We announced at the RYA Dinghy Show in February that we’re reviving the WLYC 24 Hour Race in 2024... ...and we had no idea just how enthusiastic the response would turn out to be. Thanks to all the clubs who are supporting the first 24 Hour Race of the new series and collaborating to make it a success. Your clubs are part of the new history of this iconic event.
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There is more information in the Q&A which you can download.
Please reach us wlyc24hourrace@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Yes, sailing clubs tell us they are eager to take part this year, so the plan to hold the race on the 21st & 22nd September 2024 was confirmed at the RYA Dinghy Show in February. It’s a very special, iconic event which creates lifelong memories and no one wants to miss the fun.
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.
We’re asking all clubs which enter a team to provide some trained resources to help us make the event safe and enjoyable. Participants will be able to 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: pies, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, soup, pasties, sausage rolls and a vegetarian option;
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 expect there to be some accommodation for camping under canvas at Southport Sailing Club, which is just next door to WLYC, on a first come, first served basis. Parking in the designated area of the pay and display Marine Drive car park will be charged at a reduced rate. The council have confirmed that camper vans and caravans may be parked up overnight in the designated area on the nights of Friday 20th and Saturday 21st September 2024 and further details will be provided in due course.
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.
The WLYC 24 Hour Race is a test of teamwork for the sailors working together on and off the water. And we’re also collaborating to stage this event for the first time in 5 years. We are asking teams to provide some trained resources to help us make the event safe and enjoyable. It’s teamwork across the sailing community and all the more fun because of it.
It’s clear that many clubs want to be part of creating the new history of the UK’s premier dinghy sailing endurance race. Seven clubs will be competing for the 53rd time, and 32 clubs have competed more than 30 times. Whether you are new to the race or among the third or fourth generation of 24 Hour Race sailors, you want to pit your skills against the ultimate challenge.
The WLYC 24 Hour Race is the dinghy sailing calendar’s toughest race, one of three endurance events staged in the North West of England. Leigh and Lowton SC host the Sunrise to Sunset Race in June at Pennington Flash in Greater Manchester – a chance for some to warm up ahead of the WLYC 24 Hour Race in September. Southport SC also host the National Junior 12 Hour Race on Southport Marine Lake.