Series Racing

The sailing programme revolves around racing, and various “series” in which competitors are awarded points to produce a series winner.  Fleet starts are given to classes chosen at the AGM at the start of each season. Other classes of boat start in the Handicap fleet.

Sundays are the main sailing days. with racing organised throughout the year. The Spring Series starts toward the end of April with races each Sunday, followed by Summer and Autumn Series. During the year, there are specified Trophy Days with trophies awarded to specific classes of boat for the racing on that particular day.

For Hardy sailors

Hardy sailors can continue from early November through to Christmas in the Frostbite Series. The really keen start up again in the New Year with the Northern Brass Monkey Series, followed by the Early Spring Frostbite Series, which starts in early March.  It is a club rule that minimum sailing wear of a suitable wet/dry suit must be worn from early November to end of March.

Wednesday Evening Sailing

From the end of April to the end to the end of August, two Wednesday Evening Series are held, with an evening in the bar to follow for those who like to mull over their deeds.

Open Events

The club’s main event of the year is the Spring Bank Open Regatta.  Held over the three days of the Bank Holiday, this attracts numerous visitors who enjoy the friendly atmosphere and lively social events in the evening. 

The club also hosts open events for specific classes during the year. Currently these include Laser and Solo Travellers events, Enterprise Cock o’ the North, and the Swordfish White Rose Bowl which has been competed for since 1952. Full details of the sailing programme can be found in the Year Book, available to all members. 

All racing is held under the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) “Rules of Racing” administered in the UK by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).  WRSC has signed up to the RYA Charter.  This means the club has made a commitment to uphold the “Rules of Racing” and above all, to ensure fair play.  

“Away” Events

In addition to hosting events, WRSC members support other clubs’ open events.  Notably in recent years, we have well been represented on the Laser and Solo Travellers circuits. 

During the last week of July, a large proportion of the club decamps to North Wales for Abersoch Dinghy Week.  We have had over 20 boats and 80 members there in the past.  Similarly the Lord Birkett Trophy two-day event on Ullswater has been traditionally well supported in early June. 

The West Lancashire YC 24 Hour Race, held on Southport Marine Lake, is a unique event on the dinghy calendar.  WRSC has entered a team in this event every year since it started in 1967, one of the few clubs in the country to do so.