Royal Mersey get lucky as weather plays havoc with sailing event
THERE was bitter disappointment for West Kirby Sailing Club when they were forced to abandon their Regatta at Beaumaris during the Menai Strait Fortnight last week.
Officials delayed their decision for an hour but were left with no alternative with no real ease in the near gale force south westerly wind which was at times accompanied by heavy rain.
Royal Mersey Yacht Club were more fortunate with the wind abating enough to allow their event on Thursday to proceed at Beaumaris but only over a short storm course after a one hour delay.
Their own Mylne fleet had the Charles Mack Trophy at stake and it was claimed by Dave Massey aboard Merrimac.
There was an overdue success for Geoffrey Watt in the Opera Aida and others to post victory included the Hilbre Highlight (Gerald Riley), the Star Mars (Alistair Schlater) and the Falcon Taita (Kay Johnson).
Conditions were far from ideal at the start of the second-half of the festival and not surprisingly there was a reduced turn out for the Menai Bridge Boat Club Regatta on the Monday. The Wirral classes were well represented.