24 Hour Yacht Race returned to Southport at Budworth SC in spectacular weekend of sailing

 

The 53rd West Lancashire Yacht Club (WLYC) 24-Hour Dinghy Race came 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 in Southport.

The event, which took place over the weekend of 21st-22nd 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 third 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, said: 

“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.”

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

West Lancashire Yacht Club Commodore Richard Westlake, said :-

“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 five gap the eagerly awaited return of the event to Southport marks the first 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.