The clocks have gone back, the pontoons are thinning out, and the Solent is quieter. If you ask us, we think this makes it one of the best times of year for boat club members to be out on the water.
Autumn boating has a different vibe than the summer thrills of racing and crowds. It’s about picking somewhere to visit, and we have some great suggestions to help you. Across the water in Yarmouth, there are a range of autumn festivities to get involved with.
What’s on
- Thursday 5 November, Firework Night: This is an annual event, drawing crowds from across the island and mainland to enjoy fun free evening entertainment. The torch lit procession through the streets starts at 6pm, with local businesses getting involved by displaying their homemade Guy Fawkes figures in shop windows; followed by a firework display on the common.
- Firework Night Supper: Fancy supper after the procession and fireworks? The Royal Solent Yacht Club have you covered. Gather in the square to follow the evening’s action and then head back to the club for a warming 2 course supper.
- Make it special: choose a Finnmaster and cruise over before sunset, to get settled for the night and relax knowing you don’t need to sort the journey home; just enjoy and make the most of the evening and boat club membership.
- Wednesday 11 November, First Wednesday Talk: Have you heard about the maritime rescue that took place in December 1993? This was a perilous mission just off the Needles, that was featured on the BBC 999 films. Learn firsthand accounts from Lifeboat crew members how they succeeded to rescue all aboard.
- Sailing Winter Series events until 20 December: Sunday racing series 1 ends on 7 November with series 2 starting on the 7th and running until 20 December. Set against the backdrop of the notoriously challenging yet breathtaking Solent waters, it’s a brilliant test of tactical sailing, endurance, and boat handling against cold winds and fast-moving tides.
Planning a winter passage
If a full evening afloat isn’t your thing, pick the Sunday racing or the lifeboat talk and be home by mid-afternoon. And if you’d like somewhere quieter once you’re across, our Secret Solent post has a few ideas.
Autumn is the season when the Solent gives you back some space. Go and enjoy it.
If you are not yet a member and would like to discuss all the benefits of joining Lymington Boat Club, please call us on 01590 607444 for an informal chat.
