The rise of Lymington ARC at National Schools Regatta 2025
Lymington Amateur Rowing Club’s debut at The National Schools Regatta has seen them emerge from a relatively small club to achieving national recognition.
The National Schools Regatta was a first for Lymington ARC and from the outset, the commentators were thrown. The clubs distinctive blades sparked confusion.
“Lymington? That’s a new one on me”
Initially mislabelled as a club from the West, Lymington ARC quickly changed the narrative.
The turning point came during the Open J15 coxed four B Final, where Lymington’s crew delivered a composed and strategic race, charging through the pack to secure second place. The performance was praised for its maturity.
This crew’s journey to Nat Schools was particularly remarkable for the club. Two rowers had been rowing for less than a year, while the other three athletes were standouts on the coastal circuit in Hampshire and Dorset the previous season. The crew claimed gold at the Ball Cup in the Open J15 quadruple sculls before switching to sweeping and earning their 8th place finish at the National Schools Regatta.
It’s about the crew, not the boat! Credit: AllMarkOne
Their cox, Alex, is a legend of the club. Not only is he a break out cox on the beach sprint scene, he also coxes the club’s adult squads (and is in high demand for their local regatta this weekend)!
“A cracking finish from Lymington!”
By Saturday, the club was no longer an unknown entity. As the club won the Open Championship single sculls B Final, the commentators knew their blades – they emphasised that the sculler racing clearly had “no issues” with the conditions. No surprise for a club with coastal roots!
The performances at National School’s Regatta are a huge testament to the rapid development happening at Lymington ARC. Recently, the club welcomed Will Hetherington (a former Fulham Reach coach) who returned to his hometown to support the development of Lymington ARC’s young athletes.
