West Lancashire Yacht Club Announces Winners of the 53rd 24 Hour Dinghy Race
Report by Iona Westlake - Photos and video by Patrick Trollope.

THE 53rd West Lancashire Yacht Club (WLYC) 24 Hour Dinghy Race has come 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, Southport.

The event, which took place over:- 21 September to 22 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 3rd place.

Mayor of Sefton Councillor June Burns, who fired the starting gun on Saturday and presented the Southport Centenary Trophy to the winners on Sunday, comments on the Race: �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."

WLYC Commodore Richard Westlake, adds:- "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 5 gap the eagerly awaited return of the event to Southport marks the 1st 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. 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 Results:-

1st Place - Budworth SC.
2nd Place - South Staffordshire SC.
3rd Place - Looe SC.

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 West Lancashire Yacht Club (WLYC) has been running this event since 1967. Over the years it has become a beloved tradition in the sailing world, and it has become one of the most loved events on the UK�s dinghy sailing calendar, not just for the sailors, but for our local community, as well as internationally.

Like in previous years teams raced tirelessly through the night, navigating lively wind conditions and intense competition in front of enthusiastic spectators on all sides of the lake. But this year they also had something different. It had happened only a few times previously, but the race was again held at the same time as the British Musical Firework Competition took place, giving the the teams on the water and spectators a stunning view as the fireworks light up both the lake and the night sky.

Looking Forward to Next Year, the 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 to what promises to be another unforgettable race in 2025. The 54th WLYC 24 Hour Race 2025 will take place over:- 13 September to 14 September 2025, on the Marine Lake in Southport, Merseyside, UK For further information, about this event can be found online at:- WLYC.Org.UK/WLYC-24 Hour-Race. To apply to enter a team in the 54th WLYC 24 Hour Race please contact Richard Westlake via emailing:- The.Commodore.WLYC@Gmail.Com.

More photos from this event can be see on the following:- 4 pages within this edition. If you took part in this years event, please do let us know what you thought of it by emailing our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter. Let us know your thoughts on this news topic... Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter.