Lymington Town Sailing Club (LTSC) elects Heather Chipperfield as their first female commodore hours after celebrating International Women’s Day

Within 24 hours of celebrating International Women’s Day, Lymington Town Sailing Club (LTSC) elected their first female commodore, Heather Chipperfield.

Chipperfield, the first woman to take the helm in the club’s 79-year history, has been a member for over 20 years, sailing dinghies and yachts at club level but also dinghy racing on the national and European circuit.

In 2015, she won the RS500 World Championships in The Netherlands 2015 with fellow club member Pete Barton.

Chipperfield has served as rear commodore of sailing at the club for two years and vice commodore for a year, so she’s well-placed to take on the role.

A colleague commented on Chipperfield’s appointment: “It’s great to see her have the opportunity to give something back to the sport and club she loves!”

When asked about her appointment, Chipperfield said: “I’ve visited hundreds of sailing clubs over the years and can only remember meeting one female commodore.

“As sailing is such a popular sport with both sexes, I’ve always found that surprising. I’m proud to be the first lady commodore of our club.

“At a recent AGM, three other women were also voted into the nine roles on the executive committee. Our election is a strong indicator of the positive trend towards diversity in leadership.

“Lymington Town Sailing Club promotes participation of all kinds, from everyone, and these appointments are a true reflection of our openness.”

Historically, leadership roles within UK-based sailing clubs have predominantly been held by men, with many established as male-only institutions back in the early 1900s.

Chipperfield added: “With the support of an excellent executive committee, I feel ready to take on this role for our great sailing club.

“I’m very optimistic, building on the fantastic legacy of being voted RYA Club of the Year 2023, we will continue to offer fabulous sailing, training and plenty of social opportunities for our members.”

Lymington Town Sailing Club offers membership to anyone with a love of or interest in sailing, regardless of skill or experience, with sailors aged six to 96 years old.

The club’s next open day is on the 29th of March. For more information, contact office@ltsc.co.uk or visit ltsc.co.uk