Laser (ILCA) Fleet
available for those sailors who would like to try the laser before committing to a boat
RLymYC Laser (ILCA) Fleet
The Laser class is perfect for young sailors transitioning from junior classes to single-handed boats. Starting with the 4.7 rig around 50-55 kg, sailors can then progress to the Radial sail and eventually the Standard rig. The club offers a laser for trial use before purchasing. The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) oversees Laser racing globally and recently authorised new manufacturers to build ILCA-compliant boats. This boat, retaining all Laser design features, is now known as the ILCA due to trademark considerations.
The Laser/ILCA is a versatile boat for all ages, from juniors starting with the ILCA4 to Masters over 75, making it one of the most widely raced adult classes worldwide, with a strong national and international racing circuit and RYA support for youth sailors.
years of excellence
sailing events a year
New members annually
cruising awards won
Lymington Youth Lasers
The Lymington Lasers have over the years produced some excellent sailors, counting a number of British National Champions, and many come back to help with the coaching which is regularly organised.
In 2020, sailors from the Royal Lymington Yacht Club achieved 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the 4.7 British National Championships, 1st and 2nd in the 4.7 U16 British National Championships and 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the UKLA Laser Ladder Series Championship.
Lymington Youth Lasers welcomes sailors transitioning from Optimists and Teras. The aim of the RLymYC Laser 4.7 Fleet is to give knowledge and confidence to sail a technically challenging and rewarding single-handed dinghy, to sail it well, to make friends, to have fun and develop lifelong skills that are common to many aspects of sailing.
Laser Coaching
Our aim is for the sailor to be a self sufficient with the Laser and the 4.7 rig as quickly as possible, and thus join in with the Intermediate flight once certain guiding criteria have been met. Our assumption is that all sailors joining the Transition flight are coming from other junior classes (e.g. Optimist, Tera, Topper) and parents vouch that their child is a capable single-handed dinghy sailor to the equivalent of at least RYA level 2.
Our aim is to equip sailors with the knowledge and skills to be able to compete for mid fleet results by the end of the season, should they want to. There will be some reliance to continue their development away from the RLymYC 4.7 Fleet; this may include other club regattas, youth series or general social sailing, and is all about getting ‘time on the water’.
We would expect the Experienced sailors to be clear in their own mind when they’re likely to have outgrown the 4.7 rig, and ready for the next challenge.
Parents are encouraged to volunteer helming or crewing the safety ribs. Rib helms are required to have RYA PB2 and the Club runs courses throughout the year, enabling interested parents in gaining this qualification (subsidised for Full/Family Members).
Our aim is to identify those 1% performance improvements that become critical as the sailor moves up the performance curve. For some, this will mean competing regularly and targeting top third finishes, and that there is a degree of self-help both on and off the water. For others, it will be about just being technically proficient.
Laser Racing
Join our Laser (ILCA) Fleet
- Discounted family membership rates
- Children under 18 join for free with family membershipBenefits include subsidised coaching, full use of club facilities, access to dinghy storage parks, club boats, and SUPs for hire
- Discounted rates for training coursesInclusion in adventure sailing and social programmes
- Full members enjoy waterfront facilities like overnight mooring, launch service, boatmen services, and discounted crane use
- Join us to learn more about membership opportunities
- Children can join as Junior Members
- Annual subscription cost is equivalent to a buoyancy aid
- Benefits include slightly subsidised coaching
- Contact Fleet Captains via email for more information or to join the RLymYC Oppie Fleet WhatsApp group
- Club office can be reached at 01590 672677
- Fleet Captains: Fanny Rogers, Kevin Coster, Becky Hutchinson
- Head Coach: Hugh Styles (h2sailingteam@gmail.com)
- International Optimist Class Association: https://www.optimist.org.uk
Please do get in touch with the Laser Fleet Captain by email if you would like to find out more about Laser sailing in Lymington or to join the RLymYC Laser Fleet WhatsApp group, or call the club office on 01590 672677.
Consent and Safety Documents
Junior Consent Form
Adult Helper Consent Form
Health and Safety
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.
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hear what our members say
“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.”
