Please select your home edition
Edition
Leaderboard FD July August September 2023

Southport's WLYC launches the 54th 24 Hour Race this weekend

by Richard Westlake 10 Sep 19:30 AEST 13-14 September 2025
West Lancs 24 Hour Race © Richard Craig / www.SailPics.co.uk

West Lancashire Yacht Club's (WLYC) famous 24-Hour Race is back this weekend, 13th-14th September 2024. The 54th edition of the race once again brings Southport's Marine Lake to life, powered by the energy of sailors, volunteers and supporters who keep this unique tradition thriving.

First staged in 1967, the West Lancashire Yacht Club 24 Hour Race has become one of the great fixtures of the UK dinghy sailing calendar. After a short break, it was revived last year in style—so much so that it was crowned RYA Event of the Year. At its heart, the race is more than a test of stamina and skill: it's a festival of teamwork, resilience and community spirit.

This year, the race is even bigger, with a 25% jump in entries. A big reason is the inclusion of the Firefly class, which has sparked fresh interest from universities and student teams eager to be part of the action. The result is a fleet that mixes seasoned dinghy racers with younger crews taking on the challenge for the first time.

Of course, none of this would be possible without a huge volunteer effort. With 60+ entries, 800+ participants, 200+ volunteers from across the sailing community putting in 300+ shifts, the event today is a model of the collaborative spirit which imbues our sport. From laying the course and crewing the safety boats, to timekeeping, marshalling and keeping everything running through the night, it's a massive team effort that shows off the very best of Southport and the wider sailing community.

The race is also supported by an impressive line-up of backers: the RYA, the Firefly, GP14 and Enterprise Associations, Sefton Council, headline sponsor International, and event sponsors Marine Supplies Direct, Rooster, Harken, Allen, Sailpics, TEU and Ocean Plaza Leisure. Together with WLYC, they've helped make sure this year's event will be safe, exciting and memorable.

WLYC Commodore Richard Westlake summed it up:

"This event has always been more than a race—it's a tradition that brings sailors, families, and the community together. Without our volunteers and supporters, it simply wouldn't be possible. The WLYC 24 Hour Race showcases the very best of what sailing and Southport have to offer: teamwork, resilience, and community spirit."

The race begins at 12 noon on Saturday, 13th September and runs non-stop until 12 noon on Sunday, 14th September. With boats sailing right through the night, spectators all around the lake are guaranteed 24 hours of atmosphere, drama and plenty of action on the water.

Everyone is welcome to come along—whether you're a sailor yourself, a local looking for a great day out, or just curious to see what a 24 hour dinghy race looks like. There'll be chances to volunteer, cheer from the lakeside, or simply soak up the buzz. And with raffle proceeds going straight into youth sailing, the weekend is also helping to fund the future of the sport.

Further updates will be shared in the lead-up to the race.

Related Articles

Enduring 24 hours at West Lancs YC
In-depth coverage of the 2025 reboot of a classic dinghy racing event The 2025 reboot of this classic dinghy racing event surely lived up to its name as an endurance event. With just over a week to go there were grave faces around the bar at West Lancs YC as there were rumours of 57mph winds. Posted on 24 Sep
54th West Lancs 24 Hour Race
National Firefly Association triumphs Southport's iconic 24-Hour Dinghy Race came to a thrilling conclusion, with the National Firefly Association taking the coveted trophy after 24 hours of relentless, round-the-clock racing on Marine Lake. Posted on 22 Sep
Team Toddbroccoli at the Southport 24 Hour Race
Toddbrook Sailing Club once again turned out in style for the famous race! Toddbrook Sailing Club once again turned out in style for the famous Southport 24 Hour Race, hosted by West Lancashire Yacht Club. Posted on 17 Sep
2025 WLYC 24 Hour Race Last Call!
Just one week until entries close at midnight on 15th August The countdown is on - just one week until entries close at midnight on 15th August for the West Lancashire Yacht Club 24 Hour Race 2025. Posted on 8 Aug
International sponsor 2025 WLYC 24 Hour Race
The event will take place on 13th-14th September 2025 at Southport Marine Lake West Lancashire Yacht Club (WLYC) is thrilled to announce International yacht paint as the headline sponsor for the 2025 WLYC 24 Hour Race, the UK's premier dinghy sailing endurance event. Posted on 27 May
WLYC 24 Hour Race wins RYA Event of the Year
And Sets Sights on 75 Entries for 2025 The WLYC 24 Hour Race has won the prestigious 'Event of the Year' Award at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, a fantastic recognition of the collaboration between competing clubs, and the dedication and passion of the volunteers. Posted on 24 Feb
Inspiration & commitment celebrated at RYA Awards
Those at the very heart of boating communities were lauded for unwavering dedication The exceptional contributions of sailing and boating volunteers, clubs and affiliated organisations were recognised at the 2025 RYA Awards. Posted on 23 Feb
Full story of the West Lancs 24-Hour Dinghy Race
A remarkable contest / the races within the race The WLYC 24 Hour Race made its return to the yachting calendar with a bang after an over-long break. The healthy entry of 51 clubs sailing Enterprises and GP14s had more than a smattering of star sailors vying for the prizes. Posted on 26 Sep 2024
West Lancs 24-Hour Dinghy Race
Southport's iconic event concludes with thrilling finish The 53rd West Lancashire Yacht Club (WLYC) 24-Hour Dinghy Race came to a spectacular close on Sunday, with Budworth Sailing Club (SC) claiming victory after 24 hours of sailing non-stop on the Marine Lake in Southport. Posted on 23 Sep 2024
Iconic WLYC 24 Hour Race returns this weekend
The much-loved West Lancashire YC event at Southport Marine Lake is back after a 5 year break! The WLYC 24 Hour Race - dinghy sailing's premier endurance race - is back! Under the burgee of West Lancashire Yacht Club (WLYC), this much-loved event will be returning this weekend, marking the 53rd edition of the race on the Marine Lake in Southport. Posted on 17 Sep 2024
Rooster 2025Cyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERSelden 2020 - FOOTER