Royal Lymington Yacht Club to host annual Project Crew Match

Project Crew Match at Royal Lymington Yacht Club © RLYC

The Royal Lymington Yacht Club (RLymYC) will be hosting its annual Open Morning and 'Crew Match' on Saturday 13 April from 10.00 13.00 at its Bath Road Clubhouse to introduce the fun of boating to a wider audience.

Everyone is welcome and no experience is necessary to join the RLymYC and take part in the huge number of activities on offer. Representatives from many areas of the Club will be on hand to show visitors around and a selection of members' boats will be available to view.

Crew Match, not quite the nautical equivalent of speed dating, is a relaxed and informal event with ample time for people to match their sailing experience, level of knowledge and racing ambition with Club Members looking for crew.

RLymYC Commodore Roger Garlick said: "Anyone interested in boating is encouraged to come along to our Open Morning. You don't have to be a member of a sailing club, just keen to participate in our sport. We are a very inclusive Club and delighted to 'match' the inexperienced but keen sailor with the right team. Many skippers are happy to train those with no sailing experience but genuine enthusiasm. I'm delighted to say that the majority of successful signings in 2018 are returning to enjoy competing in the 2019 Spring Series and Thursday Night Racing. We will also be showcasing other aspects of life at the Royal Lymington, both on and off the water, so to find out more about the Club please come along."

The RLymYC Thursday Night Racing is extremely popular with over 100 boats of all sizes, and crews of all levels of skill, competing against each other throughout the summer. The Club also offers plenty of weekend sailing, dinghy sailing, junior training and other race events for newcomers to enjoy.

On the water activities are known to enhance self-confidence, resilience, teamwork and leadership skills. Those signing up at the RLymYC on Saturday 13 April will have a unique chance to learn or improve their sailing or motor boating skills.

Being part of a crew requires no financial outlay apart from some waterproof kit. On the water competition is always taken seriously but the camaraderie and prize giving back in the bar afterwards is an equally important part of events.

Potential crew may register on the RLymYC crew register on its website rlymyc.org.uk/OnTheWater/Racing/Project_Crew_Match.aspx