MDL Marinas renews British Keelboat League partnership

MDL Marinas has announced it is the Official Marina Partner of the British Keelboat League and RS Sailing for the second time, having previously sponsored the series in 2019.

The renewal of this partnership will see MDL Marinas provide easy access to the water from its Hamble Point and Queen Anne’s Battery marinas during the 2021 British Keelboat League events for the six competing RS21 keelboats.

With Hamble Point Marina’s direct access to the Solent and Queen Anne’s Battery’s proximity to Plymouth Sound, MDL says this support ensures the teams are located close to the start line. Participating sailors and organisers will also enjoy access to the marinas’ facilities to support their racing including slipways, boat repairs, and chandlery.

Established in 2016, the British Keelboat League’s aim is to encourage participation in keelboat racing across the United Kingdom. It comprises a series of regional events where sailors compete in multiple short sprint races against teams from other clubs in their region. The most successful teams from each region then come together to battle it out in a national final to determine who’ll be crowned the British Keelboat League champions.

“We’re delighted to welcome MDL Marinas back on board as the Marina Partner for the British Keelboat League,” says Jon Partridge, CEO of RS Sailing. “MDL’s renewed backing means the competing sailors have the best possible support throughout the series, allowing them to focus on the racing, making the most of the opportunity presented by the British Keelboat League to develop their sailing experience and careers going forward.”

All the competition boats for the events are provided by the British Keelboat League which ensures a fair competition. RS Sailing’s RS21 keelboat now makes up the majority of the fleet and, being designed with Corinthian racing at its heart, it’s said to be ideally suited to the task. 

“We’re delighted to renew our support of British Keelboat League, helping to offer young sailors additional opportunities to get out on the water and enjoy the sport they love,” says Tim Mayer, MDL Marinas sales and marketing director. “We look forward to welcoming the teams to our marinas throughout the series.”