Home / News / Spring Sailing on the Beaulieu River 8th May 2026

Spring Sailing on the Beaulieu River 8th May 2026

Published 19:09 on 14 May 2026

A new rally for 2026 saw crews enjoy a memorable Friday-to-Saturday run from Lymington to Buckler's Hard, with the aim of experiencing the beauty of the Beaulieu River before the summer crowds arrived and while the spring birdsong was at its best. It certainly did not disappoint.

BLUE KALOO departed the Lymington River at 9:30am in bright sunshine and a moderate north-easterly breeze. With sails up on a rising tide, conditions quickly improved and, just outside the river, the wind increased to around 18 knots, giving us some excellent sailing.

LOCH AVEL set off from the Keyhaven River with Corrine and Richard aboard, slightly behind us but visible in the distance under sail.

Near the wreck in the Solent, we were greeted by a brightly coloured cruising chute and a cheerful wave from Peter Holt, kindly warning us of the wreck as we continued on our way.

The sunshine stayed with us throughout the passage, and after an enjoyable sail we arrived at Buckler's Hard at 12:45pm, mooring up in time for a light lunch in the sunshine while awaiting the others.

LOCH AVEL arrived shortly afterwards and expertly glided alongside despite the challenging tide.

By 5pm, plans were firmly established for the summer picnic in the covered area at Buckler's Hard. TEAL and QUERENCIA, our local boats, joined us with provisions, while Derek and Joy drove across to be part of the evening too. Later, Richard's wife Mary arrived with the teenagers school and work permitting along with a couple of their friends. A very enjoyable evening was had by all.

We woke early the following morning to a magnificent if rather loud dawn chorus at 6am as the sun rose over the river. Seizing the moment, we enjoyed a spectacular walk into Beaulieu before returning for breakfast using the excellent new facilities at Buckler's Hard.

After breakfast, the boats departed in convoy down the river. TEAL headed off to Newtown Creek for another picnic stop, while the remaining boats returned towards Lymington. The sunshine continued, although there was unfortunately not quite enough wind for ideal sailing conditions.

We arrived back in Lymington for a 1:30pm disembarkation after a thoroughly enjoyable rally.

A wonderful event that we hope to repeat next year and hopefully with even more boats joining us.

Tony and Sally Harris