"
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 Paul Churchill
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
