South Cerney Sailing Club at the West Lancashire Yacht Club 24-Hour Race
Published 11:53 on 1 Nov 2024
Over the weekend of Saturday 21st September, the South Cerney Sailing Club team took to the waters of the Southport Marine Lake for West Lancashire Yacht Club's much-anticipated return of 24-hour race. Competing in a GP14 dinghy, the team faced not only the challenge of endurance but also the spirited competition from teams sailing both GP14s and Enterprise dinghies. The team included Ali Wallace, Ava Roberts, Richard Burton (Burt), Charles & Nicola Barrett, Max Buswell, Malcolm James and Jonny Stevenson of the Handicap Fleet. Alex Atack and Ian Bartlett of the Solo Fleet. Then Will & Rosie Hancock from the Cadet squadron, whose parents Harriet and Jono were great support on the shore.
The excitement began on Friday evening with a festive gathering, allowing teams to connect and share their enthusiasm for the race ahead. It was a wonderful opportunity for camaraderie, setting a positive tone for the intense 24 hours that lay ahead. The evening's revelry proved to be an added challenge for some as dawn broke the following morning.
The race started at midday on the Saturday and ran through 24 hours until midday on the Sunday. To make the start line manageable for the 51 competing boats, they were broken down into groups of 10. With South Cerney starting in the third wave. Burt and Rosie kicked things off by starting the race with determination and enthusiasm. The strategy involved maintaining consistent speed and trying to use the features of the racecourse while avoiding picking up penalties and managing the fatigue that comes with such a lengthy event. Thank you to Jonny Stevenson, who generously donated his boat. The GP 14 held strong throughout the race, with the team skilfully navigating the course.
The team approached the event with a strategic mindset, breaking it down into more manageable two-hour stints for each pairing. This thoughtful division allowed them to maintain focus and energy throughout the marathon. Some competitors, navigating shifts under the cloak of darkness, faced additional challenges, but the team's careful planning ensured they could adapt and remain resilient in the face of night's uncertainties. The only sources of illumination were the port and starboard glowsticks on the boats and the intermittent flashing lights of the buoys, which created an eerie yet mesmerizing atmosphere. However, this limited visibility led to tense moments. The team experienced several close calls as they navigated through the inky blackness, relying heavily on instinct and communication. From the vantage point ashore, a few collisions were witnessed, highlighting the perilous nature of night sailing and underscoring the importance of vigilance and teamwork to avoid similar fates.
Action unfolded far beyond the water itself. When the time came for the crew to change, the boat would navigate to the transition zone, where a team member awaited with the incoming crew to seamlessly catch the vessel, facilitate the crew swap, and swiftly send them back on their way. These transitions between crews were impressively efficient, enabling rapid exchanges that maintained the team's momentum throughout the race.
Additionally, there was a designated team base at the water's edge, where participants gathered during moments away from sailing, seeking respite and camaraderie. A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to Nicola, whose unwavering support and generous provision of a gas cooker kept spirits buoyed and energy replenished. Her dedication made a profound difference, ensuring the team remained focused and motivated as they sailed on. Looking ahead, there are already dreams for next year, including a larger gazebo and expanding provisions to offer even more hot food and drinks, ensuring the team stays well-fed and energized for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Malcolm and Alex showcased incredible tenacity, thinking hard and pushing their limits right to the end to cross the finish line on Sunday. Despite the exhaustion that sets in during such a marathon event, the sailors persevered, displaying resilience and teamwork. After 24 hours of racing, they proudly crossed the finish line, securing 10th place overall and 2nd in the wavea testament to the team's hard work and determination. A huge congratulations to Budworth Sailing Club who beat the defending champion South Staffs Sailing Club to take overall victory in this year's race. The competition was fierce, and their performance was truly impressive! In addition to the team's respectable placements, South Cerney earned the coveted 'Kicking Strap Trophy,' awarded to the highest-placed team traveling over 100 miles that didn't win any other accolades. Each member played a crucial role in the success.
A big thank you goes to Alex and Jonny for their excellent administration throughout the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly. And that gratitude is extended to West Lancashire Yacht Club for hosting this fantastic race and providing such a welcoming environment for all participants.
As we reflect on our achievements, we're already looking forward to next year's edition of the race. Entry is open, and we encourage all interested sailors to join us for another thrilling adventure on the water. The spirit of sailing and camaraderie shone brightly throughout the event. Here's to more adventures on the water, pushing the limits, and creating unforgettable memories with the sailing family!
Last updated 11:53 on 1 November 2024