Our celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the launch of the first Contessa 26, and thus the whole Contessa family, are scheduled to kick off with a Contessa weekend in Lymington, 24th-26th April, 2026.
Members, Friends & Families, and all Contessa Owners — Past and Present — are invited to join us.
Highlights include a tour of the Jeremy Rogers boatyard on the Saturday afternoon followed by a dinner at the Royal Lymington Yacht Club. There will be plenty of opportunity to have a look at members’ boats, for technical chat and sailing stories.
We are delighted to invite you to Lymington to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Contessa 26, the home of the Contessa and the place where it all began. We have planned an exciting weekend and we very much hope you can join us, whether by boat or by land!
Friday 24th April — Informal meal — The Fisherman's Rest
We start the weekend with a relaxed evening, a chance to reconnect with old friends and make new ones over good food and in great company.
If you would like to eat at The Fisherman’s Rest, please contact them direct to book your seat at the table: https://www.fishermansrestlymington.co.uk/
Saturday 25th April 3pm — Jeremy Rogers Yard Tour & Coffee/Tea & Flapjack
Come and see where it all started with a guided tour of the current Jeremy Rogers Yard; the very birthplace of the Contessa 26. A truly special opportunity to meet Simon Rogers, the MD of the yard.
Saturday 25th April — Anniversary Dinner at Royal Lymington Yacht Club
Join us for a celebratory dinner at the Royal Lymington Yacht Club (RLymYC), Bath Road, Lymington. Welcome drinks from 6:30pm, dinner at 7:30pm. Dress code smart casual. Book here:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/RoyalLymingtonYachtClub/Contessa2660thAnniversaryDinner
Sunday 26th April — Dan Bran Pontoon – Chat and Sail / Race
A chance to chat and share ideas about Contessas and, weather permitting, set out for a sail in company. Or you could join the Royal Solent YC morning racing off Yarmouth: https://www.royalsolent.org/on-the-water/sailing-instructions/ https://form.jotform.com/210603039615346
Your Boat!
Sail to Lymington for the weekend! Mooring is available at the Dan Bran Pontoon. Book directly with the Harbour Master and pay on the day, or book online quoting Contessa 26 rally:
Harbour Master direct: 01590 672014 Online booking: https://lymingtonharbour.co.uk/
N.B the Lymington Harbour website includes extensive useful visitor information.
This promises to be a truly special celebration, and we hope to see as many Contessa 26s as possible - and their crews and friends of the class. Whether or not you can bring your boat, please do come and join us. The first 50 currently paid-up members to book will receive a free commemorative bulkhead plaque! We look forward to welcoming you!