Over the decades, West Kirby Sailing Club has cemented its place as a beloved local institution, standing as a testament to the vibrant maritime heritage of this idyllic coastal community. From its humble beginnings over 50 years ago to its current status as a thriving hub for sailing enthusiasts, the club’s story is one of triumph, resilience, and a deep-rooted passion for the sport.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
A Storied Past, a Bright Future
In 1973, a pivotal moment occurred when five pioneering club members acquired the first Lasers to grace the waters of the Marine Lake at West Kirby. This seemingly small introduction would soon blossom into a remarkable chapter in the club’s history, as the Laser class quickly gained popularity and attracted a dedicated following of youth sailors. Just a year later, five of these young sailors represented the club at the European Team Racing Championships in Rotterdam, where they emerged victorious against 13 clubs from seven countries.
The growth of the Laser class at West Kirby was nothing short of explosive. By 1974, the club’s handbook listed a remarkable 20 Lasers, with the oldest boat being number 5582 and the newest an impressive 12210. This surge in popularity was mirrored by the global Laser production, which saw an astounding 6,600 boats constructed in 1973-74 alone.
Among the names that emerged during this golden era were three young sailors who would go on to leave an indelible mark on the sport: Chris Maddock, Gareth Owen, and Richard Robinson. These talented individuals not only won the European Laser Team Championships on two occasions but also represented the UK in the World Team Championships in Bermuda. Richard Robinson, in particular, went on to claim victory at the Laser Europeans, Scottish, Egyptian, and UK Nationals, solidifying his status as a true Laser legend.
The Trials and Tribulations of the Laser Class
As the Laser class continued to grow, the club’s regular Monday night racing was split into two divisions to accommodate the ever-increasing fleet. The competition for the coveted top spots in the upper division was fierce, with the two lowest-placed boats being swapped for the top two in the lower division at the end of each series. The après-sail in those days, as one club member recalls, often involved “quaffing champagne until the early hours.”
However, the class’s fortunes took a turn in the mid-1980s, when the Marine Lake was closed for a rebuild. Upon its reopening, the Laser fleet had dwindled to a mere seven or eight boats, leading to the class losing its dedicated club status and being moved to the general handicap fleet. Undaunted, the Laser enthusiasts rallied, and by 1996, the class was once again offered a new slot on the club’s Tuesday night racing schedule.
A Resurgence of Talent and Passion
The early 2000s saw a resurgence of Laser sailing at West Kirby, with a new generation of junior sailors entering the class, spurred on by the introduction of the smaller Radial rig. Home-grown champions Alex Jardine and Cam Douglas went on to compete at the international level, while the current rising star of the class, George Colquitt, won the U17 National Championships last year and has been making waves on the open circuit.
Alongside the club’s support for its talented youth, it has also seen a growing number of female sailors taking up the Laser, with six ladies currently competing in the class with various rig sizes.
Celebrating 50 Years of Laser Sailing
The last five years have witnessed a remarkable surge in Laser ownership at West Kirby, with a staggering 58 boats listed in the 2023 handbook. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Laser’s arrival at the club, West Kirby Sailing Club is hosting an Open Laser/ILCA Regatta on Saturday, 8th July.
This celebratory event will feature two races on the Marine Lake in the morning, followed by two tidal races in the Dee Estuary in the afternoon. The club is expecting a significant turnout, with a number of Laser legends from the past, including Gareth Owen, Richard Robinson, Alan Jenkings, Mal Jones, Rob Graham, and John Dixon, set to participate.
A full social program is planned, and the club is hopeful that the event will draw a large crowd to help celebrate the extraordinary Laser/ILCA story that has unfolded at West Kirby over the past half-century. As the official website notes, “Come and be part of it!”
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
The Wilson Trophy, one of the world’s most prestigious team racing events, has long been associated with West Kirby Sailing Club. Established in 1948, the event was initially known as the “North West Firefly Championships” before being renamed in 1953 to honor the late Billy Wilson, a much-loved former commodore of the club and a true local legend.
Over the years, the Wilson Trophy has witnessed some of the most thrilling team racing action, with the club’s own teams experiencing both triumph and defeat. The introduction of on-the-water umpiring in the 1980s and the adoption of color-matched boats and sails in the 1990s helped to further refine and elevate the event, cementing its status as a global benchmark for the sport.
The club’s commitment to innovation and community engagement extends beyond the Wilson Trophy. In recent years, it has organized successful RNLI fireworks displays, raising over £4,500 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and continues to be a driving force in the local sailing community.
As West Kirby Sailing Club celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Laser’s arrival, it stands as a shining example of how a local institution can foster a deep-rooted passion for sailing, nurture the next generation of champions, and bring a community together through shared experiences and a love for the sport.
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