London Boroughs to battle it out on the water

Budding young sailors from across London will be taking to the water on Saturday 13 June to compete at the 2009 Thames Water London Youth Games Regatta.

So far 23 of the 32 London boroughs have entered competitors in the regatta, making it the highest number since the sailing event began some 20 years ago and one of the biggest sailing events ever to take place in London.

Held at the Royal Victoria Docks Watersport Centre, in Newham, which is one of the five London Olympic boroughs, the regatta consists of three sailing classes, with six categories. Oppie (male and female), Pico (senior male, female and mixed) and the RS Feva (mixed). The regatta also includes alongside the sailing events; rowing, kayaking slalom and canoe sprint.

Guy Malpas, RYA Regional Development officer for London said: “This is a great event to show case sailing in the city and the RYA is delighted to be supporting it, we are anticipating some great racing on the day.

“Many of the youngsters taking part got involved in sailing through the RYA’s OnBoard youth sailing programme and we are delighted to see so many of them now regularly sailing and taking part here today. With beginners programmes like OnBoard and events like these available it goes to show there are plenty of opportunities to go sailing in London.” Teams are made up from youngsters living in the London boroughs aged between 9 and 17 years old. Registration begins at 07.30, races start at 09.00 culminating in results and presentations at 18.15.

For more information about the London Youth Games visit www.londonyouthgames.org and for more information about OnBoard visit www.ruob.co.uk