On Sunday 9 October the annual test closure of the Thames Barrier saw 90 dinghies in seven classes of boats sailing on a tide-free River Thames.
 
Sailors aged from 10 to over 60 represented eight London-based sailing clubs and competed together for over three hours while the Barrier was closed.
 
Racing took place on three courses marked out between the Thames Barrier and the O2 entertainment centre. Steady wind conditions in the morning enabled some fast and exciting sailing.
 
By lunchtime the wind began to gust at over 25mph and the testing conditions saw numerous capsizes. Most crews got their boats upright and continued to race.
 
Four of the seven classes were won by the Docklands Sailing & Watersports Centre, which is based on the Isle of Dogs.
 
Steve Wilson, event organiser for GYC, said: “This has been the most exciting London Regatta ever. I have seen the standard of sailing rise so much during the six years we have hosted this event, and I hope that next year we will see over 100 boats competing.”
 
Mayor of Greenwich Jim Gillman came to see the action and present awards. He looks forward to welcoming competitors next year to the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
 
The London Regatta 2011 was a partnership between the RYA (Royal Yachting Association), RYA Sailability, Greenwich Yacht Club and the London Nautical School.