Prestigious Wilson Trophy enters 65th year

The Wilson Trophy British Open Team Racing Championships are to be held on West Kirby’s Marine Lake this weekend (May 9-11) and will be hosted by West Kirby Sailing Club (WKSC) in West Kirby, Merseyside.

Now in its 65th year, this unique and spectacular team race sailing event will be welcoming 32 of the finest teams from around the UK, USA and Ireland including three teams from WKSC itself.

Teams representing the USA are the Rhode Island Pistols and Yale Corinthian Yacht Club.

Rhode Island Pistols:
Helm 1: Ben Greenfield
Crew1: Bianca Rom

Helm 2: Mark Dinneen
Crew 2: Abby Preston

Helm 3: Ben Spiller
Crew 3: Anna Spiller

Yale Corinthian Yacht Club:
Helm 1: Chris Segerblom
Crew1: Charlotte Belling

Helm 2: Graham Landy
Crew 2: Eugina Custo-Greig

Helm 3: Max Nickberg
Crew3: Amanda Salvesen

The 192 competitors will be sailing in 12-foot dinghies known as Fireflies while under the close observation of some of the best umpires from the UK and overseas. Competition will be fierce this year as some of the traditional teams have disbanded, with sailors joining other teams to try and find that winning formula.

Racing starts at 1pm on Friday 9th May and continues through to late Sunday afternoon. Weather permitting, there will be over 350 fast and cut throat races to watch. The Marine Lake, otherwise known as the ‘theatre of dreams’, provides a natural amphitheatre where members of the public are encouraged to come and watch the action from the Grandstand on West Kirby promenade (by the old baths). The Visitors Centre and live commentary will also help to explain some of the nuances of the racing to spectators and passers-by.

David Taylor, Commodore of West Kirby Sailing Club, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting this fantastic event, now in its 65th year. It’s great to see so many people travelling from near and far to sail on the Marine Lake and enjoy its beautiful surroundings.

“The club is extremely proud to host this event each year and we always aim to provide both the competitors and our local community with a weekend of sporting action that they won’t forget.”

The three-day event will be an exciting and fun weekend for spectators and competitors alike with a thrilling demonstration of top level sailing, which is free to watch. The final rounds are scheduled to take place on Sunday from 1pm, when the action reaches its climax, with the top eight of 32 teams entering play-offs to take home the celebrated trophy.

The 2014 Wilson Trophy is delighted by the support it has received from many individuals and businesses, including leading sponsors: Carlsberg, Everite Windows, GJW Direct, MI Finance and Speed Medical.

The event website will host a live news feed along with additional information: www.wilsontrophy.co.uk