#wilsontrophy –  The 65th Wilson Trophy was marked by high winds and innumerable cups of tea as competitors and umpires waited for suitable racing conditions. With racing delayed on Friday and no sailing at all on Sunday the Wilson Trophy was decided by the result of 13 rounds of the League, a mere 208 races!

Following some serious number-crunching, including factoring in the re-sail of an already re-sailed race, Royal Forth Hoosiers were declared winners of the prestigious trophy, with 10 race wins. Under various aliases, this Edinburgh based team have been frequent visitor to Ireland. This was some compensation for the somewhat muted Irish results. Howth finished 11th with 8 race wins, denied qualification for the quarter finals following the 8 stage tie-break procedure. A scratch team from the Royal St George, finished 25th, proving once again that individual talent is not sufficient, that there is no substitute for practice and experience in racing as a team.

Wilson stalwart, and Royal St. George team racing organiser, had expected to take a year off this time. However, 2 days before the first race an invitation from West Kirby to join an all-star last minute entry, replacing a team that had dropped out at the last minute, proved irresistible. This team, including Jamie Marston, a frequent visitor and good friend of Irish team racing (and sailing this time with his daughter) finished a creditable 15th.

Ireland was also represented on the 25 strong umpire team. Cxema Pico and Gordon Davies were once again honoured with an invitation to join the Wilson team.

Further information and results here