High-speed sand yachting draws international teams

Sep 17 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

A WEEK of action- packed racing is in store during the European Sand- yacht Champion- ship, launched at Hoylake yesterday.

The Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Phil Gilchrist, was joined by dignitar- ies from the British and European sand- yachting federat- ions at Hoylake promenade for the opening ceremony.

More than 100 pilots from eight countries will race at up to 60mph at Hoylake beach.

Teams from France, Belgium, Sweden, Argentina, Switzerland and Germany are taking part, together with representatives from Ireland and Britain.

Event organiser Vaughan Williams said: “Next year's World Champion- ship is taking place in Argentina.”

Racing starts on today at 10am, and will continue until about 5pm each day until Friday, September 21. Prizes are awarded at the end of each day.