Wilson Trophy organisers raise the sail for 2021 event

Boats competing in the Wilson Trophy on West Kirby Marine Lake

West Kirby Sailing Club is pressing ahead with planning for this year’s Wilson Trophy, despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

They are inviting expressions of interest from teams wanting to take part in the event on the Marine Lake on the weekend of 8/9 May.

Event director Adam Whittle and event secretary Kathryn Brown say they hope national restrictions will be lifted in time for a scaled-down event to go ahead.

In a letter to teams, posted on the Wilson Trophy Facebook page, they write: “This year, in order to allow for any potential Covid restrictions that may still be in place we are reducing the number of entries and therefore it is important that teams planning on entering provide detailed CV’s for all team members.”

The Wilson Trophy flags at West Kirby Sailing Club
The Wilson Trophy flags at West Kirby Sailing Club

They have revealed the competition will take place over two days rather than the usual 2.5 days, and teams will have to find their own accommodation from a local list of places to stay.

Social functions will be able to go ahead only if they are permitted under restrictions at the time.

Last year’s Wilson Trophy, due to be the 71st running of the race, was called off in March as the pandemic gathered pace.

Teams have until the end of February to express an interest in the 2021 event, by emailing wilson@wksc.org.uk.

Wilson Trophy. Photo courtesy of @NWoodsphotos
Wilson Trophy. Photo courtesy of @NWoodsphotos

About The Wilson Trophy

  • It is widely regarded as the premier team racing event in the world, attracting some of the world’s most skilled exponents of the discipline, along with many fleet racing and match racing world champions and Olympians.
  • The regatta is held annually in May at West Kirby Marine Lake, which is suited to team racing with uninterrupted winds blowing across the Dee Estuary.
  • Around 300 races usually take place over the course of the event.