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JUNIOR AND YOUTH

OUR JUNIOR AND YOUTH DIVISION IS AMONG THE LARGEST OF ANY YACHT CLUB

JUNIOR AND YOUTH SAILING AT THE ROYAL LYMINGTON YACHT CLUB

At the Royal Lymington Yacht Club, we’re proud to support young sailors of all abilities with a range of fleets, including Shipmates, Mariners, Optimists, RS Teras, 420s, 29ers, RS Fevas, and ILCA (Lasers). Whether your child is just starting out or already competing at the highest levels, there’s something for everyone in our thriving junior and youth sailing community.

Many of our young members compete on national and international racing circuits, including Open Meetings, National Championships, and even European and World Championships. Others prefer to stay closer to home, participating in our friendly and inclusive Club Racing events.

Our award-winning Wednesday Junior Sailing programme offers an incredible opportunity for children aged 8 to 18 to learn to sail under the guidance of dedicated club volunteers. With a structured programme that progresses from beginner to advanced levels, this initiative has helped many young sailors achieve remarkable success—some even representing their country and competing in the Olympics!

Join us and discover the joy of sailing in a supportive and inspiring environment!

Wednesday Junior Sailing

WJS is a community based sailing scheme open to all 8 to 18 year olds who live or go to school in the Lymington area. No previous experience is needed to participate or to volunteer. Our aim is to let children have fun on and off the water while learning valuable life skills. Over the years, several WJS novices have gone to become Internationally recognised professional sailors, after finding their passion early on.

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OUR JUNIOR AND YOUTH FLEETS

RLymYC 29er Fleet

The 29er is a fun, fast and exhilarating boat to sail. This high performance skiff is a two person, single trapeze dinghy with an asymmetric spinnaker. Fully battened sails, with a self tacking jib, supported on a composite tipped mast make the 29er dynamite downwind. The 29er is a great boat to transition into after learning to sail in one of the junior classes.

Although the design was originally targeted to youth sailors as a feeder class to the Olympic 49er, the 29er is a super class on its own merits. The optimal combined crew weight is considered to be 120 to 145kg, but is by no means limited to that span.

RLymYC 420 Fleet

The 420 is a fun, exciting trapeze boat to sail whether you want to learn your trade as a helm or a crew. From tuning and trimming your sails, planing upwind and developing great team work, the 420 develops a range of skills that will stand you in good stead whatever sailing you go on to do. Racing locally, competing on the youth circuit in the UK or traveling abroad - the opportunities to get on the water are endless.

RLymYC ILCA (Laser) Fleet


The Laser class is perfect for young sailors transitioning from junior classes to single-handed boats. Starting with the 4.7 rig around 50-55 kg, sailors can then progress to the Radial sail and eventually the Standard rig. The club offers a laser for trial use before purchasing. The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) oversees Laser racing globally and recently authorised new manufacturers to build ILCA-compliant boats. This boat, retaining all Laser design features, is now known as the ILCA due to trademark considerations.
The Laser/ILCA is a versatile boat for all ages, from juniors starting with the ILCA4 to Masters over 75, making it one of the most widely raced adult classes worldwide, with a strong national and international racing circuit and RYA support for youth sailors.

RLymYC Mariners Fleet

The Mariners, a new addition to our Junior and Youth programs, caters to adventurous young sailors interested in cruising. Designed as a natural progression from Shipmates, Mariners targets Junior sailors aged 8+ with RYA Level 2 or equivalent experience, particularly those seeking more time on the water, without a competitive edge, or lacking confidence.

The program's focus is on providing on-water adventures and fun, coupled with seamanship and knowledge development. It aims to instill teamwork, sportsmanship, self-reliance, and confidence—skills essential for life. The emphasis is on enjoyable adventures, acquiring new skills, and fostering social interactions.

Activities include wildlife observation, tides and local navigation knowledge, safety at sea, star and celestial navigation, compass skills, model sailboat building, and learning about shipwrecks. The Mariners is a parent-led, highly social group, offering activities like treasure hunts, orienteering, camping trips, family day cruises, sailing challenges, and more.

RLymYC Optimist Fleet

The Optimist dinghy is renowned worldwide, with 300,000 children in 120 countries sailing these boats. It boasts a competitive national and international racing circuit and is a supported junior class by RYA. Affectionately known as 'Oppies' or 'Optis,' these dinghies are credited with nurturing many sailors' lifelong passion for sailing and are famously referred to as the 'medal factory,' as 85% of sailors at the 2016 Olympics began in Oppies.

In Lymington, over 60 active Oppie sailors participate in approximately 75 training or racing activities annually. Sailors typically start in the Regatta Fleet at 8 years old, progressing to the Main Fleet as their skills develop. The club has produced several British National and Junior National Champions. The success of the Royal Lymington Optimist Fleet is attributed to its location, offering sheltered sailing on the river, expansive water at Oxey Lake, and challenging conditions in the Western Solent.

RLymYC RS Feva Fleet


The Royal Lymington Yacht Club RS Feva Fleet is a growing fleet, with young sailors transitioning from both the Optimist and RS Tera pathway into this excellent double-hander. A number of Lymington helms and crews have been selected for the RYA Regional Training Groups, which have replaced the previous National Squad and Class Squad.

Regular training takes place throughout the season, including over the winter months and sailors are encouraged to take part in the club’s regular evening races. The club has four boats available for members to hire, which can be used for training or racing.

RLymYC RS Tera Fleet

The RS Tera is a fast, fun and safe single-hander for children. From entry level fun up to international competition the RS Tera makes sailing addictive! The RS Tera comes in two specifications: Sport (Dacron sail for durability) and Pro (battened Mylar sail for more power). There is also a mini-sail with a reduced sail area for smaller sailors and a Race pack for youngsters wishing to compete.

Our Tera Fleet is active throughout the season with regular coached training and racing opportunities.

RLymYC Shipmates

Ahoy! Shipmates allows the younger Members (age 10 and under) of your family to join in with Club life and to share some great time on the water with their friends. Sailing in Scows with experienced sailors and accompanied by safety boats, the Shipmates set off on numerous adventures throughout the season, including a sail to picnic at Tanners Lane beach. Ice creams on return to shore are a frequent theme and paddle boards often taken to add to the fun.

In addition, after school sailing sessions take place on some Fridays during the sailing season, helping the children to learn the local area around the Club, as well as learning to sail. These sessions are followed by kids tea in the Club.

Head Coach - Hugh Styles

The club has a dedicated Head Coach, Hugh Styles, previously British Sailing Team's coach of the year in 2019. Hugh has coached at all levels, including the Olympics with the British Sailing Team for both the foiling Nacra 17 and Laser Radial classes. He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm to the role.