that is strong in the north of England, the competition was hot, well behaved (just as well because I failed to get the protest committee organised!) and the competitors enjoyed WKSC, estuary and lake sailing racing in great conditions. Well done to Mike (RO), Anne (ARO) and the whole team for making it work. 

Its just worth mentioning that the Solo Class Northern Circuit has many one day open events that make it very attractive for sailors to visit other clubs and gain experience on different waters. No overnight expenses and low mileage. By competing elsewhere WKSC Solo sailors make new friendships and guess what - other club's Solo sailors reciprocate and want to come to WKSC.  

And of course a VERY WELL DONE to our MARTIN HARTLEY on winning the event.

All pictures Alan Jenkins

JUBILEE PURSUIT RACE

What else did I miss ? The Jubilee Pursuit Race on the tide on Saturday 10/5/25 attracted 17 x entries. Jean-Louis Simons won in light tricky conditions with the wind shifting westerly during the 90 minute race.  2nd - Andrew Potter (Phantom), 3rd Steve Jardine (Laser, 4th), 4th = Liz Potter (D-Zero) and Jemima, Nick and Chris Riley (Hilbre).

CLASS RACING

Better weather is obviously the catalyst for seeing more boats competing be it for the mid week racing or the weekend racing. It wasn't that long ago and I don't mean the winter racing, when the dinghy handicap consisted of 5 x boats and no slow handicap at all. Now we are up to 12 x boats in the fast handicap and 4 x slow handicap boats.  John Carlin is leading the series but not by much from Liz Potter. I noticed that JLS won both races on Wednesday evening in his Finn. The GPs had 8 x boats last Thursday evening - Keiron  Inman leading the series from Paul Brereton . Falcons up to 7 on Sunday. - Mike Hartley v Jon Burthem both on same points at the top of this series. New to the fleet, Lee Matthews is a little way behind in third place.  Junior racing on Friday night is another thing but we have a cunning plan ! 

MIRROR MAGIC

There will be a gathering of Mirror sailors, Mirror Dinghies, interested  parties in Mirror sailing on Saturday morning, on, in, or by the lake 10:00-12:00. There's a close connection between Mirror Sailing, the slow handicap fleet, junior sailing/racing, sailing with a spinnaker, adventure, economy, understanding boat maintenance, value for money and just about everything that's good - including cunning plans. Am I giving a clear picture here of just how good Mirror sailing is ? Now then …. have you got a child that needs a purpose in life ? (No - then you should get one) - Yes but you've got 2 - ok the worlds not a bad place after all - especially if you live near West Kirby. If uncertain in anyway just come down to the lake on Saturday morning - for some MIRROR MAGIC !!!  

DIARY DATES:

Sat 24/5/25 HW 09:03 8.67M  This is purely for those who cant sleep or like an early start. Nothing planned at the moment but watch this space.

Sun 25/5/25 Normal tidal racing

Mon 26/5/25 HW 10:44 9.3M  The MOSTYN RACE (Spring Bank Holiday)

Tues 27/5/25 - 

Fri 30/5/25  - JUNIOR FUN WEEK - TRAINING

Last but not least… What's happening on Saturday 28th June 2025 ?  Answer WEST KIRBY SAILING CLUB REGATTA

Tony Marston
Sailing Secretary