Newsletter 03 09 26
Published 17:22 on 2 Sep 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.
A View from the Bridge
Summer 26
If you've been anywhere near the lake these past few months, you'll know one thing: West Kirby Sailing Club has been absolutely alive. From juniors to internationals, from seals to seafood, from regattas to round island adventures — it's been a summer that reminds you exactly why this club is special.
Sailing — Busy Water, Busy People
The Round Hilbre Race delivered its usual cocktail of tide, chop and questionable decision making. Mrs Commodore and 1st Child completed a full Mirror circumnavigation, accompanied by a small flotilla of seals who clearly felt they were the Race Officers.
Your Commodore, naturally, was diverted to a Lifeboat false alarm, proving that WKLB and WKSC remain as intertwined as ever.
The Junior Regatta was a riot of colour, noise and enthusiasm — Helen's galley kept the whole operation upright, and the juniors kept the race team on their toes.
Over at DSC, WKSC sailors turned out in force for their Regatta, enjoying excellent racing and hospitality from our neighbours.
Our own WKSC Regatta Weekend was a triumph:
Packed fleets, competitive racing, and a galley firing from 1700.
Midweek sailors stepped up to join the weekend fleets — a trend well be encouraging with enthusiasm (and possibly bribery).
Weekly racing has been lively across all fleets:
Solos with Martin Hartley leading the charge, closely followed by John Dixon, Chris Goswell and Steve Ferrington.
ILCA7 & ILCA6 fleets featuring Stuart Dawson, Lee Matthews, Simon Johnson, Jon Behan, David Caldwell and Richard Neale.
Lightning, DZero, Mirrors, Illusions all seeing strong participation throughout June and July.
And beyond the lake, our 420 sailors returned from the Worlds in France, representing WKSC with skill, grit and the sort of stories that will no doubt be embellished at the bar for years to come.
Juniors — Everywhere, All at Once. If you visited the club on a Saturday morning, youll know: juniors have been everywhere.
Optimists, Mirrors, Lasers, GP14s, Lightning, Solos — you name it, they've sailed it.The Y3 - Y6 training sessions have been full, the coaches heroic, and the boat park buzzing. And I'm delighted to confirm the return of the Youth Dinner this September — black tie, three courses, music, and the option for each junior to bring up to five friends. A proper revival of a WKSC classic.
Social Life — WKSC in Full Voice
The summer socials have been just as energetic as the sailing:
The Hilbre Cocktail Party on 27 June brought sunshine, glamour and a very healthy bar tab.
The WKLB 60th Anniversary & RNLI Tug of War saw WKSC take on WKLB in a battle of strength, with WKSC triumphant, followed by a BBQ and live music from Emlyn and his Band, with Sarah topping of the day with her keyboard and some chilled music whilst we sat on the terrace.
The House Team has been everywhere — BBQs, regattas, socials — keeping the club running with trademark WKSC warmth. Seafood Shack Fridays were a hit throughout July, with the galley team delivering top tier food also!
Behind the Scenes — The Quiet Work That Keeps Us Moving
A new Volunteer Marketing Manager role has been advertised to help grow membership and sharpen our public profile.
125th Anniversary merchandise has landed and has proved to be popular, search the options in our online shop.
Don't forget the Book Closes for the Ball Sunday 06 Sep - Book in online.
The bus is already fully booked - if there is more demand we can see about another bus?
The Sailing Extravaganza Week (10-14 August), produced a packed programme for all ages, raids on Little Eye and Sally's Cottage were undertaken, Mirrors were fettled, sailed and raced!
Away Representation — WKSC Beyond the Dee
Three ICs travelled to Ullswater YC for the Lord Birkett Trophy, taking on one of the most iconic races in the country.
Our juniors (and not so Juniors) represented the club at the 420 Worlds in France, gaining invaluable international racing experience and flying the WKSC burgee proudly.
To top that, we have a New National Champion! (Drum Roll please, break out the new Honours Board (work out where to put it))..... David Bromilow and Neil Marsden are the UKs 420 Champions!!!!
I think you will all join me in congratulating them both for an amazing result!
A Summer to Remember
From regattas to round island adventures, from juniors to internationals, from BBQs to cocktail parties — WKSC has been alive with activity all summer long. Thank you to every sailor, volunteer, coach, parent, galley hero, race officer and lifeboat crew member who keeps this club thriving.
Roll on the final tidal races, autumn sailing and boat Tetris in the Yard!
Last Call for the Ball!
Have a good one!
Chris
Sailing and Club Calendar - What's on this week
Click here to view the Club's full calendar.
Radio Sailing Thursday 3 September, 14:00
Z9 GP14 Thursday 3 September, 18:45
Z9 Lightning Thursday 3 September, 18:48
Illusion Friday 4 September, 14:00
Let's Launch 2026 Friday 4 September, 16:00-18:00 Book online
Z9 & Z10 Optimist & Junior Handicap Friday 4 September, 18:00
Z9 & Z10 Mirror Friday 4 September, 18:03
Autumn Lake 3 & 4 Fast Handicap (L) Sunday 6 September, 11:00
Autumn Lake 3 & 4 Novice Handicap (L) Sunday 6 September, 11:03
Autumn Lake 3 & 4 Slow Handicap (L) Sunday 6 September, 11:06
Evening 4 St/Hi/Fa Sunday 6 September, 18:15
GC9 Monday 7 September, 20:00-22:00
Z10 Solo Tuesday 8 September, 18:45
Z10 Laser Tuesday 8 September, 18:48
Z10 Illusion Tuesday 8 September, 18:51
Z10 Fast Handicap Wednesday 9 September, 18:45
Z10 Novice Handicap Wednesday 9 September, 18:48
Z10 Slow Handicap Wednesday 9 September, 18:5
News & Notices
Merchandise - Click here to see all WKSC Merchandise available to buy online
Sailing Notice - Race cancelled
NOTE : Evening Race 4 Stars, Hilbres and Falcons scheduled for Sunday 6/9/26 Start time 18:15 is CANCELLED - Not enough water.
Away Ball - Last chance to book!
Over 80 already booked so it should be a great night. See all details below in Events.
To book tickets click here or go to the website Book Online
200 Club Winners
The winners of the 200 Club this month were:
1st Prize No 22 Fiona Willcock
2nd Prize No 39 Stephen Butler
3rd Prize No 126 Gerald Riley
4th Prize No 29 Judy Upton
Membership Secretary
I am intending to step down as Membership Secretary as the AGM in January, when I will have completed 3 years in the role.
I am looking for a volunteer member to take over. The job would suit someone who has recently retired and has experience working on a computer system, with basic knowledge of Outlook, Excel and Word (or any similar applications).
The job involves:
Processing applications for membership
Answering questions about types of membership, costs etc.
Dealing with people leaving the club (resignations, etc.)
Issuing replacement membership cards, and wristbands etc.
Contacting members who are late paying their subs.
Dealing with the rollover of the subs year on 1st October each year.
It mostly involves emails which I deal with from home, and I come into the office a couple of times a week. Workload varies, it can be just a couple of hours a week, it can be more. If anyone is interested, please get in touch (membership@wksc.org.uk) and we can arrange for you to spend some time shadowing me and see if you would like to take over the role.
Jill Riley
Volunteer Opportunity - Marketing Manager
West Kirby Sailing Club is looking for a volunteer Marketing Manager to help grow and promote our club.
The role is to develop the West Kirby Sailing Club brand, raise awareness of the fantastic sailing and social activities we offer, and, most importantly, help attract and retain new members.
Working with the Flag Officers and General Committee, you will:
- Promote the club and its activities.
- Develop ideas and campaigns to increase membership.
- Enhance the club's profile through the website, social media and local publicity.
- Help ensure the club presents a welcoming and consistent image.
This is an opportunity to make a real difference to the long-term future of West Kirby Sailing Club. Enthusiasm, creativity and good communication skills are more important than professional marketing experience.
Please contact me on 07714 206567 or jdatkinson9599@gmail.com
Thank you
Jonathan Atkinson
Youth Dinner Returns! - Saturday 26th September
For those who remember the Youth Dinner they will tell you what a fantastic event it was. Some of us still attended into our 30s as it was always a great night! This year we are bringing it back for our Juniors. Any Junior member who is at secondary school or up to 25 years can attend and can bring up to five friends. It is Black Tie (or as smart as you can!), there will be a three course sit down dinner served by the House Team and music after for the party to continue. We really hope the Junior members of the Club enjoy the evening as much as we used to, and it can become an annual event again.
Menu
Starter: Prosciutto-wrapped melon. Sweet, ripe melon wrapped in delicate Parma ham, finished with a light garnish of seasonal leaves.
Main Course: Supreme of Chicken. Pan-roasted chicken supreme served with a velvety white wine sauce, dauphinoise potatoes and tenderstem broccoli.
Dessert:Chocolate Mousse Cake. Rich, indulgent chocolate mousse cake served with freshly whipped cream.
7 pm - 11 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the bar. £20pp.
The Galley
Closed this week but please feel free to order to the Club
Sailing Matters
Coming up:
Falcon Championships 12-13th September
NOTE : Evening Race 4 Stars, Hilbres and Falcons scheduled for Sunday 6/9/26 Start time 18:15 is CANCELLED -
Not enough water.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
Click here to see this weeks Sailing Matters
Tony Marston
Sailing Secretary
Training
New Activity - Let's Launch
Click here to book your Training Courses
Events
Youth Dinner - Saturday 26th September
WKSC 125th Anniversary Away Ball - Saturday 3rd October 2026
BOOK NOW! - last few days to book
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 - Laser 2000 for Sale |
| If you would like something added to the newsletter please contact newsletter@wksc.org.uk |
Last updated 22:56 on 3 September 2026