Laser / ILCA Open at West Kirby Sailing Club

West Kirby ILCA Open - Overall Winner ILCA 7 Ian Jones © Alan CM Jenkins

West Kirby ILCA Open - Angus Tennant and Bill Johnson © Alan CM Jenkins

Seven visitors were joined by ten sailors from the host club. Competitors arriving were greeted with bacon baps, the President Mr Peter Bramley welcomed the visitors, before a quick briefing from the race officer, boats prepared to launch on to the River Dee.

With no wind, boats manoeuvred themselves to the start area and tied up to the start boat waiting for the breeze to fill in, which took about 30 minutes while crews werre entertained by sea shanty music from the committee boat!

With the marks expertly laid quickly by Liam & Will, racing was under way.

Race 1

A perfect line was set with the windward mark placed some 200 meters to windward, The ILCA 7 race was led from start to finish by Ian Jones from Dovestone S.C. followed by Will Dyson & Gorden Riddell from Delph in the ILCA 6 race.

Race 2

After a quick turnaround by the race team, led by RO Paul Jenkins, and the tide at slack water, a clean start sent the fleet off in lighter winds on a triangular course, again led off by Ian Jones who remained dominant, followed by Gordon Riddell & Will (Junior Winner).

Jacob Bennett followed up his second place in race one by winning the second race in the ILCA 6 fleet so secured overall series winner.

Coming ashore competitors and helpers were treated with pasta and chicken bake and liquid refreshments.

Gareth Owen, past Cadet & Dart 18 World Champion and legendary Laser sailor, presented prizes.

Thanks to our sponsors Holt, Deva, Brimstage Brewery and 20 20 Engineering.

Overall Results: