The 53rd West Lancashire Yacht Club (WLYC) 24-Hour Dinghy Race came to a spectacular close, with Budworth Sailing Club (SC) claiming victory after 24 hours of sailing non-stop on the waters of the Marine Lake in Southport.
The event, which took place over the weekend of 21st-22nd September 2024, brought together some of the best sailing talent from across the UK.
After 24 hours of intense and tactical racing, Budworth SC claimed the top spot by achieving the fastest average lap time, followed closely by South Staffordshire SC, who were neck and neck with Budworth SC throughout, and Looe SC in third place.
The 24 Hour Yacht Race in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Mayor of Sefton Councillor June Burns, who fired the starting gun on Saturday and presented the Southport Centenary Trophy to the winners on Sunday, said:
“It’s great to have the 24-Hour Race back.
“I’m a huge supporter of what the Race represents for the people of Southport and the sailing community across the UK – the rising to the greatest of challenges through teamwork and endurance. A huge congratulations to the winning team Budworth SC and everyone who participated. I’m looking forward to next year’s race already.”
The 24 Hour Yacht Race in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
West Lancashire Yacht Club Commodore Richard Westlake, said:
“Well done to Budworth SC for their incredible performance in this year’s race! It was amazing to see such focus, determination and sailing skill from all the teams involved, which included local sea cadets as well the national sailing elite. After a five gap the eagerly awaited return of the event to Southport marks the first in a new generation of the WLYC 24 Hour Race, as a collaboration of all the sailing clubs involved. It wouldn’t have been possible without the tremendous effort of the hundreds of competitors and volunteers from participating clubs – from Scotland to Sussex and from Bridlington to Blackpool – who made this year’s race such a resounding success, supported by our local members and spectators, sponsors Marine Supplies Direct and Sefton MBC.
The 24 Hour Yacht Race in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
It was a weekend full of competitive spirit, camaraderie, and love for sailing, and we couldn’t have asked for better conditions or more enthusiasm all the way through to the exciting finish.”
Race Highlights:
- 1st Place: Budworth SC
- 2nd Place: South Staffordshire SC
- 3rd Place: Looe SC
The 24 Hour Yacht Race in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The WLYC sailing development programme will benefit from a successful fundraising raffle, with all proceeds going towards the club’s innovative work to widen access for young people interested in trying sailing in Southport.
The 24-hour endurance race, first held in 1967, which had grown into a beloved tradition in the sailing world, is ‘back with a boom!’ as a key fixture in Southport’s event calendar. Teams raced tirelessly through the night, navigating lively wind conditions and intense competition in front of enthusiastic spectators on all sides of the lake.
The 24 Hour Yacht Race in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Looking Forward to Next Year
WLYC is already preparing for next year’s race, and the club hopes to build on this year’s momentum by continuing to grow participation from sailors of all ages and abilities. The club invites sailors and spectators alike to return to the Marine Lake, Southport in September 2025 and join for what promises to be another unforgettable race. For further information, please contact Richard Westlake: [email protected]
The 24 Hour Yacht Race in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
About WLYC
Located on the Marine Lake in Southport, West Lancashire Yacht Club is open to sailors of all ages and abilities. The club has just won the 1st Prize in the 2024 RYA Sunsail – Funding the Future initiative, for its junior sailing development programme, involving outreach to local schools.
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