The race is on!

Yes, the race will be held on the 21st & 22nd September 2024.

Yes, we’ll retain all the spirit and excitement of the traditional WLYC 24 Hour Race on the water, whilst streamlining some onshore facilities. We’ll adopt an innovative, collaborative model in running the event, learning from the best practice of other sailing clubs and organisations.

Yes, we expect to run all the traditional races. The list of trophies shows the times of races within races so that you can schedule your sailing and volunteering, and the list is available as a download from the website.

We’re asking all clubs which enter a team to volunteer for at least two duties, providing some resources to help us make the event safe and enjoyable. Participants can volunteer for a variety of roles, including safety boat/powerboat, first aid, observing/timekeeping, ‘scrutineering’ and marshalling the parking. 

The entry requirements are set out in the Provisional Notice of Race available on the WLYC website.

Yes, clubs can enter as many boats as they wish.

It’s up to each team and its Captain to decide how many members to include and decisions on the team make-up is an important part of race strategy. There is no restriction or recommendation on numbers. 

In 2024 entry is open to GP14s and Enterprises.

Marine Supplies Direct are providing the chandlery service. Clayton Park will provide the catering service from Friday 20th at 2 p.m. until at least 10 pm and from Saturday 21st at 8 am continuously until 2 pm on Sunday 22nd September:

Main Meals: chicken curry with fries or rice, chilli con carne, pies, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, soup, pasties, sausage rolls and a vegetarian option; and French fries!

Breakfast: bacon and sausage baps, porridge and pastries;

Snacks: multigrain bars, chocolate bars, sweets, and crisps

Drinks: Tea and fresh ground coffee and cold drinks, Lucozade, energy drinks and water

The Clayton Park catering service will adjoin the WLYC clubhouse. Competitors and volunteers in dry clothing will be welcome to use the WLYC club lounge for dining. There will be a marquee adjoining the clubhouse for those in wet clothing.

The WLYC bars will serve cold drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits. 

We can now confirm that there will be some accommodation for camping under canvas at Southport Sailing Club (SSC), which is just next door to WLYC, on a first come, first served basis. Camping space at SSC must be booked in advance from WLYC (download the 'Captain's Guide' for details). Parking in the designated area of the Marine Drive car parks will be charged at a reduced rate - permits must be purchased in advance from WLYC and displayed - it will not be necessary to purchase a ticket from the pay and display machine. The council have confirmed that camper vans, caravans and mobile homes may be parked up overnight in the designated area for the three days from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd September 2024.

NB The Waterside Lodge camping areas are unavailable this year due to a conflicting event.

There are many commercial accommodation options in the town, including the Premier Inn with free parking for residents (10 minutes’ walk), as well as nearby guest houses and Air B&Bs including the Travelodge. It will be good to book early because the Fireworks Festival will take place in Victoria Park on the same weekend. For those who come to enjoy a more leisurely weekend in Southport supporting their club team and watching the event, the four star Waterfront Hotel (15 minutes’ walk) is offering 24 Hour Race participants and event visitors a 20% discount (code: EVENTBB) and complimentary parking if booked directly with the hotel. 

We’ll put the race information on the website wlyc.org.uk/wlyc-24-hour-race and broadcast updates via the WhatsApp group:  WLYC 24 Hour Race 2024 - WhatsApp broadcast group 

With the support of the sailing community, we hope to host the event again next year. We'll announce the dates of the 2025 race during this year's event.