Thames Water London Youth Games Regatta 

Nearly 250 young sailors from across London battled for their boroughs at the Thames Water London Youth Games Regatta on 21-22 June 2014.

King George Sailing Club hosted the event, the largest to date, on a hot, sunny week-end at King George V reservoir, with the essential help of 85 volunteers from clubs and centres across London, Pinsent and Masons employees, and Games Force volunteers.   

Some 27 London boroughs took part, with Tower Hamlets adding to their 2013 victory by winning again this year, leading the way home in 5 out of 10 classes. Similarly Hillingdon once again took silver, and Hackney completed the podium with bronze, one place up from last year.   

There were also wins in the individual classes by boats from Bromley, Camden, Richmond, Kensington & Chelsea and Merton.   Bromley were the most improved team, up from eighteenth in 2013 to seventh this year, and Westminster and Redbridge showed good improvements.   

Sally Jones, manager of the team from Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre, said: “We were overjoyed with our silver, matching where we came last year. It’s fantastic to see the mix of boroughs gaining medals, which shows there are strong sailors throughout London.” 

For the first time the event included Hansa dinghies for sailors with special education needs and physical disabilities. Jack Edwards, who took silver in the class, said: “I had never sailed an access dinghy before. It was really fun and I can’t wait to race again next year - we might even get a gold medal next time.”   

Steve Mitchell, RYA regional development officer, said: “This year’s event was bigger than any previous year and it is fantastic to be involved with an event that is so well supported by volunteers from across the London boroughs. They are absolute key to a successful day and the team were exceptional.”   

Asher Robinson, volunteer safety boat driver and past competitor, gave the volunteer’s view: “The event gave me a great start to my sailing career and helped me to become an RYA dinghy instructor which I now do full time. I really like returning every year to give back to the event and help the new talent coming through.”   

Steve Mitchell continued: “Female participation continues to be an area of focus and we are now seeing the reward from years of working with our grass root sailing. Participation from disabled sailors is also up with the help of the Hansa Class and the event is proud to be developing grass root racing participation in this area.

“A large part of the success of the event comes from the RYA programmes OnBoard, Champion Club, & Sailability which many teams have at their home venues, enabling the team managers to find new talent.”