NEW Year’s Day will mark the 100th birthday of the Royal Lymington Yacht Club which is preparing celebrations throughout 2022 to mark the milestone.
Formed initially as the Lymington River Sailing Club, it boasts of producing Olympic gold-winning sailors, including Sir Ben Ainslie, Pippa Wilson and Sarah Gosling, and world match-racing champion Ian Williams.
“The club has come a long way in its 100 years, from a somewhat elitist organisation to one which nowadays embraces everyone active on the water,” a spokesperson said.
At the outset, members sailed everything from small dinghies to the biggest cruising and racing yachts, with many initially seeking the advice and skills of Dan Bran, a Lymington boat-building legend who had his shed near the seawater baths.
From Dan came the Lymington Pram which, together with the smaller Lymington Scow, were seen on the river for many years. Nowadays, the Lymington Scow is raced on the river in large numbers together with many modern dinghies.
XOD dayboats also continue to be raced, while Nordic Folkboats, J80s and cruiser racers contribute to a thriving keelboat racing scene.
But it is the junior sailing programme which is regarded by many at the club as its “jewel in the crown”.
Wednesday junior sailing began over 30 years ago as a community project and continues to be as popular as ever.
Its aim is to teach youngsters in a fun and engaging way everything from tying knots to sailing small dinghies.
New members are welcome and the club is hosting an open day on 26th March. Visit www.rlymyc.org.uk
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