THERE’S no doubt that West Yorkshire is landlocked but when it comes to sea-based competitions we’re the tops!

Despite the distinct lack of coastline, when members of West Yorkshire Fire Service head off to the Solent at the end of the month they will do so as reigning UK Firefighters’ Sailing Challenge champions.

They will defend their title over three days of intense racing against about 30 other teams from brigades from across the country.

West Yorkshire is entering four yachts – each one 40ft long – crewed by eight people, almost all either firefighters or retired firefighters.

Darren Bagley, in charge of Red Watch at Huddersfield Fire Station, has been organising the challenge for the last six years since the previous organiser stood down.

During his time in charge his teams have won the title in 2009 and 2012.

The 46-year-old father-of-two said: “What makes this quite exceptional is that most of the other brigades are from coastal regions, mainly from the south coast. Hampshire are always a strong threat.

“Our success lies mainly with our skipper, Peter Crowther, who, with over 40 years’ dinghy racing experience, has transferred his expertise seamlessly to a bigger scale.”

And he revealed that there is precious little opportunity for practice, adding: “We just have one day’s practice down there.

“We don’t get together and practice at all beforehand. Having said that 80% of us have been sailing before.”

He joked: “We are usually the last out of the pub and first over the finishing line.

“And with Peter at the helm we have every confidence we can do the business again this year.”

Certainly, the event is not for the faint-hearted.

Darren, who acts as navigator, added: “Last year one of our yachts had to be accompanied by the Air Sea Rescue into Cowes harbour following an accident when the boom hit one of our crew members, Paul McCartney, breaking his collar bone and knocking out three teeth.”

The West Yorkshire crews have used the event to raise thousands of pounds for charity bringing in corporate support and guest managing directors, who sail with them.

Darren added: “This year we have managed to double our support from companies to four.

“Each company contributes directly to our chosen charities.

“The sailing itself is funded from our own pockets – £325 – though the brigade sports and social club pays £75 towards the cost plus fuel claims.

“We are delighted to have gained the kind support from Craig Leslie of the Woodman Inn, Thunderbridge, who I know from school, Mike Gallagher of nationwidebathrooms.com, Chris Lee of Lucas Lee and partners chartered surveyors, Huddersfield, and Kevan Davey of Concerto support services Cheshire.

“Our chosen charities are Yorkshire Cancer Research, for which we have raised £11,000 over the last six years, and Huddersfield Downs Syndrome Support Group.

“We have raised nearly £15,000 in total over the last six years for charities.”

The link for the event, which runs from April 30 to May 2, is www.ukfsc.org.uk

Anyone who would like to donate money to the charities involved should see: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WYFSCharitySailingTeam