Bumper fleet prepare for the 100th Liverpool to Isle of Man Yacht Race
by Sam Kitteringham 1 Jul 2019 10:15 UTC
5 July 2019
The ISORA fleet leaving Liverpool in the ISORA Midnight Race © LYC
With over 40 entries, the 100th Liverpool to Isle of Man Midnight Race is set to be the biggest racing fleet to leave the Mersey in living memory, perhaps ever.
Ahead of the race, taking place this Friday 5th July, competing yachts along with over 250 amateur sailors, are heading to Liverpool from Southern and Northern Ireland, Wales and Isle of Man; with more than 20 yachts entering from the Liverpool Yacht Club and Tranmere Sailing Club alliance.
The race is being hosted by Liverpool Yacht Club and Tranmere Sailing Club, in association with Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association, Royal Dee Yacht Club and Douglas Bay Yacht Club.
The 100th race to the Isle of Man, will be starting from "The International Start Line" outside the Royal Albert Dock on the River Mersey, Liverpool at 2pm on Friday 5th July. A spectacular Parade of Sail around Royal Albert and Canning Docks is planned to commence at approximately 12:30.
There will be two courses incorporating the original 75 nautical mile Isle of Man course with an extended section for those wishing to complete the RORC race which has a minimum distance of 100 miles and will be a qualifying distance for races such as the Fastnet taking place later this year.
All Competitors will race for the opportunity to win the Grand Challenge Trophy, a magnificent cup, one of only four in existence. One other being given to the winner of the Australian Open Tennis Championship. While those completing the 100 nautical mile course will compete for "The Lyver Trophy", a beautiful Waterford Glass award. Other awards will be made to class winners.
Join us in witnessing the start of this historic race at Liverpool's UNESCO World Heritage waterfront near Royal Albert Dock from 12:30 on Friday 5th July.