Team from 9th Lymington Explorer unit win a top prize at the National Sea Scout swimming gala at HMS Raleigh in Plymouth

A TEAM from the 9th Lymington Explorer unit was jubilant after winning a top prize at the National Sea Scout swimming gala at HMS Raleigh in Plymouth.

Competitors from all over the UK took part in the event, which involved a weekend of swimming races, a rescue rope pull contest, and team building challenges.

The six-strong Explorer team from Lymington won the Explorer Cup, for which they had to qualify in a heat to race in the final.

Each member gained either a first, second or third place in their respective final, as well as winning the medley relay overall.

Not content with that victory, they also won the rope pull competition, finishing an amazing 16 seconds ahead of their nearest rivals.

The Honor Explorer Unit are part of the 9th Lymington Scout group (RN62), which comprises beavers, cubs, sea scouts and explorers.

Meeting weekly, they enjoy various activities including kayaking, sailing, power boating, and paddle boarding, hiking, camping, and navigation.

They also work towards a raft of badges, culminating in the prestigious Kings Scout Award. The explorers also undertake Duke of Edinburgh challenges.

A major fundraiser for the Sea Scout group is the famous boat jumble, which took place on 16th March at the Scout hut on Kings Saltern Road.

Any donations can be dropped into either the Harbour Commissioners Office, Lymington Yacht Haven, Lymington Town Sailing Club, Royal Lymington Sailing Club, or Keyhaven Yacht Club.