Optimist Fleet
join our mini-racers, regatta fleet and main fleet in coaching, racing, and adventures
RLymYC Optimist Fleet
The Optimist dinghy is renowned worldwide, with 300,000 children in 120 countries sailing these boats. It boasts a competitive national and international racing circuit and is a supported junior class by RYA. Affectionately known as 'Oppies' or 'Optis,' these dinghies are credited with nurturing many sailors' lifelong passion for sailing and are famously referred to as the 'medal factory,' as 85% of sailors at the 2016 Olympics began in Oppies.
In Lymington, over 60 active Oppie sailors participate in approximately 75 training or racing activities annually. Sailors typically start in the Regatta Fleet at 8 years old, progressing to the Main Fleet as their skills develop. Royal Lymington Yacht Club has a strong history of success, winning the best Club prize at the 2019 Optimist National Championships. The club has produced several British National and Junior National Champions. The success of the Royal Lymington Optimist Fleet is attributed to its location, offering sheltered sailing on the river, expansive water at Oxey Lake, and challenging conditions in the Western Solent.
years of excellence
sailing events a year
New members annually
cruising awards won
Optimist Coaching
Club Squad Training will be for of Transition and Regatta fleets with the dates coinciding where possible with those dates of the RYA’s Regional Training Groups (RTG). This will be Saturday training with an optional ‘sailing clinic’ on the Sunday.
Open Training for Main, Transition and Regatta fleets across Saturday and Sunday.
Coached Racing will give sailors from all groups the opportunity to race together creating a larger fleet to practice on a busier start line and race course. This will be open to sailors training in Lymington through the winter as well as visiting Clubs (providing their own safety cover). The day will begin with Coach preparation ashore and afloat followed by racing. Racing will be offered on both Saturday and Sunday however it is not mandatory to attend both days.
Mini-Racers is for sailors who are new to the river and for those who would prefer to sail for a couple of hours on a Saturday morning each month. A great way to keep the skills learned over the summer fresh for the spring!
The training and clinic days will conclude with a hot meal at our Club restaurant, which will coincide with the Coaches’ debrief.
Parents are encouraged to volunteer helming or crewing the safety ribs. Rib helms are required to have RYA Powerboat Level 2 and the Club runs courses throughout the year, enabling interested parents in gaining this qualification (subsidised for Full/Family Members).
Optimist Coaching
Click here for more information and here for the latest Results.
Join our Optimist 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: Tom Finch/Dan Scott
- Head Coach: Hugh Styles (h2sailingteam@gmail.com)
- International Optimist Class Association: https://www.optimist.org.uk
Explore More JUNIOR & YOUTH ACTIVITIES
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.
Consent and Safety Documents
Junior Consent Form
Adult Helper Consent Form
Health and Safety
Further
Information
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.”
