Lymington Dinghy Regatta 2026
by Heather Chipperfield 24 Jun 01:15 NZST
20-21 June 2026
Lymington Dinghy Regatta 2026 © Tristan Jones / Nautipics
The Lymington Dinghy Regatta, hosted jointly by the Lymington Town SC and the
Royal Lymington YC took place on the 20/21 June, proudly supported by local
company Harken UK.
Lymington Town SC celebrates its 80th Anniversary this year,
so was particularly pleased to welcome so many visitors to this fun and friendly event.
This event has developed over the years 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.
Once again, we were almost at our 120-boat entry limit, with 180
sailors and 70 visiting teams.
An eager fleet of dinghies started launching on Saturday as a sea mist rolled in.
Action was postponed until we could, at least, see the Isle of Wight, then launching
recommenced and the fleets gathered ready to start racing, as the mist came and went.
The boats sailed on two race courses, with a huge array of fleets as well as handicap
starts for the those in smaller fleets.
The event included the ISO Nationals, RS100 &
RS800 Rooster Tour, and Lightning 368 Sea Championship. All seven fleets got in three
good races in light and mentally-challenging conditions with the tide turning during
the afternoon.
The day was rounded off with supper and lively chat at Lymington
Town SC.
Sunday's scheduled start of 1030 was never likely to happen and the fleet enjoyed
breakfast and more chat in the sunshine whilst awaiting the sea breeze.
This
materialised and, whilst calmer than normal, allowed for the excellent Race Officers,
Rob Martin & Gary Barnett and their teams to get in the two remaining races of the
event.
The army of more than 70 volunteers from both clubs ensured a seamless and
extremely enjoyable time was had by all. The teams were rewarded by plenty of
smiling faces.