The WLYC 24 Hour Race is online for 2020!

NORMALLY at this time of year, the West Lancashire Yacht Club (WLYC) would be gearing up to put on the UK’s Number 1 Endurance Dinghy event, but Covid-19 has meant that this years race could not be held in its tradionally format. This would class event plays a huge part of the UK's sailing calendar and for Southport's tourism, so the club looked at other ideas as to how this years race could be held and came up with a new idea, a Virtual 24 hour Race! Since 10 July 2020, the club has opened entries to their unique Sailing endurance event, WLYC 24 Hour eRace that is due to be held over 19 September to 20 September 2020; the very same weekend the normal race would have been held.

Just like the on the water WLYC 24 Hour Race, teams representing clubs or associations will battle it out over 24 hours to compete for not only the overall race winner title, but also an array of other awards and special races. The format of racing will however differ from the traditional setting. To work within the limitations of Virtual Regatta Inshore, and to give the best chance of fair competition, racing will take place in the form of 72 short races sailed by all teams over the course of 24 hours. With selected races, highlights and social aspects of the event being live streamed on the internet, the race will also retain a high level of spectator appeal, for which the on the water event has been become famous for.

Rob Pickering, WLYC Rear Commodore and Head of 24hr Hour Race Committee said:- "Virtual Regatta Inshore is a successful, proven package that has the support of both World Sailing and the RYA. Indeed, many UK clubs have used this eRacing platform during lockdown for regular Club eRaces, inter Club Team eRacing events, plus regional and national RYA championships. While Virtual Regatta Inshore cannot simulate Southport’s Marine Lake, we shall take competing Clubs on a tour of some of the world’s iconic sailing venues; we’ll also give the helms the opportunity to eSail a selection of challenging boats. 54 years ago, when the inaugural 24hr Race was sailed on the Southport’s Marine Lake, it was an innovative event. Over the years we have adapted the race to fit an ever changing sailing landscape. This virtual event is the latest evolution of a legendary event which we hope will continue not only post COVID but long into the future. While this is a temporary step away from the race’s traditional format, we are excited about the prospect of hosting a virtual event like no other. To take part the entry fee is ₤24per club / association team, and although there is no limit to the number of sailors in each team, entries are limited to 100 teams. Finally, we’d like to thank our event sponsors, Marine Supplies Direct and Kraken Travel without whom running this event would not have been possible. So, if you are interested, please do sign up and take part by filling in the online entry form today!"

THE Hotel firm Travelodge, who are the UK's 1st budget Hotel chain has accelerated its Hotel reopening programme by reopening a further 100 Hotels and this includes reopening the doors to Southport Travelodge. The Hotel chain which operates 573 Hotels across the UK, including those within the Liverpool City Region. like Southport, have seen a multi million pound Covid-19 safety and social distance programme invested in them, under the firms:- 'Travelodge Protect +' plan. 

During the lockdown, Travelodge kept 62 Hotels open across the UK from Plymouth to Aberdeen to support key / critical workers, less vulnerable groups and Local Authorities. Travelodge has taken its key learnings whilst operating in the lockdown and launched TravelodgeProtect+ a programme of cleaning and social distancing measures in line with Government guidance; designed to keep its customers and teams safe and protected post lockdown.

In addition to help Britons make the most of 2020, post lockdown, Travelodge has released over 1 million rooms for ₤29 or less across its UK Hotels. For a family of 4, a Travelodge ₤29 room works out at just ₤7.25 per person which is cheaper than a trip to the cinema. Rooms are available to book now.

Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge, Spokeswoman said:- "We are delighted to be welcoming customers back to our Travelodge Hotels and excited to be reopening Southport Travelodge. With safety at the forefront of our business, we have worked closely with our Hotel teams that stayed open during the lockdown, Government and industry bodies to develop our new Covid-19 safety programme called Travelodge Protect +. This safety programme is designed to keep our customers and teams safe and has been implemented into all Travelodge Hotels."

In addition, as Hotels are not allowed to currently operate their restaurants or serve a hot breakfast buffet, Travelodge has launched a new version of its popular breakfast box that customers can purchase from their Hotel reception desk or online. The new:- 'Breakfast To Go Box' will ensure Travelodge customers can still continue to kick start their day with a tasty breakfast and enjoy complementary tea and coffee in their room. The company calibrated with its business and leisure customers to help design the new enhanced eco-friendly:- 'Breakfast To Go Box' which is 100% recyclable. The compact box contains the nation's favourite breakfast delights which include:- Cornflakes with semi skimmed milk, flapjack bar, pain au chocolate and orange juice.