Lymington River Scows

Lymington River Scows

handicap
systems

The club Race Team can use the following handicap systems:  IRC, YTC and LAH which are explained and compared below.
IRC
YTC
LAH
Stands for:
International Rating Certificate
Yacht Time Correction
Lymington Adjusted Handicap
How does it arrive at a rating:
By detailed information about and measurement of the yacht key data
By less detailed information about and measurement of the yacht basic data
By analysing each boats performance each time it is raced
In other words:
The “Gold Standard” rating ideal for performance yachts
The “IRC Lite” version for cruising yachts that are also raced
A variable system that allows slower and faster boats a more equal chance to do well
Does the rating vary:
Each boat has a rating assuming it will race with a spinnaker and a second “White Sail” rating – see below
The same as IRC
The same as IRC
How transparent is the rating:
Very – all the declared boat data can be found HERE
Very – all the declared boat data can be found HERE
Less so – the rating is performance adjusted by Sailwave software an explanation can be found HERE
Notes:
YTC and LAH are not the same thing
LAH use a start rating for any boat that has not raced – this is the YTC rating but only at the start
Time Correction Factor (TCF or TCC):
The bigger the rating the “faster” the boat.


Corrected Time = Elapsed Time * IRC

An Elapsed Time of 60 minutes gives:
The bigger the rating the “slower” the boat.

Corrected Time = Elapsed Time * 1000 / YTC


An Elapsed Time of 60 minutes gives:
The bigger the rating the “faster” the boat.

Corrected Time = Elapsed Time * LAH


An Elapsed Time of 60 minutes gives:
1.100
01:06:00
1100
00:54:33
1.100
01:06:00
0.900
00:54:00
0900
01:06:40
0.900
00:54:00

Lymington River Scows

Scows have sailed on the Lymington River for over a hundred years! The first Scows were built in early 1900's and quickly proved successful as both a sailing and rowing dinghy. It was so ideally suited as a tender to larger yachts that many builders along the East and South Coast built Scows. It was also one of the first dinghies to change successfully from clinker to construction in glass fibre, with a smooth skin inside, and it is amazing just how many of these and their older clinker counterparts are still sailing today.

The virtues of the Scow remain the same today - you can sail, row, race, potter or even fit it with an outboard. The current version is now the Lymington River Scow built locally in GRP by John Claridge Boatbuilders. A Scow will last for years and will become a family favourite over many generations.

notice of race and online entry

Entries open
Thursday 1st February
Last date for entry to the series with reduced entry fee
Friday 8th March
Last date for entry to the series
Monday 15th April
Last date for entry to a race
09:00 on Race Day

Important Documents

Welcome to the hub for all crucial documents and updates related to the upcoming regatta. Here, you'll find everything you need to know and prepare for the event. Whether you're a competitor, volunteer, or spectator, these resources are essential for staying informed and engaged throughout the regatta.

Accessing and understanding these resources is vital for a successful and enjoyable regatta experience.

Show Gallery Event
Participants shall be guided by the RYA document Sailing & Racing in Mixed Households and by the control measures outlined in the Royal Lymington Yacht Club risk assessments for Dinghy Sailing and SUP, Pontoon and On The Water Activities and Clubhouse Operations.

Royal Lymington Yacht Club Scow Fleet

Over 200 of our Members participate in our Lymington River Scow fleet, in more than 100 boats. This includes non-owners who join in our events and give the sailors great support at sea and onshore throughout the year. Any Club Member may join the RLymYC Scow Division and take part in activities. A copy of the Division's Constitution may be found by clicking on the following link.  Members who don’t yet own a Scow may hire one of the two Scows owned by the Club, Valmai II and Praline.

Great boats + a crowd of friendly people = fabulous sailing + loads of fun!

The Scow Fleet organises events throughout the year, designed to provide something for every sailor to enjoy. A regular and active programme is organised including class racing and weekly potters (cruising in company) during the sailing season and talks, walks and suppers in the winter.

In addition to our Club Scow Fleet, the Lymington River Scow Class Association organises events during the season.

Lymington Scow Potters

Scow Potters take place on Thursdays from April until the end of October. A convivial morning sail accompanied by support boats. In 2024 the Scow Potters started on Thursday 18th April and will end on Thursday 24th October. Click here for Scow potters launch times.

Scow Training

The Club organises race training and coaching for Scow sailors during the season. For more information speak to the Scow Fleet Captain, Vince Sutherland

Join our shipmates,kids sail free

We encourage families to join our club. Our family subscription includes free membership for children under 18 when both parents join.

Regular Scow Racing

Monday Evening Dinghy Racing

Monday Evening Dinghy Racing takes place from April to September at 18:00, with five class starts of which two are specifically for the Lymington River Scows. There are regularly over 30 Scows afloat split into two fleets, with the keener competitors sailing in Gold and those who are looking for a less intense racing experience opting for Silver. The key thing is that the competitors choose for themselves in which fleet to race.

The season is divided into two series – the early series from April to June and the late series from June to September. In addition, we organise an Autumn Series for Scows every Monday evening in September at 17:00.
More information

Lymington River Scow Racing

In the summer on three Tuesday evenings there are a series of three short races, followed by a Figure of Eight Race in August:

Click here for more info

  • Hinxman Trophy: Tuesday 14th May 2024
  • Alexina Trophy: Tuesday 18th June 2024
  • Captain’s Trophy: Tuesday 16th July 2024
  • Figure of Eight Race: Sunday 01st September 2024

Results

Hinxman Trophy
Alexina Trophy
Captain's Trophy
Figure of 8

EVENT PHOTOS 2022

EVENT PHOTOS 2023

35+

Years of Excellence

100

Sailing Events
a Year

500+

new members annually

10

cruising awards won

Royal Lymington Yacht Club Scow Fleet

Over 200 of our Members participate in our Lymington River Scow fleet, in more than 100 boats. This includes non-owners who join in our events and give the sailors great support at sea and onshore throughout the year. Any Club Member may join the RLymYC Scow Division and take part in activities. A copy of the Division's Constitution may be found by clicking on the following link.  Members who don’t yet own a Scow may hire one of the two Scows owned by the Club, Valmai II and Praline.

Great boats + a crowd of friendly people = fabulous sailing + loads of fun!

The Scow Fleet organises events throughout the year, designed to provide something for every sailor to enjoy. A regular and active programme is organised including class racing and weekly potters (cruising in company) during the sailing season and talks, walks and suppers in the winter.

In addition to our Club Scow Fleet, the Lymington River Scow Class Association organises events during the season.

Lymington Scow Potters

Scow Potters take place on Thursdays from April until the end of October. A convivial morning sail accompanied by support boats. In 2024 the Scow Potters started on Thursday 18th April and will end on Thursday 24th October. Click here for Scow potters launch times.

Scow Training

The Club organises race training and coaching for Scow sailors during the season. For more information speak to the Scow Fleet Captain, Vince Sutherland

Regular Scow Racing

Monday Evening Dinghy Racing

Monday Evening Dinghy Racing takes place from April to September at 18:00, with five class starts of which two are specifically for the Lymington River Scows. There are regularly over 30 Scows afloat split into two fleets, with the keener competitors sailing in Gold and those who are looking for a less intense racing experience opting for Silver. The key thing is that the competitors choose for themselves in which fleet to race.

The season is divided into two series – the early series from April to June and the late series from June to September. In addition, we organise an Autumn Series for Scows every Monday evening in September at 17:00.
More information

Lymington River Scow Racing

In the summer on three Tuesday evenings there are a series of three short races, followed by a Figure of Eight Race in August:

Click here for more info

  • Hinxman Trophy: Tuesday 14th May 2024
  • Alexina Trophy: Tuesday 18th June 2024
  • Captain’s Trophy: Tuesday 16th July 2024
  • Figure of Eight Race: Sunday 01st September 2024

Results

Hinxman Trophy
Alexina Trophy
Captain's Trophy
Figure of 8

EVENT PHOTOS 2022

EVENT PHOTOS 2023

Dine with Us

Open to visiting sailors, members and their guests, our family friendly restaurant, bar and sun terraces enjoy world class views of Lymington River and the Solent.  Locally sourced ingredients, discounted members prices and a relaxed atmosphere await your visit.

Explore More JUNIOR & YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Explore detailed information about each fleet by clicking the links below. Each link will direct you to a dedicated page where you can learn more about the specific fleet, its history, specifications, and more.

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racing video
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scow activities

The Royal Lymington Yacht Club has a full fixture list with racing for all every week. Boats from Yarmouth regularly join us to swell the number of boats coming to the start line.

heard what our members says

Great night last night in particular the junior supper was a huge hit. Lots of great feedback on the lasagna, a good-sized portion, tasted delicious and well presented. Please can you pass on to the chef and his team!

On 3rd August we held our Red Fox Annual General Meeting and Annual Dinner at the Royal Lymington Yacht Club. The whole event was a great success. Within days of appointing a new chef you produced an excellent menu for the dinner and arranged facilities for our AGM. You and your staff were always very efficient and friendly, and it all made for a very enjoyable evening. We showed our appreciation by doubling the normal gratuity.

We had an excellent Sunday lunch. Please warmly congratulate Darren, your new chef!

On behalf of myself and my family, we just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone involved in my father’s wake on Friday. It was utterly perfect, and I truly think he would have loved it. Please pass on our thanks to the lovely staff and yourself who made it run so smoothly. The weather was simply stunning, and the drinks went down a little too nicely!

The Burns Night was brilliant!  Many thanks to yourself and the team for doing a huge amount of work to make it a great success!  Everything was perfect!

I thought I would drop you a line to say 4 of us had very delicious sandwiches at the Club on Friday lunchtime. They were perfect for what we required – having popped into the Club for a glass of wine and a quick bite to eat.

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