THERE was a rather wet and windy opening to the new tidal season at West Kirby recently.

Early winners included Hirondelle (Chris Riley), Highlight (Gerald Riley) and Highwayman (Roger Glover in the Hilbre Class and Ratonero (Alan Jones), Merlin (John Downes) and Taita (Kay Johnson) in the Falcon Class.

The Stars will commence competition this coming weekend and there will also be tidal racing at other venues around the Wirral coast.

But alas Royal Mersey have been forced to delay the start of their season until May due to silting problems with their moorings at Rock Ferry.

The weekly dinghy programme on the Marine Lake at West Kirby is under way but crews are looking for improved conditions.

West Kirby Sailing Club have an Open Day this Saturday with anyone interested welcome to attend between 11am and 3pm.