Lymington Dinghy Regatta 2021
by Heather Chipperfield 8 Jul 2021 07:22 BST
3-4 July 2021
Lymington Dinghy Regatta 2021 © Coolhat Photography
The Lymington Dinghy Regatta, hosted jointly by the Lymington Town SC and Royal Lymington YC took place on the 3/4 July, proudly sponsored by local companies Harken UK and Nick Cox Chandlery.
This event has developed in recent year 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 it was a sell-out well before closing date, and it was great to see both clubs and the West Solent so busy again.
Over 100 dinghies sailed on 2 race courses, with a huge array of fleets as well as handicap starts for the local sailors in smaller fleets. All 9 fleets enjoyed a full weekend of thrilling racing in challenging conditions. The weather was sometimes typical July, but also everything through to typical January: including rain squalls, sunshine, chop, larger waves, some calm patches and shifts but mostly a full workout in a solid 15-20knots south westerly.
Of the 160 competitors, over half were visitors as the LDR has become an important date in sailors' calendars, and everyone was glad to return after the 2020 event had to be cancelled. The event had extra complexities due to current Covid restrictions, but the army of volunteers from both clubs ensured a seamless and extremely enjoyable time was had by all.
Lymington Town SC put on the Saturday evening dinner this year, and a socially distanced barbeque and bar in the evening sun was a pleasurable scene for sailors and shore parties alike. And a 4-0 score helped the atmosphere!
Amongst the locals were many prize winners, including Richard Lilley, 2nd RS700; Richard Keeton, 4th RS700; Peter Barton, 2nd RS Aero 7; Giles Chipperfield, 1st, D-One; Jenny & Emma Bennett, 2nd Medium fleet; Sarah Richard & Nigel Wakefield, 4th Medium; Harry West, 1st Slow fleet; John & Maria Claridge, 1st Seafly Nationals; Abby Hire, 3rd RS Aero 5, Duncan Ward & Nigel Walbank, 2nd & 3rd in Fast fleet; Luke & Emma McEwen, 2nd RS800.
Full results are at rlymyc.org.uk/afloat/Racing/lymington-dinghy-regatta