FIRST LONDON REGATTA TAKES OT THE WATER

Over 70 boats recently took part in the inaugural London Regatta on the Thames. Both able bodied and disabled sailors from RYA Training Centres on the river competed in what is to become an annual regatta. Racing was timed to coincide with the test closure of the Thames Barrier reducing the effect of the strong tides. The aim of this exciting people s regatta is to enable sailors with disabilities and able bodied sailors to compete on an equal basis, raising awareness and the profile of sailing opportunities in the capital. Greenwich Yacht Club hosted the regatta supported by the London Nautical School Community Sport Programme and London Summer of Sport 2006, the RYA and RYA Sailability. Trophies were kindly donated by HSBC and O2.

After a cloudy start for the first race, the second afternoon race was held in glorious sunshine accompanied by the infamous fickle wind experienced on the Thames. Sailors of all ages enjoyed the freedom of the river battling it out from Greenwich Yacht Club down to Greenwich Nautical school in Omegas, Stratos, Access dinghies, Martin 16 s, Goss 16 s, Artemis 20 s and Laser Pico s.

Vice Commodore, Mary Brown, of Tideway Sailability commented:

The regatta was such a triumph as an integrated club we all appreciated the joy and excitement of sailors of all abilities competing together on the river at last. The Club is now buzzing with a new spirit to learn new skills and test themselves further.

Jo Mawby, RYA Sailability Regional Development Office for London added:

This was an exciting event one of the great successes was the fact that people with a variety of disabilities took part and integrated successfully with able bodied sailors. The regatta provided a great level playing field for all sailors to compete against each other in the middle of London - we have already started planning the London Regatta 2007.

For more information on where to go sailing in London please contact Guy Malpas, Regional Development Officer at guy.malpas@rya.org.uk or Jo Mawby, Sailability Development Officer at jo.mawby@rya.org.uk