Visitors take top spot at 24 hr race

Teams sail in relays through the night on a 1.85 mile long course over 24 hours non-stop.

Coleraine Yacht Club is the only sailing club to run a race of this kind in the whole of Ireland.

The winning team was a mixed GP14 Association team from Newtownards, Sligo and Lough Foyle Yacht Clubs.

Junior racers from 13 years of age pit their wits against adult racers as young as 72 years of age!

There was a prize awarded to the winning junior team, who were all from Coleraine Yacht Club.

This year for for the first time, there was an all-female prize, which was won by a group including Coleraine Yacht Club sailors.

Teams from Coleraine Yacht Club (CYC) that took part have had the benefit of lots of training in preparation for the event.

CYC supports local sailors throughout the year with training and racing every weekend, winter and summer.

Those new to sailing can use CYC boats – you don’t have to own a boat or know anything about sailing to join.

The 24-hour race is Coleraine Yacht Club’s flagship event, and has been running on the Bann since 1969.

Commodore Brian Holmes said “It’s terrific for Coleraine to be able to welcome teams from all over Ireland. It really helps to raise the profile of the area as an activity sport destination.”

Coleraine Yacht Club is a thriving sailing club, located at Coleraine Marina.

The Club trains and races all year round, both on the River Bann and at sea at Portrush.

There is a full programme of summer courses to encourage both adults and young people to take up sailing.

This summer for the first time, the Club will offer a women-only Women on Water course.

Everyone is welcome.

More information can be found at http://www.coleraineyachtclub.co.uk/