11 teams from every part of the British marine trade took part in the 2010 Marine Industry Regatta on the Solent today (21 April) – but it was a team from Bruntons Propellers who took the top spot. Held in Sunsail’s fleet of Sunfast 37’s, the event is run in support of the John Merricks Trust.

After last year’s event, which saw gusts of over 30 knots, this year’s saw less than 10 knots of chilly northerly breeze, with large windshifts, strong tides and wind-less zones to challenge competitors. One unfortunate boat ran aground on the way to the startline – on a falling tide – and had to be towed free by IPC Media’s entry – an event which was noted both on film at the prizegiving with the award of the Saltwater prize for the best cock-up.

Three races were sailed in the testing conditions off Gilkicker Point, and the shifty, patchy breeze and strong tide meant that positions changed regularly throughout the races. The team from Bruntons sailed consistently well – recording two firsts and a second – that they won by 7 points. Mercator Media finished on equal points with the combined Barton Marine/Plastimo team, who won last year. 

Cooney Marine were fourth – and also won the prize they’d donated for best newcomer, with two first-timers on board. 

See the event gallery here

Full Results:

 1st: Bruntons Propellers – 4pts
2nd: Mercator Media – 11pts
3rd: Barton Marine/Plastimo – 11pts
4th: Cooney Marine – 15pts
5th: Halyard/ADPR – 18pts
6th: ICOM (UK) – 18pts
7th: IPC Media – 20pts
8th: International Paint – 21pts
9th: British Marine Federation – 22pts
10th: Sunsail – 26pts
11th: Selden Masts – 32 pts