Lymington Town Sailing Club in Lymington, New Forest, United Kingdom | Sailing

Welcome to Lymington Town Sailing Club, Lymington, United Kingdom. The LTSC Clubhouse was originally the Salt Water Bathing House built back in 1825, when a cold water bath would cost you just 6d. By the end of the Second World War the Bath House was in a derelict state and ready for demolition.

A forward-thinking local councillor suggested the building should be rented out as a headquarters for local sailors to attract the artisan class. Soon after, in 1946, the Lymington Town Sailing Club was formed. The membership, of around forty, who were now faced with the mammoth task of renovating the badly neglected Bath House, before any serious consideration could be given to matters afloat. During the war the building had been used by the Coastguard as a look-out post, but seagulls had left their mark. The gallant few spent their spare time acting as labourers. The old plunge baths were in such a mess that they were even deemed too dirty for storage and the old machinery and equipment was removed. These early founders built up a tremendous spirit of camaraderie, which still survives to this day.

Almost one hundred members joined in the first year and the Club's aims were laid down. In brief they were: to foster a love of Sailing and offer opportunities to increase knowledge of seafaring activities; to form a friendly club for those wishing to develop their skills and to provide help for boat maintenance and storage of gear.

Committee meetings were held in local hostelries until the members constructed their own bar under the staircase in 1948. To mark this occasion, one of the hostelries generously presented a free barrel of beer to the hardworking members.  Sunday racing soon became popular with Oxey Birds, a few dinghies, Rover Scout whalers and several fishing boats. In 1950 the Club joined in Lymington's 800th anniversary celebrations by re-enacting the French invasion of the town with some amusing ideas. By 1956 membership had risen to 480 and a rise in fees heralded clubhouse improvements - a ladies' suite and changing rooms and the Club took great pride as two members were selected for the Olympic Games. In this year the first Club race was staged to Alderney; this is still an annual event.

In 1961 the Club became Lymington Town Sailing Club Ltd., a company limited by guarantee and agreement was reached to lease the building and boat park. In 1971 £24,000 was raised to repair the building and add the Solent Room after the Council had agreed to a 28 year lease. Much of the repair work being done by the members. The following year saw the start of the LTSC Solent Circuit (Winter Series), which at its height attracted upwards of 148, before other clubs copied the idea.