"More a small yacht than a large dinghy" is how the yachting press described the design of the Hilbre when it was featured in the early 1960s. As can be seen from the photos she is a very pretty and proper looking boat. She also provides exciting class racing in a fleet of around 20 at WKSC.

55 were originally built to a design of Alan Buchannan. They are wooden clinker built, 19'.9" overall, drawing 1' 7" with the plate up and 4' 5" with it lowered through the 500lb keel. This construction enables them to dry out safely on their moorings in the open waters of the river Dee. They carry a modern sail plan including overlapping genoa, No1 jib and spinnaker. This sail plan together with the tolerances permitted within their one design rules allows owners to fine tune the rig to achieve good racing performance. Currently there are two official sailmakers, North Sails and Speed Sails and their modern sails plus the controls allowed in the class again lend themselves to enjoyable racing and sailing. The Hilbre design also suits the boat for family day sailing and they have been sailed to and from the Menai Straits many times. Whilst they can be sailed by two people or even singlehanded class rules stipulate a minimum crew of three including the helm and a fourth is usefull in a blow.

Being wooden they require winter maintenance which is usually done in company with other owners in the boat sheds at WKSC where you will also find people with the time and expertise to advise or help with larger repairs or modifications.

There is a full programme of class racing at West Kirby including team and match racing and the class also enjoys it's own starts at all the local Wirral regattas and at the Menai Strait Regattas fortnight in Anglesey during the beginning of August.

The Hilbre class association endeavours to keep boats sailing locally and currently owns 3 boats which are all in a good state of repair. These are available for sale or possible lease to sailors who want to sail and race on the Dee. Contact the class president at WKSC who will also be happy to arrange for anyone interested to get out and crew or helm a Hilbre.

As can be seen from the photos she is a very pretty and proper looking boat