Free have-a-go sessions at Lymington Afloat Festival Weekend, hosted by St Barbe Museum

WATER-lovers have the chance to tour yachts, power boats, dinghies and historical vessels as part of the Lymington Afloat Festival.

The celebration of the town’s 1,000-year maritime history has been masterminded by the St Barbe Museum, culminating with a festival weekend on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September. It will feature an array of hands-on opportunities including bookable slots to hop aboard a range of vessels at the Town Quay and harbour master’s pontoon.

Museum spokesperson Penny Curry said: “The town will be buzzing with a fantastic range of family-friendly activities, special events and unique opportunities to explore Lymington’s rich maritime heritage.

“Over the course of these two days, visitors can enjoy a Town Trail featuring special offers from local businesses, demonstrations, exhibitions, and interactive events, plus half-price entry into the Lymington Afloat exhibition at St Barbe Museum.”

For those with a love of the water, there is an opportunity to try out yachts, dinghies, power boats, rowing boats, kayaks, and paddleboards - all free! There will also be a chance to hop aboard some remarkable vessels moored at two pontoons. The boats will be accessible from 10am to 4pm each day with bookable slots on the St Barbe Museum website.

The showcase includes an RNLI Severn Class Lifeboat and the HDML MEDUSA, the first Allied warship positioned off Omaha Beach during the Normandy landings. Visitors can also see two WWII boats: the MGB 81 and the HSL 102.

Free have-a-go rowing and kayaking sessions will be offered by Yachtmail and the Lymington Rowing Club, and Puffin Cruises will also be offering discounted tickets.

At the heart of the festival is the Lymington Afloat exhibition at St Barbe, which highlights the river’s role in shaping Lymington’s social and commercial life over the centuries. To find out more visit www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk