Lymington: A Coastal Escape for Sailors and Sea Lovers
If you’re drawn to the water, whether for solitude, romance, or companionship, Stanwell House Lymington offers the perfect destination. Located between the New Forest National Park and the sparkling Solent coastline, this charming harbour town is a haven for sailing enthusiasts of all abilities. With a rich maritime heritage and a calendar bursting with regattas and races, it’s the kind of place where you can learn to sail, improve your technique, or simply enjoy the spectacle of boats gliding across the Solent. When you stay at Stanwell House, you’re right in the heart of it all – get ready to embrace the thrill of the open water!
Set Sail: The Best Yacht & Sailing Clubs in Lymington
Royal Lymington Yacht Club (RLymYC)
Overlooking the Lymington River, RLymYC is one of the South Coast’s premier sailing destinations. With access to 30 nautical miles of the Solent, it’s ideal whether you’re racing, cruising, or learning the ropes.
The welcoming, historic club offers RYA-sailing and powerboating courses, summer camps, family-friendly sessions and a Member Buddy system, making it friendly for newcomers. Even expert sailors can enjoy year-round race training, perfect for those preparing for an event.
Enjoy the club’s buzzing year-round schedule of social events or unwind on the terrace, bar and restaurant and enjoy a well-earned meal or drink in the clubhouse.
Lymington Town Sailing Club (LTSC)
For a more laid-back atmosphere, LTSC is perfect for casual sailing, social activities, and community events across a broad range of programmes. The club’s Saturday Sailing and Sunday Family Sailing sessions offer relaxed ways to get on the water, while groups like Dangerous Girls empower women of all ages to build their confidence on the water.
The club also partners with Salterns Sailing Club, where children from 4 to 16 years old can receive sailing instruction in a supportive, fun environment.
Whether you’re looking to race, cruise, or simply enjoy time together, Lymington Town Sailing Club is a fantastic place to explore the joys of sailing.
Salterns Sailing Club
Located on tranquil Eight Acre Pond, this youth-centric club has been nurturing young sailors aged 4 to 16 since 1960.
Established by Major Tony Hibbert MBE MC, the club’s mission is to teach children how to sail in a fun, safe, and challenging environment. Many of its alumni even go on to race nationally and internationally. The club’s idyllic location, surrounded by a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), creates the perfect environment for young sailors to hone their skills and develop a lifelong love for the sea, with an active racing programme which ensures that aspiring sailors have every opportunity to develop their skills.
Sailing Events That Define The Season
For active sailors and spectators, discover standout events that bring Lymington and the Solent to life:
Round The Island Race (7th June 2025)
One of the world’s largest yacht races, the Round The Island Race covers more than 50 nautical miles. Circumnavigating around the Isle of Wight, passing iconic landmarks, such as The Needles and St Catherine’s Point, there are over 550 boats set to race this year. Offering stunning views of The Needles and St. Catherine’s Point, it’s a thrilling day for sailors and spectators alike. For those wishing to watch the historic race from afar, there is even a TV channel, which launched in 2015, showcasing the event.
Lymington Dinghy Regatta (19th – 20th July 2025)
Co-hosted by RLymYC and LTSC, the Lymington Dinghy Regatta is a highlight of the summer sailing season. The weekend event attracts sailors from across the South Coast and beyond, where each fleet can partake in two or three races each day. With campsite facilities and a Saturday night social supper (reservation required), it’s a great chance to bring boating enthusiasts together.
Cowes Week (2nd – 8th August 2025)
Just across the water from Lymington, this legendary regatta is a must-see. Set during the summer holidays, it offers a spectacular week of racing and entertainment, drawing more than 500 boats, more than 5,000 sailors and over 60,000 visitors each day.
The regatta features a wide range of boats, from classic delights to leading racing yachts. Onshore, Cowes comes alive with street performers, open-air entertainment, and an eclectic buzz that continues well into the night.
Cowes Week is as much a cultural festival as it is a maritime sporting event. Expect lively pubs, waterfront performances, and a buzzing social calendar as part of its shoreside schedule.
The Battle of Britain Regatta (BoB) (12th – 14th September 2025)
Hosted by the Royal Air Force Yacht Club (RAFYC), this annual regatta is a standout event on the Solent sailing calendar, honouring history while celebrating community and sport.
Held every September to mark the end of the historic Battle of Britain, the weekend event brings together sailing with a sense of celebration. Think beer festivals, a BBQ on Sunday, vintage lawn games, and live music, ideal for a getaway with friends or a unique couples’ escape.
Featuring five races across a variety of classes, the event regularly attracts a competitive fleet, making it exciting for both sailors and spectators alike.
Choose Stanwell House as Your Sailing Base
With outstanding sailing clubs and internationally renowned regattas, Stanwell House puts you right in the action, with the picturesque New Forest and glistening Solent on your doorstep. Stay in chic accommodation, enjoy impeccable service, and after a day on the water, return to warm hospitality and locally inspired dining that reflects the best of land and sea.
Whether you’re searching for adventure, seeking a romantic coastal break, or gathering your friends for a sailing-filled weekend, Stanwell House is your anchor point for everything Lymington has to offer.
