Newsletter 17 06 26

Published 19:00 on 17 Jun 2026

Welcome to WKSC Newsletter

A round up of Club news this week... including sailing, training and upcoming social events. Also included are links to current boats for sale.                                                                                 

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A View from the Bridge

WKSC — What a Weekend!

Well, that was a grand weekend! 

Friday — Sailing Blown Off, Spirits Very Much On
With Friday nights sailing blown off, the Juniors took over the Boatshed — and what a scene it was.
Bungee running, pugil fighting, giant Jenga, candy floss, skittles… chaos of the very best kind.

Naturally, the adults joined in later.
The bungee running became highly competitive, and an important scientific conclusion was reached:
 on that particular stance, cardio beat muscle.

Saturday — The Cocktail Party
What a night.
Music, new faces, great food, good wine… and yes, we packed away a few.
By the end, the new faces had become firm friends — always the sign of a proper WKSC evening.

Sunday Morning — A Slower Start…
Saved by Paul's breakfast batches, myself and the Rear Commodore (Sailing) headed out to RO the dinghies on the tide.

We did begin to suffer from the refrain of the Ancient Mariner:
 Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink…
 Thankfully, we had emergency lagers. Close call.

Special mention to David and Eve Bromilow, who were both sailing with the same sail numbers — extremely helpful when only one eye was working between the pair of us.

Back ashore just in time for tea and medals.

Afternoon Tea — Jackets On, Commodoring Mode Activated.
A quick change into jacket and tie, then into the Main Room for some top level Commodoring with our more experienced members.

The food was superb — the House Team (and Friends) excelled themselves. And thank you, Ann Warren, for the wonderful cakes.

Many members commented on the beautiful 125th Anniversary display created by Jane Thomas.
If you haven't seen it, it's in the corner of the Main Room — it's stunning, and it brought more than a few wistful tears.

Sunday — Classic WKSC Patio Weather
As the day warmed into an old school WKSC patio afternoon, the artists formerly known as Laser sailors came ashore after the final race of the open meeting, everyone seemed pretty pleased as the prizes were awarded. I think discarding a 1st to win the event is something of an achievement, but I don't wish to steal the Sailing Secs thunder! 

With events from the House Team, additional catering and BBQ from Paul and Helen, and a full programme from Friday to Sunday… It Was Truly a Weekend to Remember. 

Thank you to everyone who came and supported it. It is hard work from volunteers and support from you all that make these events really stand out! 
And for those who missed it — don't worry, well do it again in 25 years

Chris

Sailing and Club Calendar - What's on this week

Y1 & Y2 Novice Handicap Wednesday 17 June, 19:03

Y1 & Y2 Slow Handicap Wednesday 17 June, 19:06

Radio Sailing Thursday 18 June, 14:00

Calday CCF 2026 Thursday 18 June, 16:00-18:00

Y1 & Y2 GP14 Thursday 18 June, 19:00

Y1 & Y2 Lightning Thursday 18 June, 19:03

Illusion Friday 19 June, 14:00

Let's Launch 2026 Friday 19 June, 16:00-18:00

Y1 & Y2 Optimist & Junior Handicap Friday 19 June, 18:00

Y1 & Y2 Mirror Friday 19 June, 18:03

Star Classic Boat Challenge Friday 19 June

Saturday Morning Juniors (Second Course) 2026 Saturday 20 June, 09:20-12:00

Grand Mirror Day Out Saturday 20 June

Summer Lake 1 & 2 Fast Handicap (L) Sunday 21 June, 11:00

Summer Lake 1 & 2 Novice Handicap (L) Sunday 21 June, 11:03

Summer Lake 1 & 2 Slow Handicap (L) Sunday 21 June, 11:06

Evening 1 St/Hi/Fa Sunday 21 June, 15:45

Monday Nights Adults First Course 2026 Monday 22 June, 18:30-20:30

Calday Grammar School Tuesday 23 June, 16:00-18:00

Y3 & Y4 Solo Tuesday 23 June, 19:00

Y3 & Y4 Laser Tuesday 23 June, 19:03

Y3 & Y4 Illusion Tuesday 23 June, 19:06

Gentlemen's Lunch Wednesday, 12:00 - 14:30

News & Notices

 

WKSC 125th Anniversary Merchandise - Available Click Here

Click here to see all WKSC Merchandise available to buy online

An order for 125th items has already been sent to our supplier, another will be done on the 29th June for anyone who has missed out.

Star Challenge

Safeguarding

As the club becomes busier, could we please remind all members that we follow the RYAs guidance on the use of changing rooms, particularly in relation to junior members:

• At no time should any adult be alone in a changing room with a child or young person. If necessary, two adults should be present, ideally of the same gender, to provide supervision or emergency support.
• Mobile phones and photography of any kind are not permitted within the changing room area.
• Please be mindful of agreed timings for adult and junior use of the changing facilities to minimise the risk of extended contact in this area.
• Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring their children are appropriately supervised whilst at the club.

Polite Reminder - Locking the Boatshed

The last person to put a RIB or the Tractor in is to CLOSE THE SHUTTER. If in doubt just close it. It was left open all last night with the lights on.

The Galley

Paul is serving a delicious curry night menu this week - Click here for the menu

As always pre-orders welcome and possibly recommended, and Take Away available.  Cash Preferred.

Sailing Matters

Coming up (Sailing):

FRI 19/6/26 Star Classic Boat Challenge

SAT 20/6/26 Grand Mirror Day #3

SUN 5/7/26 Lightning Open Event

All lake races as per Sailing Programme in handbook

AWAY EVENTS:

4-5 /7/26 Lord Birkett Trophy Ullswater YC

SAVE THE DATE REMINDER: 

FRI 17/7/26 ROUND HILBRE RACE

SAT 18/7/26 DEE SC REGATTA

SUN 19/7/26 WEST KIRBY SC REGATTA

MON 10/8/26 - FRI 14/8/26 WKSC SAILING EXTRAVAGANZA WEEK

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The 125th Anniversary Celebration of our club on Sunday 14/6/26 was successful on all fronts. Visiting ILCA (Laser) sailors were hopefully impressed with all the sailing activities both on the estuary and for their open event held on the lake. The weather was good - a pleasant breeze and plenty of sunshine.

That wasn't the case on the day before - Saturday 13/6/26 when strong winds prevented the Long Distance Race from being sailed or on Friday 12/6/26 when the Optimist, Junior Handicap and Mirror racing had to be postponed to another day. The only consolation was the bouncy castle and other entertainments for the juniors that kept them entertained in the shed.

Wednesday 10/6/26 Dinghy Handicap Racing racing did go ahead; the wind eased down just in time. 

Glyn Purnell (ILCA6) won both fast handicap races on Wednesday evening, from Henk Thomas (ILCA6) and Liz Potter (D-Zero) in the first race and from Liz and Steve Jardine (ILCA7) in the second race. Six boats competing.

GP14 National Championships Llandudno Friday 12/6/26-Sunday14/6/26

Away from WKSC Jean-Louis Simons, David Bromilow and Kieron Inman, Paul Jenkins survived the strong winds at Llandudno on Saturday for the GP Nationals. 30 Knot + gusts were recorded. The racing on the day before,  Friday,  was blown off. On Sunday the conditions moderated. If it was challenging for the competitors, contemplate what it must have been like for the RO and race team; they were using a 13ft Dory as a committee boat! No creature comforts for them. We are lucky to have decent committee boats from which to run the racing.
38 x boats competing. Jean-Louis Simons and David Bromilow came 15th overall, their best result an 8th, Kieron Inman and Paul Jenkins 22nd but 3rd in the Silver Fleet and collected a prize for that. JLS commented that 5 or 6 of the top boats were professional sailors. 

Weather
It has been an odd spell of weather, either too windy or very light and not much in between. As mentioned, Sunday was an exception.

The Tidal Racing on Sunday 14/6/26 for the start of the Summer Series saw nine Falcons racing. Jonathan Atkinson and team won the first race, John Burthem second. Those positions reversed in the second race. Kate Orrrel, crewed by Michele Noronha and Nicki Lycett were third. They seemed very pleased with themselves, I suspect that might have been a PB?  Jemima, Chris and Nick Riley won in the Hilbres. John Dowler won the first race in the Stars and Nick Leadingham the second.

In the Fast Handicap Dinghies Al Alston (Int.Canoe) took line honours and won on handicap in both races. Patrick Bromilow (420) second and Liz Potter (D-Zero) third in the first race. Judith Carter (Lightning) came second and Steve Fleming (Int.Canoe) third. Special mention goes to Judith Carter who hasn't been racing for that long but has put plenty of time and effort and its paying off.  

Judith Carter (Lightning) had two 2nds in Sundays Tidal Fast Handicap racing.

The high PY division was represented and won in the first race by a Mirror sailed by Sheena Davies and Stan Van De Berg. Come on all you Mirror sailors time to join in.

 

ILCA (Laser) OPEN EVENT Sunday 14/6/26

This years ILCA Open Event was held entirely on the lake. Two races in the morning and two after lunch. Very civilised.

Lewis Bacon (Leigh & Lowton SC) won all four races in good style. Gordon Riddell (Delph SC) was second overall on 7 points and third, just two points behind was our Ioannis Koutsokeras. It wasn't long ago that, if my memory serves me right, that Ioannis was a new member, new to sailing, new to racing. He has shown commitment and determination and the reward - being in the top three at a class open event - that's great stuff - well done Ioannis.   

25 x ILCAS competing in their open on Sunday 14/6/26

Simon Johnson just ahead of Ioannis Koutsokeras, but overall it was Ioannis who came third and Simon fourth.

The Commodore presenting prizes to Lewis Bacon from Leigh & Lowton SC, the winner of the ILCA (Laser) Open Event on Sunday last.

SIGN ON?

Now!  I hate not being able to mention all those crewing and the only reason I cant is because we dont get a sign on sheet completed to give me that information. I know we dont bother …. we never have done etc. etc. but we should know all the names of those who are out on the estuary. I shall make sure theres a sign on sheet in the main room from now on.

Go on - you can do it! Fill it in!

WEST KIRBY STAR CLASSIC BOAT CHALLENGE on Friday 19th June from Nick Leadingham

As part of the 125th anniversary celebrations, WKSC will host the West Kirby Star Classic Boat challenge on Friday 19th June. Teams have entered from all of the clubs who sail classic boats along the Mersey and North Wales coast including (from East to West) RMYC, WYC, HSC, WKSC, CYC, RAYC, and TBSC. 

The race will take place on Friday afternoon and if you see some familiar or unfamiliar faces from these clubs, then do please make them feel at home in West Kirby. 

Liz Potter will helm the WKSC entry and I am sure that we all wish her well. 

GRAND MIRROR DAY number 3 - this Saturday 20/6/26
Come along and have a sail in a Mirror Dinghy or talk to the Mirror gang about Mirror sailing. Sailing will be from 11:00. There is food available after sailing about 2:30 pm.  It will be helpful if you want to join us on Saturday to let us know by email by Thursday evening (tomorrow) to results@wksc.org.uk - please give names and contact details... it helps us to cater for you.

Tony Marston 

Sailing Secretary

Training

New Activity - Let's Launch

Click here to book your Training Courses  

Events

Grand Mirror Days Out

Hilbre Summer Cocktail Party - 27th June

Lightning 368 Open Championship - 5th July

Menai Strait Regattas 27th July - 8th August 2026

WKSC 125th Anniversary Away Ball - Saturday 3rd October 2026 - BOOK NOW!

To book tickets click here or go to the website Book Online

You must be logged in to purchase tickets but you are welcome to book for non-members, the more merrier! 

Menu

Starter - Pork Terrine, with Pineapple Salsa, Slaw & Pork Scratching, Cajun Style Dressing. 

Main - Slow Cooked Featherblade of Beef, Celeriac Puree, Fondant Potato, Green Beans, Red Wine Jus. 

Dessert - Sticky Toffee Pudding, Butterscotch Sauce, Clotted Cream.

Vegetarian and other dietary requirements available.

Other Information

Boats for Sale

Boats for sale - Click here to view all Boats for Sale on the website.    NEW - Kayak - Knysna Genius CLK Surfski £600

If you would like something added to the newsletter please contact newsletter@wksc.org.uk

Last updated 19:45 on 17 June 2026