Lymington Yacht Haven launches club for those without boats

A NEW boat club has been launched at Lymington Yacht Haven offering the chance to use a fleet of high quality new motorboats for a fixed annual fee.

The boat club concept, which is growing in popularity in the UK, offers a flexible way to get on the water without the responsibilities of boat ownership.

For £8,000 a year (inc VAT) – with a £1,000 saving for the first ten to join - members of the new Lymington Boat Club will get unlimited use of its fleet, which includes three new boats - a 6.5m Gemini RIB, a Merry Fisher 695 and an Axopar 28 T-Top. Training is also included, and the only other cost is the fuel used.

Marina director Rupert Wagstaff believes Lymington Boat Club will offer the most complete and luxurious service for customers wanting a relaxed boating experience.

“Our aim is to offer everything you’d want for a day on the water,” he said. “From fishing equipment and tuition, to hiring stand up paddleboards or inflatable toys for towing.

“Our fleet will be fully-serviced, immaculately maintained and fuelled up so customers can simply step aboard and go boating.”

Rupert believes the boat club concept will satisfy the needs of a large group of potential boaters not knowing how to get on the water, or not wanting the long-term commitment of boat ownership, revealed by a recent British Marine study.

“As well as re-engaging former boat owners who want a more flexible use of a boat, the Lymington Boat Club will aim to make it much easier for new boaters to get on the water,” he said.

“As part of our club, members will be given their RYA Level 2 Powerboat training, a one-to-one induction on the fleet, all the safety equipment they’ll need and the chance to join cruises to popular Solent destinations so they can learn to navigate around the Solent.”

The club is the second launched by Yacht Havens Group after the launch of Plymouth Boat Club in early 2018.

After a successful first year, the Plymouth club recently expanded with a new XS 650 RIB joining the fleet for members to use.

Lymington Yacht Haven has 650 fully serviced berths for yachts up to 25m and offers extensive free parking, boatyard services, chandlery and a convenience store. Bike and electric car charging is available, while The Haven Bar & Restaurant offers stunning views and food & drink seven days a week.

Many other services are also available on-site, including marine engineers, marine electronics, yacht maintenance and repairs, rigging specialists, yacht charter companies, yacht brokerage and new boat sales.