Please select your home edition
Edition
Palm Beach Motor Yachts

75th Anniversary Wilson Trophy at West Kirby Sailing Club

by Andy Cornah 20 May 2024 11:36 UTC 3-5 May 2024
75th Anniversary Wilson Trophy © Dan Booth Photography

In April 1948 West Kirby Sailing Club was invited to send a team to Dun Laoghaire (IRE) for a mixed class team racing event, competing against teams from the South of Ireland and the South of England. To the surprise of the Irish this unknown team finished second to Royal St. George, and but for a mistake in the final, should have won it.

That evening over a celebratory drink in their hotel room, Cyril Clarke, Harry Dennis and Glyn Evans discussed the possibility of holding a similar racing event in West Kirby but limited to one class only - the 'Firefly' One Design. This was the conception of the Wilson Trophy.

75 years later, 34 teams gathered at the West Kirby marine lake, aka the theatre of dreams, to write another chapter in the storied history of the (probably) greatest team racing event on earth.

Held over three full days on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of May, the 75th Anniversary Wilson Trophy saw teams competing from the UK, USA and Ireland. Recent years have seen the event dominated by teams from the US, taking home the trophy at the last three attempts.

The ever-truthful notion of 'it's always sunny in West Kirby' was tested a little during the first two days of competition, and cloudy skies were accompanied by light, shifty winds which was challenging for the race committee and sailors. Nevertheless, and amazing 255 races were completed across the stage one Swiss League which saw the usual scramble to make it into the top eight spots to advance to knockouts.

When the dust settled on Sunday lunchtime, impressively all 5 US teams advanced to the quarter finals accompanied by the George Jesters from Ireland and the Wessex Walking Sticks and local team West Kirby Hawks remaining in the fight as the last UK teams standing. The quarter finals all followed the seeding, with three US teams advancing along with the WK Hawks. Semi Final one saw a bit of an upset as the number 1 ranked team and reigning champions the East Coast Drifters were de-throned by 4th seeded Rock City Cruising Club. In the other semifinal the races between WK Hawks and Seneca YC came down to the tightest of finishes in their third and deciding race with the Hawks snatching victory from the jaws of defeat with a 2,3,5 at the finish line.

This set the scene for the first non all American final for four years. 5-time winners and 'ageing like a fine wine' WK Hawks against the Rock City Cruising Club. What followed was three very closely fought races which saw winning combinations for the Hawks overturned on each occasion by a combination of umpire flags and skillful manoeuvring from the US team. Rock City Cruising Club emerged victorious and kept the US winning streak going!

Full results can be found here.

The Wilson Trophy is an amazing event, not only on the water but also off it, with a cast of close to 300 volunteers from West Kirby SC all working tirelessly to pull off what can only be described as astonishing weekending since 1949. At the famous Wilson Trophy dinner on Saturday night the three guest speakers, representing the UK, US and Ireland set a vision for what the 100th Wilson might look like. In many ways, we all hope it doesn't look much different to the friendly, competitive racing and comradery that has endured for 75 years. Here's to the next 75!

Related Articles

Texas State Record Tuna Caught 160 Miles Offshore
Crew on an Invincible 46 cat land 884 pound Atlantic bluefin tuna after five hour fight An 884-pound Atlantic bluefin tuna—the new Texas state record—was landed after a five-hour battle by a team aboard "Catillac," an Invincible 46' Catamaran, 160+ miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Posted on 25 Apr
Marine Auctions: April Online Auctions
Bidding to open on Wednesday 23 April Bidding to open on Wednesday 23 April and will close Tuesday 29th April at 2pm AEST Posted on 12 Apr
Staying in your lane – a Robertson and Caine story
Boat building is quite happy to hand out Degrees from the University of Hard Knocks at will It's not an easy thing, this boat building caper. It is quite happy to hand out Degrees from the University of Hard Knocks, at will, and frequently. Much like on-the-spot fines from an overzealous parking inspector. Posted on 10 Apr
Michael Rybovich & Sons construction updates
Progress on hulls from 82', 62' down to 42' New construction updates of 70' S/F Hull # 9, 42' S/F hull #10, 75' S/F hull #11, 82' S/F - Hull # 12. Posted on 3 Apr
Time to nerd out a bit
Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Anyway, historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Right oh. Unequivocally, the greater electrification space is not just THE hot topic presently, it also changes at a prodigious rate. Posted on 3 Apr
Top 10 baits from the Harris Chain
While many anglers didn't rely on whole tackle box, a lot of different baits worked for the field The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Southern Division event at the Harris Chain on March 27-29 was dominated by two things: Dylan Quilatan and Lake Apopka. Posted on 3 Apr
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
Big Deal is reaching significant milestones Big Deal is reaching significant milestones, starting with a major exterior update. Posted on 2 Apr
Nautically inspired jewellery from Angela Lago
Beautifully made nautical-inspired jewellery There's something we all seem to share as true lovers of the sea—especially those of us drawn to the nautical world. It's a deep connection with authenticity, nature, and the undeniable pull of freedom. Posted on 2 Apr
Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht Reveal Trailer
Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines luxury and innovation Discover the allure of the Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines luxury and innovation. Drawing inspiration from Maritimo's flagship models, this yacht offers a unique blend of elegance and functionality. Posted on 1 Apr
Marine Auctions: April Online Auctions
Bavaria 32 sailing yacht, Williams 36 motor cruiser and much more Up for auction: Bavaria 32 sailing yacht, Williams 36 motor cruiser, Mustang 2800 powerboat, Cobalt 243 cuddy cabin, Monterey 270 cruiser, Arber 9 sailing catamaran, and much more. Posted on 1 Apr
Palm Beach Motor YachtsMaritimo 2023 M600 FOOTER