Club History

 

A little history and some facts and figures....

The Club was founded by Captain G.J.F. Adams in 1928.

The first Clubhouse was a tin shed on the east bank of the Keyhaven River at the head of the estuary.

In 1935 the Mayor of Lymington opened a fine, architect designed, timber built Clubhouse on the same site.

In 1949 the timber building was moved to its present site on the west bank of the river where it now forms the central section of the present Clubhouse.

In 1993 the building was enlarged to increase the open floor area and to provide new showers and changing rooms.

In 1997 the Club applied for and received a Lottery Grant of £27,264 from the English Sports Council.

In 1998 by matching the grant with its own funds, the Club expanded its fleet of Support Boats and improved its facilities including the building of a much larger Gear Store.

In 2010 the Club incorporated as a Company Limited by guarantee

The Club's fleet of Support Boats consists of four RIBs and one diesel engine launch.

The overall membership of the Club is approximately 1500 (which is the current maximum which triggers a waiting list); with 1000 Family memberships, 250 Single memberships, 60 Students and 130 Cadets.

Between them, Members sail some 585 boats of different classes consisting of 154 Scows, 17 Wayfarers, 16 Lasers, 35 Cruisers, 28 Cadets, 28 Mirrors and 265 other sailing craft.

The General Committee manages the affairs of the Club, supported by the Sailing Committee and House Committee.

The day to day management of the Club's affairs and activities is the responsibility of the Commodore, supported by the Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore - Sailing, Rear Commodore - House, the Honorary Secretary, the Honorary Treasurer and the Club Administrator.

The Club is a RYA Training Centre for the training of helms and crews of Support and Power Boats. Responsibility for training is undertaken by three Club members who are RYA Qualified Instructors.

The annual sailing programme provides for Open Class & Scow racing, Junior sailing, Pottering, and Club cruising from April through to November. The Club has its own floating pontoon.

To encourage young people to sail, the Club owns four Optimist dinghies. With unique views of the Keyhaven River and the Solent and its friendly atmosphere, the Club Bar is a popular focus for all Members

The Club has its own small car park. There is limited parking for Members dinghies and tenders.

The Club leases all the land it uses for its premises, facilities and river access.

A Health & Safety Policy covers all aspects of the Club's activities.

A Club Newsletter is published three times a year supported by local advertising.

Cordial relationships are maintained with other Sailing Clubs and in particular with Twickenham Yacht Club, Yacht-Club de Barneville Carteret in France and our immediate neighbours, Hurst Castle Sailing Club. 

 Lectures on sailing, boat maintenance and other related subjects are given in the Clubhouse during the Winter months.

The Club enjoys an active social calendar including a Summer Ball, Launching and Laying-Up parties, Pot Luck Suppers and barbecues.

Finally, Members are rightly proud of their Club with its egalitarian character, enthusiasm for sailing and a tradition of enduring family ties.