West Kirby Star
In 1906 the Star class was designed by George Cockshott for the West Lancashire Yacht Club, as a 'Suitable craft for the young and inexperienced sailor' to be used on Southport marine lake in the winter months. The original boats were built by Lathoms of Hesketh Bank at a cost of £32 each. The first race was won by Carina who completed the course in just over 30 minutes. They raced successfully at Southport until 1920 when the fleet was sold to West Kirby Sailing Club as a nucleus for a club class, where they have sailed 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 constructions and seaworthy qualities make them ideal for the conditions in the Dee Estuary. Class rules dictate that each boat must have red sails, main and jib, with a white star containing the boats number on the main, due to this they are considered to be one of 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, despite having no seats, and although they can be sailed single handed, three is the normal racing crew.[1]
Current fleet
| Number | Name | Year Built | Boat Builder | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Juno | Menai Strait | ||
| 2 | Stella | WKSC | ||
| 3 | Aquila | |||
| 4 | Carina | 1906 | WKSC | |
| 5 | Jupiter | WKSC | ||
| 6 | Capella | WKSC | ||
| 7 | Vega | WKSC | ||
| 8 | Sirius | WKSC | ||
| 9 | Aquila | 1922 | ||
| 10 | Cygnus | |||
| 11 | Mars | WKSC | ||
| 12 | Mercury | WKSC | ||
| 13 | Orion | |||
| Iris | 1906 | |||
| Venus |
