Brookes Bell Mariteam Spring Series in Docklands - Day 1

Docklands Brookes Bell Mariteam Series day 1 © Duncan Tanner

Docklands Brookes Bell Mariteam Series day 1 © Duncan Tanner

Series commences with strong winds

In the evening of Monday 13th May, the first races of this year's Brookes Bell Mariteam Spring Series were competed for in Bosun sailing dinghies at London's Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre, in the centre of the Isle of Dogs. Participants in the race series comprise of the various London shipping law firms and P&I Clubs. Teams were entered from Holman Fenwick Willan, Thomas Miller, Hill Dickinson, Reed Smith, Roose Law, Ince & Co., Bentleys Stokes and Lowless, and Brookes Bell.

The sailing conditions were the best seen at Docklands in a long time with the wind blowing straight down Millwall Outer Dock. The racing started in 6 to 12 knots of wind but by the end of the night it had at least doubled in strength which made exciting conditions.

The first race was won by Sarah Allan, Bentleys Stokes and Lowless, half a boat length ahead of Ted Graham, Ince & Co. The second race went to Alistair Roaf, Brookes Bell, closely followed by Sarah Allan who was losing her light weight advantage with the wind increasing.

The final race was memorable for the wind squall which came through and capsized over half of the fleet. Remaining in control was Ted Graham and Mike Wood, Reed Smith, who finished first and second, respectively.

Everyone returned safely ashore with big smiles on their faces for drinks and sandwiches in the bar. Overall winner was Ted Graham, Ince and Co.

A big thank you to the Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre team for running the races and their prompt rescuing of people in the last race.

The next evening of racing will be on Monday 10th June.

Day 1 Results: