Festive fun and fundraising for the RNLI
The Needles Relief was originally organised to provide Christmas relief to the crew manning the Needles lighthouse. Since the lighthouse was automated the Needles Relief Race has been run in support of the RNLI.
This event is organised by the Royal Lymington Yacht Club and the Royal Solent Yacht Club as a charity fundraising seasonal festivity. All Club members and their guests are welcome to sail or motor, race or cruise or take the ferry to this well-supported fun festive event at the Royal Solent Yacht Club. We encourage all who take part in Club racing or cruising, either regularly or occasionally, to participate.
Key dates and timings for Needles Relief Racers and Cruisers
Entries Open from: Monday 8th November
Latest date of entry for the race: Thursday 9th December at 16:00hrs
There will be a staggered start for racers from the Royal Lymington Yacht Club line, warning signal at 0855hrs; finish at the Royal Solent Yacht Club at the latest 1145hrs, before the lifeboats arrive.
The Notice of Race has been published and the Sailing Instructions will follow. Please note the location of the finishing line as a number of yachts have failed to cross it in the past!
Find full race details including NOR here
If you plan to cruise, meet in the Royal Solent Yacht Club before the start of the Lifeboat demonstration (subject to weather and operational requirements) at approximately 12.00hrs.
All crew members are asked to donate at least £1 per head ‘landing fee’ for the RNLI at the exit gate to the pontoons, as are those travelling by ferry - a box will be located at the entrance to the RSYC.
Please note that the harbour will not charge any mooring fees providing you have either a race or cruise ticket.
Lunch at Royal Solent Yacht Club
Lunch should be booked in advance at the Club Office or online (see link below) at a cost of £16.50. The menu is Fish Pie or Beef Lasagne (both served with crusty bread and salad) followed by a Winter Spiced Fruit Cobbler and Custard. Please book your lunches by Friday 3rd December, using the link below.
Presentation at the Royal Solent Yacht Club
There will be a presentation of prizes to the race winners, to commence at approximately 13.00hrs. All crews are encouraged to attend, even if not lunching at the RSYC. Gifts to the Yarmouth and Lymington RNLI crews and the Yarmouth Harbour Master will follow the presentation of the race prizes.
Booking and costs
All entry fees and the landing fee, both racing and cruising, form a direct contribution to our local Lifeboats in Lymington and Yarmouth.
For race entries, please complete the race entry form and pay £15 per boat to the Club Office where you will receive a ticket that entitles you to a free Yacht Berth at Yarmouth on presentation. Racers will also receive Sailing Instructions with their ticket.
Cruisers also receive a ticket with the same entitlement upon payment to the Club Office of £15. We ask also that cruisers and those travelling by ferry please complete the attendance form displayed on the noticeboard in the Club foyer.
Enter now!
Whether you intend to race or cruise to the Needles we strongly recommend that you BOOK TICKETS NOW!
* Find guidance how to register and log into the My Club Account booking system
here.