Needles Relief Race – A Timeless Tradition
Saturday 12th December 2026
OFFICIAL NOTICE BOARD
REGISTER CRUISING BOAT
BOOK LUNCH AT ROYAL SOLENT YC
Join us for one of the Solent’s most cherished annual traditions, followed by a lunch at the Royal Solent Yacht Club. This special event is an opportunity to show our appreciation to the Lymington and Yarmouth RNLI crews for their outstanding dedication and service throughout the year.
The Needles Relief Race dates back to the 1960s, when Brian Macnamara and Dave Kennett, then Coxswain of the Yarmouth RNLI lifeboat, began the heart-warming tradition of delivering gifts to the keepers of the Needles Lighthouse. Although the lighthouse has been automated for nearly 30 years, the tradition lives on, bringing the sailing community together in a spirit of goodwill, camaraderie and gratitude to the RNLI.
Racing will start from Lymington from 09:00, with two handicap classes competing on courses through the Western Solent, finishing at Yarmouth.
Following racing, everyone is invited to the Royal Solent Yacht Club for Prize Giving at approximately 12:30, including the presentation of gifts to the lifeboat crew and Harbour Master, followed by a delicious two-course lunch.
Lunch Menu – £26.50 per person
Main Course – Choice of:
- Lasagne al Forno
- Creamy Fish Pie
Both served with a dressed green salad and oven-baked crusty bread and butter.
Dessert:
Additional dietary requirements can be accommodated on request.
Entry Fees & RNLI Donations
The racing entry fee is £35 per boat, to cover the cost of prizes and gifts.
Cruising members are welcome to join the festivities and make a donation to the RNLI as a 'landing fee' on the dock. Those travelling by ferry are also welcome, with a donation box available at the entrance to the Royal Solent Yacht Club.
There will be no harbour mooring fees for either racing or cruising boats, so all participants are encouraged to make a donation to this very worthy cause.
Racing entries close on Tuesday 8th December at 16:00.
Whether you're racing, cruising or joining us by ferry, we hope as many members as possible will come along to enjoy this wonderful festive tradition, support the RNLI and celebrate the end of another sailing year together!
OFFICIAL NOTICE BOARD
REGISTER CRUISING BOAT
BOOK LUNCH AT ROYAL SOLENT YC