Royal Lymington Potterers Visit Keyhaven 16 July 2026
Published 09:22 on 3 Aug 2026
A steady 10 knot northerly and a flood tide greeted 8 scow sailors and their accompanying three RIBs from Royal Lymington Yacht Club as they entered the Solent on their way to Keyhaven last Thursday 16th July. They reached the mouth of Hawkers well before the noon rendezvous, but the welcoming party from KYC anticipated this and were there to greet them at the mouth of Hawkers.
The combined fleet of eighteen scows plus a Wanderer from Hurst Castle Sailing Club then sailed up Hawkers to the main Keyhaven River. They then took a scenic route through the Northwest Passage, south into Mount Lake, and then a satisfying beat back up to the main Keyhaven River and westwards to the KYC clubhouse. For anyone who has only ever seen our stretch of water from the shore, this is a route worth taking with its mudflats, saltmarshes and bountiful wildlife.
The background of Hurst Spit can often look like the edge of a desert rather than a protective wave barrier
The fleet arrived and moored on the pontoon about 12.00 in plenty of time for lunch.
Lunch was taken in the KYC garden, in glorious sunshine with the temperature up in the high 20s necessitating rehydration from the bar. Commodore Stuart Rowney gave a warm welcome speech to our visitors, and the garden was full as club members mingled with their guests.
Getting off the pontoon directly into the north easterly wind provided some challenges for helm and their crew on departure. Some improvisation was required but all boats were safely rigged and had left by 2.00pm for the return sail to Lymington.
It was good to see some old friends from Lymington, and just as good to see new pottering faces from Keyhaven out on the water. A particular mention for Rhona Clopp, who took the helm for her first outing as skipper. This is exactly the kind of quiet confidence-building initiative that keeps this fleet growing. If you've been thinking about giving pottering a try, days like this are the best way to learn under the watchful gaze of our support boat crew.
Thanks to everyone who turned out to sail, escort, pour and welcome and to RLYC for making the trip. We look forward to returning the visit to Lymington on Thursday 13th August. Sign up now by clicking here.
