Enterprise Class Set to Shine in Southport’s Iconic WLYC 24 Hour Race

Richard Westlake – WLYC Commodore – 16th September 2024

The Enterprise class will be featuring prominently in this year’s WLYC 24 Hour Race, as one of the two classes in dinghy sailing’s premier endurance event. Under the burgee of West Lancashire Yacht Club (WLYC), the much-anticipated race returns this weekend for its 53rd edition on the scenic Marine Lake in Southport.

Kicking off at 12 noon on Saturday, September 21st, and concluding at 12 noon on Sunday, September 22nd, 2024, the race will feature 24 hours of continuous sailing with 20 Enterprises alongside 31 GP 14s, ensuring an action-packed event for both sailors and spectators.

Enterprise sailing teams have always been a key part of the WLYC 24 Hour Race, and with the challenges of the pandemic behind us, we are thrilled to see the event return as a major highlight on the UK dinghy sailing calendar. This race is particularly meaningful for the Enterprise community, embodying the teamwork, tactics, and endurance that define the class. After a number of years of GP14 dominance, will an Enterprise team come away with the Southport Centenary Trophy?

The essence of the event is not just about sheer endurance—it’s also about coordination, strategy, and the ability to work as a team both on and off the water. The Enterprise Association and the participating teams along with other sailing groups, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), and sponsors like Marine Supplies Direct, have come together to support this year’s race. WLYC has also updated the event’s logistics, with streamlined online registration, volunteer sign-ups, and parking reservations to enhance the experience for all participants.

Since its debut in 1967, the Enterprise class has played a significant role in the WLYC 24 Hour Race, and the return of this iconic event after a five-year break is eagerly anticipated by Enterprise sailors. The classic 24-hour team race format remains, challenging participants to showcase their sailing skills, strategy, and endurance throughout the day and night. The Enterprise fleet, known for its excellent handling and competitive edge, will be at the heart of the competition, adding to the excitement and spectacle that make this event so special.

For Enterprise sailors, the WLYC 24 Hour Race is a unique opportunity to compete in one of the UK’s most prestigious endurance races, with multiple ‘races within the race’ keeping the competition fierce and engaging. Spectators will witness a thrilling display of Enterprise sailing, with tight racing and strategic manoeuvres ensuring constant action on the water.

We’re excited to welcome back the Enterprise teams to Southport and look forward to celebrating the skill, sportsmanship, and camaraderie that are the hallmarks of both the class and this historic event.

Images by Richard Craig