Yachts to look forward to in 24-hour lake race
WEST Lancashire Yacht Club is hosting its 53rd annual 24-hour yacht Race on Southport’s Marine Lake this weekend.
So far, 65 boats, including those from 20 universities from all over the UK, will compete in the unique endurance race that is continuous for 24 hours, even in extreme weather conditions.
It begins at midday this Saturday (September 14) with crews changing over every couple of hours until the end of the race this Sunday.
Every September, the Marine Lake becomes the destination for hundreds of sailors and visitors, from clubs throughout the UK with past visits from Eire, France, and the US.
Many clubs set up team bases on the shore of the lake, so spectators will have to arrive early to get the best spot. To observe the racing on the water, there is a “birds-eye” view of the course in the shelter of the grandstand.
WLYC manager, Christine Howorth, said: “The quality of sailing is amazing and also from the young sailors from the universities. It really is a spectacle to watch, it just looks like the boats are dancing on the lake.”
There is always plenty of changeover action in the docking area to be seen.
Christine said: “The race is terribly exciting and it gets very competitive. The crews carry on throughout the night with some asleep on tables and what not, and then they’ll wake up and change over – which can be quite dangerous really.”
The event is a real feat of organisation and is manned almost entirely by volunteers. These are WLYC members, their friends, family, neighbours and workmates.
Every team that finishes the race receives a distinctive shield to mark their achievement to display in their home Clubhouse, and the overall winner of the race is awarded the coveted Southport Centenary Trophy.
Examples of other trophies awarded are Leading Boat at Midnight, First Club to Sail 100 miles, Winner of University Teams, Fastest First two laps, Fastest Lap after 8pm and Fastest lap after midnight.
Head of marketing, Jules Ashworth, said: “The race has been held since 1967 and is ranked fourth of the top 10 races to do by Yachts and Yachting magazine.
“The Marine Lake was extended in the mid1960s and WLYC moved to purpose-built premises on the lakeside in 1967. This coincided with the first 24-Hour Race held to celebrate the centenary of the borough of Southport.
“The Race developed into an annual event attracting competitors from all over the country and no other event in the WLYC calendar attracts as much public interest!
“It is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of club members over the years that the race maintains its popularity and celebrated its 50th year in 2016.
“We have one lady who’s competed in all races! I say all – we did have to cancel one year as the winds were just too high and health and safety is our priority!”
Jules said: “This event really is the glue bringing the old and new members together. The race is a really fun challenge with people trying to stay awake and the competition’s fierce.
“One crew is just them alone trying to stay awake with no changeover, which will be quite an achievement! It’s a great event to watch, too, and for Southport as it brings everyone out.”
Hot and cold food and drinks are available in the main marquee throughout the weekend.
The club has taken a number of steps this year towards reducing its impact on the environment. It is using reusable event drinks containers in the club and marquee bars.
The food and drink served in the marquee will be on plates and containers made from sugar cane waste and compostable cardboard. It will also be using birch wood cutlery sourced from sustainable forests.
To find out more about the race, visit www.wlyc. org.uk/24-hour-race or its Facebook @facebook. com/Wlyc24hrRace.