Rally to Royal Yacht Squadron Tuesday 14th of October 2025
It seems such a long time ago now, but back at the beginning of August, members of the RlymYC Race Management team were running a number of the elements of Cowes Week. We had supplied Race Officers & teams, mark layers, safety boats and course setters and consequently a number of us were in and out of the RYS on a regular basis during the week.
In passing, one of the team suggested that we have a lunchtime rally to the Squadron for the RLymYC cruisers.
Quickly repurposing and shifting one of our planned cruises, we arranged for lunch on the 14th with 60 people and 17 boats, ranging from RHIBS to sailing yachts. We were blessed with a stable high pressure for the week, keeping the winds down and a cooperative tide meant a slight sea state and a comfortable ride to Cowes. Given some of the conditions we had "enjoyed" during Cowes Week, this was quite a relief.
On the way to Cowes we encountered the rather sad site of the sunken yacht between Lymington and Beaulieu, now marked by "new wreck" marks. How long it'll survive in the tides around this area is anyone's guess, but there is quite a lot of mast above the water but not much else to see – you have been warned!
On arrival at Cowes, we were split between the Squadron Haven, Trinity Pier and Cowes Yacht Haven as was quite a challenge to fit us all in.
Before lunch a tour of the Castle was provided and proved to be immensely popular and very interesting.
Lunch started with a welcome drink followed by a three course meal in the Squadron's Pavilion with views across the water to Southampton.
We were handsomely looked after by the team and staff at the Squadron and the food was superb.
We returned to Lymington in the later half of the afternoon, tied up alongside a couple of hours before sunset.
Our thanks go to the Royal Yacht Squadron for their warm welcome and excellent lunch, especially Emma the Events Manager and our own Peter Saxton for hosting us at the Squadron.
By Jonathan King – Capt. of Motor Boats