Lymington Dinghy Regatta 2022
by Heather Chipperfield 12 Jul 22:38 PDT
9-10 July 2022
The Lymington Dinghy Regatta, hosted jointly by the Lymington Town SC and Royal Lymington YC took place on the 9/10 July, proudly supported by local companies Harken UK and Nick Cox Chandlery.
This event has developed in recent year to be a very popular opportunity for local sailors to race in bigger fleets of all the local classes against some high-quality visiting teams, including no less than eight reigning European and British champions. Once again it was a sell-out well before closing date, and it was great to see both clubs and the West Solent so busy again.
Over 100 dinghies sailed on two race courses, with a huge array of fleets as well as handicap starts for the local sailors in smaller fleets. The event included the Lightning Sea Championship, the D-One National Championships, and the RS500 & RS800 Rooster National Tour Events. All 9 fleets enjoyed a full weekend of thrilling racing in challenging conditions. The weather was amazing - hot sunshine throughout with enough sea breeze to get all the scheduled races in, with short postponements.
Of the 160 competitors, over half were visitors as the LDR has become an important date in sailors' calendars. The army of more than 70 volunteers from both clubs ensured a seamless and extremely enjoyable time was had by all.
Royal Lymington YC put on the Saturday evening dinner this year, with bar games making sure everyone was making a lot of noise!
Amongst the locals were many prize winners, including Luke & Emma McEwen, 1st RS800; Rob Claridge, 1st Lightning 368; Tim Hire, Rupert Stock & Abby Hire, 1st, 2nd & 4th RS Aero; Mark Jenkins Jauma & Raffy Seddon, 1st RS Feva; Howard Harbrother, 2nd D-One Nationals; Brian & David Earl, 2nd Fast Fleet; John Claridge & Pete Sunders, 2nd Medium Handicap; Rob Milledge, 4th Medium Handicap.
Full results are at www.ltsc.co.uk/2022-dinghy-results under 'Open Events'
More fabulous photos from Tim Olin at olinphoto.co.uk/index.php/2022/07/11/lymington-dinghy-regata-2022