Scows have sailed on the Lymington River for over a hundred years! The first Scows were built in early 1900's and quickly proved successful as both a sailing and rowing dinghy. It was so ideally suited as a tender to larger yachts that many builders along the East and South Coast built Scows. It was also one of the first dinghies to change successfully from clinker to construction in glass fibre, with a smooth skin inside, and it is amazing just how many of these and their older clinker counterparts are still sailing today.
The virtues of the Scow remain the same today - you can sail, row, race, potter or even fit it with an outboard. The current version is now the Lymington River Scow built locally in GRP by John Claridge Boatbuilders. A Scow will last for years and will become a family favourite over many generations.
Over 200 of our members participate in our Lymington River Scow fleet, in more than 100 boats. This includes non-owners who join in our events and give the sailors great support at sea and onshore throughout the year. Any club member may join the Scow fleet and take part in activities. Members who don’t yet own a Scow can hire one of the two Scows owned by the Club, Valmai II and Praline.
The Scow Fleet organises events throughout the year, designed to provide something for every sailor to enjoy. A regular and active programme is organised including class racing and weekly potters (cruising in company) during the sailing season and talks, walks and suppers in the winter.
In addition to our club Scow Fleet, the Lymington River Scow Class Association organises events during the season.
Scow Potters take place on Thursdays from April until the end of October. A convivial morning sail accompanied by a support boat. In 2021 the Scow Potters start on Thursday 15th April and end on Thursday 28th October.
Click here to download a printable summary of key Scow events in the 2021 calendar.
The club organises race training and coaching for Scow sailors during the season.
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Entrants and Tally List.
See also how to enter online!
Reserve a table in advance to avoid disappointment.
Join our weekly racing with separate start for Scows!
We welcome new members throughout the year!
Scows Walks take place on Thursday mornings over the winter months, from the time the Potters stop in the Autumn until they start again in April. Walks are led by a different volunteer each week so start points and routes vary. Walks are mostly of one and a half to two hours’ duration. Usually, we gather in time for a 10:30 departure and finish at about 12:30 in time for a pub lunch. The ‘Strollers’ group, for those who wished to take part but cover a shorter distance than the ‘Striders', usually meet at 11:00 hours, take a shorter route and aim to be at the pub before 'Striders'.
Leaders are asked to give a good description of their walk so that members can decide whether the walk is suitable for them. Once a month we meet at the Club for a sea wall walk. The walks success depends on members being prepared to lead walks. Scow Fleet Members can request an e-mail notification of each walk. 2020/21 Season – Last walk Thursday 8th April 2021 2021/22 Season – First walk Thursday 4th November 2021
A series of talks and suppers during the winter. Details of each talk and supper evening will be posted here. Dates for your diary: Monday 1st November 2021 – Scow Division AGM and Annual Dinner Monday 6th December 2021 – Scow Christmas Cheer