Land yacht regatta on St Annes beach celebrates 60 years of FISLY, the International Land and Sand Yachting Federation

The mini-yacht regatta was held on the sands at St Annes on Saturday and Sunday, just days after the new Beachcomber cafe at the £300,000 redeveloped North Beach Wind Sports Centre opened.

Once finishing touches are complete, the new centre will soon become the modern HQ for the Kite Surfing Club and Land Yacht Club – and it was clear from the weekend’s events that it will be a great asset for the sports.

The regatta formed part of St Annes Land Yacht Club’s celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of FISLY, the International Land and Sand Yachting Federation.

It was also the first round of the 2022/23 British Federation of Land and Sand Yacht Clubs championships.

First place was handed to Chris Wright, followed by Ian Dibdin who scooped the second prize and was also presented with an award for 60 years’ dedication to land yachting.

Ed Inglis took home third place in the regatta contest.

Keith Ecroyd, chairman of St Annes Land Yacht Club, said: “The was the first regatta of the season. There will be eight regattas throughout the season to choose the international team to go forward for the Europeans 2023, which is on St Annes beach in October next year.”