Date set for London's biggest competitive sailing event
by Clive Reffell 7 Sep 2013 13:06 BST
6 October 2013
London Regatta 2010 © Malcolm Hazelton
The biggest competitive sailing event of the year for dinghies in London and the South East is on Sunday 6 October at Greenwich Yacht Club.
Over 100 entries are expected from a number of London-based clubs and sailing centres. This year the London Blind Sailing Association at Erith is also involved. Fully-able and less-abled sailors will compete together on the same courses.
The annual test of a full closure of the Thames Barrier from 8am to 8pm that day will make the River Thames a temporary non-tidal waterway with no through traffic.
This means dinghy sailors without the Royal Yachting Association Tidal Endorsement qualification can enjoy a once-a-year experience of competitive sailing on the Greenwich stretch of the River Thames.
Races for different classes of boats will take place simultaneously on a number of courses laid out between the Thames Barrier and the O2 Arena at North Greenwich.
GYC welcomes further entrants in the London Regatta. All competitors must be members of an RYA-recognised sailing club or centre. Enquiries can be e-mailed to Race Director Hal Andrews at .
Non-sailing spectators are welcome on the day at Greenwich Yacht Club, Peartree Way, London SE10 0BW to watch the action. Refreshments will be available, though parking will be severely restricted. Directions are available at www.greenwichyachtclub.co.uk/contact/finding-us.
Further information on the club
Greenwich Yacht Club is located between the O2 Arena in North Greenwich and the Thames Barrier. It was founded by a handful of Thames sailors in 1908 with the aim of providing affordable sailing for people who worked on the river, and today boasts over 400 members from all walks of life.
The club caters for cruiser sailors, dinghy sailors and motor-boaters, and runs a programme of yacht and dinghy racing as well as RYA endorsed practical and theory training all year round. Anyone considering joining is welcome to attend Club Nights on Tuesday evenings in the club bar.