Overview
The Royal Lymington Yacht Club sits on the west bank at the mouth of the Lymington River, looking out over the western Solent; it was formed in 1922 from a river sailing club of 1914 and became 'Royal' in 1938. It is an RYA Training Centre with one of the largest junior and youth sections of any UK club, and runs dinghy racing for Lymington River Scows and handicap fleets in the river, keelboat and cruiser racing under IRC and the Lymington Handicap from its starting platform, and points series for its fleets of more than 40 XODs, over 20 J/80s and Nordic Folkboats. The waterfront has a crane for boats up to 9.2 m and 2 t, a launch service to members' river moorings and short-stay members' pontoons; the slipway is run by the Lymington Harbour Commissioners.
- Founded
- 1922
- Federation
- Royal Yachting Association
- sail@rlymyc.org.uk
- Phone
- +44 1590 672677
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreHere JRCC Fareham – the app switches centre as you move, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Midsummer Keelboat Regattatwo-day keelboat regatta in the western Solent; 27–28 June 2026
- Duo Seriesdouble-handed race series in the western Solent on selected days May–September
- XOD Points SeriesX One Design points series, late April to late October
- Nordic Folkboat Points SeriesFolkboat points series, May–September
- Keelboat club seriesthe club's evening cruiser series, late April to September, under IRC and the Lymington Handicap
- Scow Trophy RacesLymington River Scow trophy races (Alexina, Hinxman and Captain's trophies)
- Pottership Racehandicap race for the Pottership Trophy, presented in 1937; October
- Club Champion of Champions Racewinter race between the season's class champions
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1914The Lymington River Sailing Club is formed, then suspended during the First World War
- 1922The Lymington Yacht Club is formally founded; members first meet at 'Blakes' on Undershore Road
- 1924The club is incorporated
- 1937The Pottership Trophy is presented, still raced for every autumn
- 1938In November King George VI commands that the club be known as the Royal Lymington Yacht Club
- 1970s–1999The club runs the Royal Lymington Cup, the leading match-racing event of its day, modelled on Long Beach's Congressional Cup and the first to bring on-the-water umpiring to British waters
- 1989A great flood destroys most of the club archives
Location
- Position
- 50°45.26′ N 1°31.72′ W
50.75436, -1.52859 - Address
- Bath Road
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: RYA Training Centre courses (dinghy, keelboat and powerboat).
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: JRCC Fareham 999. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Royal Lymington Yacht Club founded?
In 1922.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Midsummer Keelboat Regatta, Duo Series, XOD Points Series and Nordic Folkboat Points Series.