The return of the West Lancashire Yacht Club 24-hour race in Southport has been heralded a huge success with the date for 2025’s event now set.
Fifty-one boats from sailing clubs across the country took to the water on Marine Lake at noon on Saturday 21st September 2024 to compete after the race’s five-year hiatus.
The sailing clubs participating were vociferously supported by crowds of people who had set up position on the lake’s edge for 24 hours of thrills and spills.
Twenty-four hours later at midday on Sunday 22nd September 2024, it was Budworth Sailing Club who took the overall title in an entertaining finish, followed home in close second place by South Staffordshire Sailing Club, with Looe Sailing Club completing the podium in third place.
The return of the event has been so well received that the date for the 54th edition has been set for Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September 2025.
Marine Supplies Direct, part of the James Hall Group of Companies, headline sponsored the event on its return, and its expert team were on hand with a pop-up chandlery to supply competitors with equipment for in-race repairs.
The 24 Hour Yacht Race in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Alongside this, competitors and their supporting teams could take advantage of the on-site Clayton Park Bakery and Cheeky Coffee catering unit to recharge with food and drink, as well as enjoy an English Lakes ice cream with its branded van in-situ on the shoreline.
Richard Westlake, Commodore at West Lancashire Yacht Club, said:
“This year marks a new chapter for WLYC’s 24-hour race – the collaborative spirit of the sailing and local communities coming together in Southport to host the comeback of one of the most loved events in the national sailing calendar.
“We were proud to have participants across a whole range of ages and abilities – from sea cadets to elite sailors – and even family teams bringing the excitement of sailing to all generations. This year really did feel like a family event and has set the tone for next year’s race and for the event in years to come.
The 24 Hour Yacht Race in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“It wouldn’t have been possible without the tremendous help from our volunteers and our sponsors and chandlers Marine Supplies Direct from the James Hall Group of Companies – a huge thank you for making it all possible. We look forward to working with you again for next year’s race!”
Brandon Howard, Director at Marine Supplies Direct, said:
“We were delighted to headline sponsor the race on its first occurrence since 2019, and everyone lakeside was treated to some fantastic racing over the course of a challenging 24-hours of competition.
“Sailing is something that we are extremely passionate about at Marine Supplies Direct. One of our team at the event completed two stints on-board the boat racing for Liverpool Yacht Club, and with our pop-up chandlery serving as emergency support for crews, we really felt part of the race throughout.”
The 24 Hour Yacht Race in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Further details about Marine Supplies Direct can be found on the website at www.marinesuppliesdirect.co.uk.
For West Lancashire Yacht Club news, please visit the website at www.wlyc.org.uk.
For more information about James Hall & Co. Ltd, please visit www.jameshall.co.uk.
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