Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Royal Lymington Yacht Club on 23rd September to celebrate the Club's much-loved Wednesday Junior Sailing programme and mark the Grand Finale of its 2026 season.
End-of-Season Royal Celebration
Lymington Yacht Haven was delighted to join the Royal Lymington Yacht Club's end-of-season Wednesday Junior Sailing celebrations as Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the Club to mark another successful season on the water.
As headline sponsors of Wednesday Junior Sailing since 2002, we're incredibly proud to support a programme that has introduced generations of local children to sailing, friendship, teamwork and confidence on the water.
More Than 40 Years of Wednesday Junior Sailing
For more than 40 years, Wednesday Junior Sailing, affectionately known as WJS, has given local children the opportunity to get out on the Lymington River in a safe, welcoming and affordable environment.
From April through to September, around 100 children take part every Wednesday, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers both ashore and on the water. Remarkably, participation still costs just £1 per child, traditionally including a hot chocolate and doughnut after sailing.
The programme's continued accessibility is made possible through the combined efforts of the Royal Lymington Yacht Club, volunteers, supporters and sponsors, all working together to help local children experience the enjoyment and lifelong benefits of being on the water.
During her visit on 23rd September, Her Royal Highness met young sailors, volunteers, Club members, sponsors and supporters before heading out onto the Lymington River to see Wednesday Junior Sailing in action.
WJS Grand Finale and Prize Giving
The visit culminated in the WJS Grand Finale and Prize Giving, where young sailors were recognised for their achievements throughout the season and volunteers were thanked for their invaluable contribution to the programme.
Among those receiving awards was eight-year-old Tali Sebbage, who was presented with the Jolly Roger Trophy, an award which perfectly captures the enthusiasm and spirit at the heart of junior sailing at the Club.
The occasion also provided an opportunity to recognise the volunteers who give their time and make the programme possible, including Jane Corden, who led the volunteer team throughout the 2026 season and played a central role in its successful delivery.
"Wednesday Junior Sailing is something the whole Club can be enormously proud of. Its success belongs to the remarkable team of volunteers who make it happen. Every Wednesday the children get out on the water, build confidence, make friendships and, we hope, develop a lifelong love of sailing."
- Sally Kalis, Commodore, Royal Lymington Yacht Club
Proud to Support WJS
Lymington Yacht Haven has proudly supported Wednesday Junior Sailing for more than two decades, helping ensure local children continue to have access to affordable opportunities on the water.
Many of today's sailors, instructors, racers and boat owners first discovered their passion for sailing through programmes such as WJS. The programme's success over more than 40 years is a testament to the commitment of the Club, its volunteers, families and supporters, and we’re proud to play a small part in helping it continue.
"Having our Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, with us to see WJS in action and celebrate our young sailors is a very special way to recognise everything they have achieved this season and the volunteers who make it possible."
- Sally Kalis, Commodore, Royal Lymington Yacht Club
Supporting Royal Lymington Yacht Club
Alongside our support for Wednesday Junior Sailing, Lymington Yacht Haven berth holders can also benefit from an exclusive Royal Lymington Yacht Club membership offer, providing access to Club facilities, social events and an active sailing programme.
To find out more, contact Maria, Membership Secretary at Royal Lymington Yacht Club, or apply online through the Marina Membership scheme.
01590 672677
membership@rlymyc.org.uk