75. Admiral of the Port’s Challenge, 13 June 2023

The challenge of the race was introduced years ago by a Lord Mayor to mark his position of Admiral of the Port of London. The route goes from HQS Wellington to Westminster Boating Base and is contested by traditional Thames Watermen's Cutters supported or crewed by Livery companies.  The cutters are rowed by four oars, and rigged with ceremonial canopies and flags. For the Water Conservators’ cutter Forget-me-not the Thames Warden Martin Bigg and the Clerk Christine Duthie took the role of the obligatory passengers.


We created quite a theatre as we all boarded our cutters on the beach on the South Bank and rowed downstream to Blackfriars Bridge.  After a U-turn and avoiding Uber boats we headed to the start alongside HQS Wellington.  Our cox provided a steady stream of instructions to give us a great start and maintain a commanding lead.  We watched the cities of London and Westminster glide by in the sun and waves, as the cox and rowers skilfully negotiated the moored ships and barges, passing under the correct bridge arches.


Very quickly it was all over and we had to wait patiently while the timings and penalties were calculated.  This required food, drink and discussions with other teams on their experiences and tactics.  The Founderers had a retired Archdeacon as their cox to give them inspiration.

 

The prizes were awarded by Sheriff of London, Andrew Marsden, on behalf of the Lord Mayor who was unable to attend, being in Japan.  It was a great evening hosted by the Thames 

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