On Sunday 4th October 'The Even Keel Project' team entered two of their Artemis20s into the London Regatta which was hosted by Greenwich Yacht Club on the Thames non tide day. The regatta involved seven different fleets racing across five different courses, one of which was designed specifically for disabled sailors in Access and Liberty dinghies and this was the first time an Access fleet had raced on the Tidal Thames
 
Although this regatta is usually reserved for those who are registered sailors in the London area the event organizers very kindly allowed a team from The Even Keel Project to participate in order to raise further awareness around the boats and what the project is aiming to achieve. Coinciding with the introduction of an Access fleet race and a visit from the iconic quadriplegic sailor Hilary Lister, the Project's inclusion really reinforced just how accessible to all sailing really can be and with the right equipment everyone can not just participate but also compete on a level playing field, regardless of physical and mental ability or background.

Steve Wilson, Dinghy Captain at Greenwich Yacht Club commented:
"Year on year the regatta has expanded and become more successful and this year is no exception. The London Regatta offers young people a great opportunity for challenging competitive sailing, as well as a chance to enjoy great sport with people from all sorts of places and backgrounds - and with all sorts of abilities"

The two Even Keel boats were pleased to be joined by a private Artemis20 owner, Mark Haughey who is more regularly seen gracing the waters at Datchet sailing club. The project was represented by injured serviceman Chris Herbert, (currently studying at UKSA), James Merrick, Tom Webb and due to unforeseen circumstances Nick Stanton also stepped in from his usual pr and sponsorship role for his first competitive sailing event. Entered into the mixed fleet race the boats really stood out in both appearance and performance, out pacing all the other much lighter classes on display. Tom Webb stood out as an exciting future talent as he managed to helm himself and inexperienced crew, Nick Stanton, to a brace of second and first place finishes throughout the day.

The Even Keel Project would like to thank the event organisers at Greenwich Yacht Club for allowing the team to take part and for all of their help throughout the weekend. In particular, Steve Wilson, Brian Harrison, Guy Mulpas and Nick Fossey who all went above and beyond the call of duty in making this rapidly expanding event on the Thames such a success. A huge thank you also goes to all The Even Keel Project team who once again worked long and hard to ensure the project received an excellent amount of exposure and positive feedback from everyone they met.

Some of the Artemis20 fleet are now heading to Datchet Water Sailing Club where they are going to be made available for those wishing to experience them first hand. If you are interested in taking advantage of this fantastic opportunity then please contact the team via the website: http://www.theevenkeel.com/ or alternatively email: mailto:info@theevenkeel.com.