Sailor's lost footing launches regatta with a splash (From Sutton Guardian)

Sailor's lost footing launches Kingston regatta with a splash

11:58am Monday 5th September 2011 in Video By Martin George

A sailor who lost his footing as a procession of historic Dunkirk little ships was passing helped get this weekend’s Minima Yacht Club regatta off to a splash.

About 40 ships, including Thames A Raiters, Merlin Rockets and Enterprises, experienced a range of sailing conditions for the annual event on the Thames in Kingston.

One competitor lost his footing at the start of Saturday’s race, and ended up in the water.

Eileen Barry, membership secretary of the club, said: “He fell into the water just at the point when one of the Dunkirk boats was coming along.

“On one hand he was trying to fend off the boat, and on the other he was trying to get back on, which he did quite skilfully.”

He was unharmed in the incident.

The regatta, which started on the Hampton Court side of the river opposite the Minima Yacht Club, saw the boats complete three to six laps between Raven’s Ait and Kingston Bridge.

Competitors from Twickenham and Teddington also took part in the three races, with warm and breezy conditions on Saturday followed by heavy rain on Sunday morning.

What did you take part in the race? What did you think of the spectacle? Comment below.