MANY Wirral yachtsmen are taking part in the Menai Strait Regattas Fortnight which opened today.

The popular Beaumaris to Caernarvon race is due off on Wednesday before three Regattas at the Caernarvon end of the Strait.

Proceedings next week start at Menai Bridge on Monday and then Royal Mersey Yacht Club are the Regattas hosts at Beaumaris on Tuesday, 1pm opening.

Normally they have the Thursday date but switched with Beaumaris Town to allow for a more convenient start time for the Round Puffin Island race.

Hoylake Sailing Club host next Wednesday's Regatta at Beaumaris, with an 11am start.

Classes competing during the fortnight include the Stars, Hilbres and Falcons from West Kirby, the Operas from Hoylake and the Mylnes from Royal Mersey.

West Kirby hosted a GP14 Open Meeting last Saturday with competition on the Estuary and also the Marine Lake.

Ten dinghies set sail and it was visiting crews who took the honours.

Martin Brennan from Hollingworth Lake with Alistar Knott as crew claimed top prize, counting two firsts and a second place.

He had two points to spare over Richard Bennett from Staunton with Lee Thomas from Southport a further two points adrift.

Alan Jenkins was best of the home contingent in fourth overall.