These
'little ships' were designed by George Cockshott in 1906
for the West Lancashire Yacht Club, as a 'Suitable craft
for the young and inexperienced sailor' The original boats
were built by Lathoms of Hesketh Bank at a cost of £32
each.
They
raced successfully at Southport until 1920 when the fleet
was sold to WKSC as a nucleus for a club class. They have
remained here ever since. Two of the original boats are
still racing and with additions - and sadly losses, over
the years, the class now numbers 13. Nine 'are on the
water', two are nearing completion of major rebuilding,
and one unfortunately is in the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
Their
clinker contructions, red sails and seaworthy qualities
make them ideal for the conditions in the Dee Estuary. They
are probably the most photogenic boats in the North West
and North Wales where they visit most of the Regattas.
During
the winter they are repainted and refurbished in the boatshed
where everyone helps with labour,advice and expert knowledge
in order to return them all to pristine condition for the
new season.
They
are very comfortable family boats for day sailing and although
they can be sailed single handed, three is the normal racing
crew.
Class
racing takes place most weekends during the season and the
class supports the Wirral Regattas and the Menai Straits
fortnight. Here many of the classes enjoy camping together
as well as racing competitively.
The current class president is Dave Mayhew and
the class captain is Andy Hillyard(0151 606 5411)
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