by Georgie Corlett
This year’s British Open Team Racing Championship for the Wilson Trophy (3-5 May) is the 64th edition of the event. This incredible sailing competition takes place every year on West Kirby’s marine lake, drawing top sailors from around the world, and spectators from far and wide. Run entirely by volunteers, it is a massive undertaking to provide food, entertainment, accommodation and of course, expertly-run racing for over 200 sailors over three days. It’s a phenomenal feat.
Take a look at some of the statistics involved in making this year’s event happen...
10 nations - represented by competitors and officials
320 races
20 hours of racing
204 competitors
2 Olympic medallists
5000 spectators
300 organisers and officials
350 hours of preparation by WKSC volunteers
36 equally-matched Firefly dinghies - the concept of colour-coded boats was pioneered by WKSC
550 bacon butties
1000 sandwiches
5000 pints of beer consumed
2000 cups of tea
800 metres of cable for PA systems on the promenade
15 hours of race commentary
300 seat grandstand – provided free to spectators
26 umpires – no other sailing event in the world uses this many umpires!
12 umpire boats
20 race officials
42 VHF radios
16 – the number of times the event has been won by WKSC teams – will they make it 17 this year?
Follow LIVE RESULTS and view a complete line up of teams at www.wksc.net/wilsontrophy
