Sedbergh sailing conquer 24-hour endurance race

A team of 8 sailors battled the testing conditions, along with the inevitable sleep deprivation, to complete the 24-hour hour endurance race hosted by West Lancashire Yacht Club, on the Marine Lake at Southport.

Held every year in the month of September, the 24-hour endurance race first started out in 1967 and was primarily for University teams. It has since grown to be one of the top ten races to enter. The two sailing clubs based at the lake first held the event in 1967, to celebrate the centenary of the Borough of Southport. Since then the race has been held annually and this will be the 53nd year. The overall winner of the race is awarded the Southport Centenary Trophy. However, there are many races within the race with over thirty trophies to be won. Every team that finishes the race receives a distinctive shield to mark their achievement and to display in their home Clubhouse.

Setting off in sunny and clear conditions, the conditions soon deteriorated as the day turned to night. With winds gusting upwards of 30knots, all pupils showed tremendous grit and determination to face the conditions being thrown at them. Each pupil embodied the spirit of Sedbergh; working brilliantly as a team to collectively overcome their adversities.

Throughout the course of the event, as numerous other teams retired due to the poor conditions, the Sedbergh team gritted its teeth and pushed on. As the winds began to settle and become lighter, Louis (E) and Rowan (H) produced some brilliant sailing, recording an excellent lap time.

As the time ran down on the epic event, the Sedbergh team had recorded a second-place finish in the Lark class and were first place school – All whilst placing 12 positions higher than they had last year. A brilliant effort by the following pupils; Cpt Walter (H), Louis (E), William J (SH), William S (SH), Matilda (C), Rowan (H), Sam (E) and managed by Sedbergh Sailing Coach and CCF Contingent Commander, MP Ripley.

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