Within 24 hours of celebrating International Women’s Day, Lymington Town Sailing Club (LTSC) were electing, voting in and celebrating their first Lady Commodore, Heather Chipperfield. The first woman to take the helm in the club’s 79-year history.

On the banks of Lymington River, LTSC is a popular and active hub for local sailing enthusiasts. Heather’s been a member for over 20 years, sailing dinghies and yachts at club level, but also dinghy racing on the National and European circuit – winning the RS500 World Championships in The Netherlands in 2015 (with fellow LTSC member Pete Barton).

Heather has been Rear Commodore of Sailing at the club for two years and Vice Commodore for a year, so she’s extremely well placed to take on the role. Commenting on Heather’s appointment a colleague said, “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 Heather said: “I’ve visited 100’s 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 LTSC, since its inception in 1946.

“At our 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 within LTSC specifically and in UK sailing clubs generally. LTSC promotes participation of all kinds, from everyone, and these appointments are a true reflection of our openness.”

Historically, leadership roles such as the Commodore in UK sailing clubs have predominantly been held by men; many sailing clubs were originally established as male-only institutions back in the early 1900s with women typically excluded from maritime sports, resulting in few women having the necessary experience for leadership roles within sailing clubs.

Today there is much work going on within the sailing industry to embrace and promote diversity and inclusion. And LTSC are keen to celebrate it. Heather 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 6 to 96 years old. Situated on Lymington River and within walking distance of the town centre, the club offers excellent year-round sailing opportunities, modern facilities and one of the best balcony views in town. The club also welcomes those keen on the social side of a sailing club, with its varied and vibrant social calendar. The next Open Day is on 29 March 2025, all welcome.

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