100th Liverpool to Isle of Man Midnight Race - Preview
by Sam Kitteringham 2 Jun 2019 11:07 PDT
5 July 2019
Liverpool Yacht Club (LYC) and Tranmere Sailing Club (TSC) are proud to announce the 100th Isle of Man midnight race, in association with Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association (ISORA) Royal Dee Yacht Club (RDYC) and Douglas Bay Yacht Club (DBYC).
Sir Robin Knox-Johnson, President of Liverpool Yacht Club and Tranmere Sailing Club alliance said "The 100th Liverpool to the Isle of Man race is the cause of a major celebration, not just for the Club but for yacht racing generally. Yachting was becoming more accessible 100 years ago and offshore races were an inevitable development, and the Liverpool (Bay) Yacht Club (in 1907) was right up there setting an example before the Fastnet Race was introduced. This coming 5th July will be an important date for the Club and for Irish Sea Yachting when the 100th race starts. We hope for a large fleet and a fast and exciting race to celebrate the initiative of the founders and to provide a good start to the second century."
The 100th race to the Isle of Man (IOM), will be starting from "The International Start Line" outside the Royal Albert Dock on the River Mersey, Liverpool. A spectacular Parade of Sail around Royal Albert and Canning Docks is planned to commence at approximately 12:30.
We are inviting yachts and their crew from all over the Irish Sea and surrounding areas to join us, for this prestigious event. There will be two courses incorporating the original 75 mile Isle of Man course with an extended section for those wishing to complete the RORC race which has a minimum distance of 100 miles and will be a qualifying distance for races such as the Fastnet taking place later this year.
All Competitors will race for the opportunity to win the Grand Challenge Trophy, a magnificent cup, one of only four in existence. One other being given to the winner of the Australian Open Tennis Championship. While those completing the 100 mile course will compete for "The Lyver Trophy", a beautiful Waterford Glass award. Other awards will be made to class winners.
Sir Robin went on to say "Our sport is becoming noticeably much more inclusive" and in this spirit LYC/TSC are also encouraging vessels either sail or powered to cruise in company with the race and we hope that such vessels will wish to join in the socials at both Liverpool Marina on Wednesday 3rd July, a pre-race social at Revolución de Cuba, Liverpool on Thursday 4th July at 19:00 (contact ) and the race final celebration at Douglas Bay Yacht Club on Saturday 6th July. LYC Commodore, Neil Thomas adds "Join us for some of the VERY best racing in the Irish Sea, plus some AMAZING craic afterwards!"
Join us in witnessing the start of this historic race at Liverpool's UNESCO World Heritage waterfront near Royal Albert Dock at around 12:30 on Friday 5th July. If you are interested in participating in the race itself contact: for race entry information.