The Great River Race, September 10th 2022

This iconic 21.6 mile “River Marathon” on the Thames was last held in 2019.  This year, as a mark of respect for Her Majesty the Queen, the Race itself was officially cancelled, becoming instead the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial River Procession.  This news was announced on the Friday, soon after Sea Spirit and her crew had arrived in Ham, Surrey ready to launch for a tow down the river to the start in the heart of London’s Docklands.

 

On Saturday morning the 177 boats who had entered were started in their race number order and there can be no doubt that Her Majesty would have approved of the quietly competitive spirit shared by all in this very special tribute to her.  It is a huge privilege to be able to row on the Thames, past such familiar landmarks as London Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye - not to mention navigating through 28 bridges, and all in the company of a plethora of rowing boats of all shapes and sizes. It was all the more special on this occasion.     

 

Here’s a flavour of YGRC’s day, mostly taken from the bow of Sea Spirit - from waiting to start, to a welcome pint at the end - and here’s to the 2023 Race on Saturday 16th September …