Yacht Club revives 24 hour race

The 24 hour Dinghy Race has been revived during the club’s 50th anniversary. The race is renowned for the large number of teams competing and the camaradie throughout the endurance event.

The first such event was run in 1969 and thereafter annually until 2000.

Commodore Ivan Campbell said, “The Coleraine Yacht Club is very excited about this year’s activities in its 50th Anniversary, particularly the 24 hour Dinghy Race.

“This race could not happen without the generous sponsorship of our main sponsor RiverRidge Recycling, a local waste management company, whose ethos is firmly rooted in improving the environment for all. Mr Brett Ross, Managing Director of RiverRidge Recycling, has taken a personal interest in the race and has been of great support.”

Other kind sponsors include The Autoline Insurance Group and Greers of Antrim, the Volvo car agent, based in Antrim.

The Coleraine Yacht Club RiverRidge Recycling 24 hour Dinghy Race has received popular acclaim throughout the sailing fraternity in Ireland. The event will see classes for Lasers, Toppers and Fevas as well as Junior and Cadet racing.

It is thought that many sailors who remember the race with fondness will enter teams of “old codgers”!

“Although this is serious dinghy racing there is a fun aspect to the weekend and many sailors have very happy memories of the fun weekends they enjoyed at ‘the 24 Hour Race’,” concluded Commodore Campbell.

The race will be run on June 15 to 17 this year. The start gun will sound at 2pm on June 15 and the finish will be the first boat to cross the line at or after 2pm on June 17.

There will be entertainment ashore and aplenty for the competitors and their shore crew from the Thursday night right through to the prize giving on Sunday afternoon.

Brett Ross, Managing Director of RiverRidge Recycling, said, “Sport is such an important part of our vibrant local community and RiverRidge Recycling is delighted to be making a positive contribution and impact in the lives of all of those in the local area.”