Blueoak Estates are proud to be the main sponsors of the Wilson Trophy 2019.
The three-day event will take place in West Kirby between Friday 10th and Sunday 12th May. Widely regarded as the premier dinghy team racing event in the world, it is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.
The idea of the Wilson Trophy was first conceived in 1948 when West Kirby Sailing Club sent a sailing team to Dun Laoghaire in Ireland. To the surprise of all competitors, this little and unknown team were runners up in the final. That evening, over a celebratory drink in their hotel room, the West Kirby sailors discussed the possibility of holding a similar racing event back home. The first event was held the following year in 1949.
Seventy years later, 36 teams from across the world including America, Australia and Austria will descend on Wirral to compete for the Wilson Trophy Cup. The home club West Kirby has the most wins with 18 titles to date. They will be entering four teams this year including the defending champions, West Kirby Hawks.
Each team has identical boats, sails and equipment to level the playing field (or lake!) Then, to ensure they come out in front, sailors have two key tactics. Firstly, they can position themselves in front of an opponent’s boat to cut off the wind and slow them down. Alternatively, they can use ‘right of way’ rules to force a boat to alter its course.
The event is free for all to watch and enjoy so come along on Friday 10th, Saturday 11th or Sunday 12th May and enjoy the show!
