Liverpool Yacht Club (LYC) and Tranmere Sailing Club (TSC) have announced the 100th Isle of Man Midnight Race on Friday 5 July.

The century race to the Isle of Man will start from the international start line outside the Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool, and a spectacular Parade of Sail around Royal Albert and Canning Docks is planned to commence around 12.30pm.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnson, President of the Liverpool Yacht Club and Tranmere Sailing Club alliance, said: “The 100th Liverpool to the Isle of Man race is the cause of a major celebration, not just for the club but for yacht racing generally.

“Yachting was becoming more accessible 100 years ago and offshore races were an inevitable development, and the Liverpool [Bay] Yacht Club [in 1907] was right up there setting an example before the Fastnet Race was introduced.

“This coming fifth of July will be an important date for the club and for Irish Sea yachting when the 100th race starts. We hope for a large fleet and a fast and exciting race to celebrate the initiative of the founders and to provide a good start to the second century.”

Yachts and their crew from all over the Irish Sea and surrounding areas are invited to join the prestigious event, which was won last year by leading ISORA boat Mojito.

There will be two courses incorporating the original 75-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, one of only four such trophies in existence (another is given to the winner of the Australian Open Tennis Championship).

And those completing the 100 mile course will compete for the Lyver Trophy, a beautiful Waterford Glass award. Other awards will be made to class winners.

Sir Robin noted that “our sport is becoming noticeably much more inclusive” and in this spirit LYC/TSC are also encouraging vessels either sail or powered to cruise in company with the race and join in the socials at Liverpool Marina on Wednesday 3 July, a pre-race social at Revolución de Cuba, Liverpool on Thursday 4 July (contact [email protected]) and the race final celebration at Douglas Bay Yacht Club on Saturday 6 July.

LYC Commodore Neil Thomas said: “Join us for some of the very best racing in the Irish Sea, plus some amazing craic afterwards!”

The Isle of Man midnight race is hosted by the LYC/TSC in association with the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association (ISORA), Royal Dee Yacht Club (RDYC) and Douglas Bay Yacht Club (DBYC).

If you are interested in participating in the race itself, contact [email protected] for race entry information.