London Regatta 2010 a success in Greenwich

by Clive Reffell on 10 Sep 2010 London Regatta saw 48 boats from sailing clubs across the capital converged on Greenwich Yacht Club on Sunday 5 September to take part in London’s biggest dinghy racing event of the year.

This was the Regatta’s fifth year at Greenwich, taking advantage of the annual test closure of the Thames Barrier which creates non-tidal conditions on the up-river side towards London. This allows competitors to race in open water of the River Thames without needing special qualifications or tidal water experience.

Three courses were laid out between the Thames Barrier and the O2 Arena and competitors were grouped according to class of boat. The first of a series of races on each course began at 10 a.m. and continued through to around 1.30 when the Thames Barrier was raised.

Wind conditions were a consistent Force 3, gusting to Force 4, which was enough to cause a few capsizes among the lighter boats. The largest group of boats was the 23 entries in the Bosun class, which was won by Greenwich Yacht Club’s Alan Soper.

Steve Wilson, GYC Dinghy Section Captain, said: 'Once again this was a fantastic day of competitve and enjoyable sailing. We are already liaising with the Port of London Authority to have the Thames Barrier closed for the full day next year. This should encourage more entries and make it an even bigger event.'

The London Regatta is a partnership between the RYA, RYA Sailability, Greenwich Yacht Club and the London Nautical School.

Overall winners by boat class were:

Bosun - Soper
Fevas - Charlie Stannard
Gos - Andy Hussey
Picos - Andrew Ktenas
Topper - Callum Dixon
Vision - Jason King

For more information, please go to: www.greenwichyachtclub.co.uk