Press Release: West Lancashire Yacht Club Announces Winners of the 24-Hour Dinghy Race 2025
Published 7:05am on 18 Sep 2025
This year's WLYC 24 Hour Dinghy Race has come to an exciting close, with the National Firefly Association crowned champions after 24 hours of relentless, non-stop racing on Southport's Marine Lake at West Lancashire Yacht Club (WLYC).
Held over the weekend of 13th-14th September 2025, the event brought together sailors and supporters from across the UK. Teams battled through day and night, showcasing endurance, strategy, and teamwork. After a fiercely contested race, the National Firefly Association secured first place, followed closely by Southampton University Sailing Club and Budworth Sailing Club.
Click here for the Press Release.
Mayor of Sefton, Cllr June Burns, who officially started the race on Saturday and presented the Trophy to the winners on Sunday, praised the event: The 24 Hour Race is more than just a sporting competition—it's a celebration of community spirit. What makes this event so special is the way volunteers, sailors, families, and supporters come together to make it happen. My congratulations go to the winners and every team that took part, but also to the volunteers whose hard work and enthusiasm keep this Southport tradition alive year after year.
WLYC Commodore, Richard Westlake, celebrated the achievement of all involved, with particular thanks to volunteers: Congratulations to the National Firefly Association on a well-deserved victory! Beyond the racing itself, what makes the 24 Hour Race unique is the community effort behind it. From safety crews on the water, to race officials, local businesses, and families helping throughout the weekend—every volunteer plays a vital role. This year has shown once again that the strength of this event lies in the people who give their time and energy to keep the tradition thriving.
Race Highlights:
- 1st Place: National Firefly Association
- 2nd Place: Southampton University Sailing Club
- 3rd Place: Budworth Sailing Club.
The weekend also raised funds through a successful raffle, with proceeds supporting WLYC's award-winning junior sailing development programme, helping to open the sport to more young people in Southport.
WLYC 24 Hour Race
First launched in 1967, the 24 Hour Race has become a cherished fixture in both the UK dinghy sailing calendar and Southport's community events. With its return now re-established, this years race drew enthusiastic crowds along the Promenade, who cheered as crews sailed through changing winds and into the early hours of Sunday morning.
With 60+ entries, 800+ participants, 200+ volunteers from across the sailing community putting in 300+ shifts, the event is a model of the collaborative spirit which imbues our sport. Volunteers from the competing clubs play a central role in making the race a sustainable success, from safety crews and stewards to local businesses lending a helping hand. WLYC works closely with Sefton Council, fellow yacht clubs, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), and headline sponsor International, with additional support from Marine Supplies Direct, Rooster, Harken, Allen, SailPics, TEU, and Ocean Plaza. Their combined efforts ensure the event runs smoothly while remaining a celebration of teamwork, endurance, and community.
Looking Ahead WLYC is already making plans for the 2026 race, with ambitions to build on this year's success by welcoming even more sailors, volunteers, and spectators to Marine Lake. The club invites everyone—whether seasoned sailors, first-time visitors, or community supporters—to join them on the 12th and 13 of September 2026 for what promises to be another unforgettable 24 hours of sailing.
For further information, please contact: the.commodore.wlyc@gmail.com
Issued: 17/09/25
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Last updated 10:51am on 2 October 2025
