Law firm sails to victory

Officials decided there was insufficient wind for the final round, declaring the nautical lawyers winners.
The crew - skipper Graham Bailey, his wife Julia Salt, Kevin Young, Dylan Potter and ex-Allen & Overy employee Kirstin Gilbert - clinched the title by two points from NIR Capital and JP Morgan Asset Management.
The Wrecking Crew, representing Accenture, settled for fourth place.
Julia Salt said: "We can't quite believe it, it was a really tight regatta and the competition was definitely stronger than last year.
"The final race saw lots of place changes with us even lying last at one point, so we were absolutely delighted to discover we'd won.
"The series has offered a great opportunity to sail regularly throughout the summer. We will definitely be back next year to defend our title."
Despite an impressive challenge from NIR Capital, who won two races outright, it was A&Eau's consistent teamwork that prevailed, securing top three finishes in the first three races.
"We were more consistent over the first races and that's what counted," said Graham Bailey.
"It also helped that the team was together for two years. We were confident with the boat and each other."
A&Eau won the title last year and their reward this time round is a BMW driving experience at the Nurburgring race track in Germany.
Bailey said: "It's extremely satisfying to retain the title. The standard was very tough but we did just enough."
This year's BMW City Challenge, jointly organised by the Royal Thames Yacht Club and Berkeley Marine, began in May, and involved 32 teams. Five-man crews battled it out over the summer evenings in identical Beneteau First Class 8s.
Peter Walker, general manager, sports marketing, BMW (UK), said: "The series has proved tremendously popular, attracting entrants who have enjoyed some competitive sailing on their doorstep after work."
The winning teams will be presented with their trophies at the prize-giving at The Royal Thames Yacht Club in Knightsbridge on October 15.
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