Congratulations to the Freeman and Apprentices on a Great Barge Race
Those watching the annual T.O.W. Barge Driving Race from Greenwich to Westminster on Saturday afternoon were treated to the sight of the Chairman of the Thames Regional Rowing Council shouting encouragement to the freeman and apprentices on the Port of London Authority barge...
The PLA came from second place in the Annual Race to take the trophy as they reached Westminster Bridge.
Martin who was a guest of the Chief Harbour Master - Rear Admiral Bruce Richardson - on the Royal Nore explained
“the racing was excellent and I was grateful to Bruce for allowing me the opportunity of seeing this race for the first time from the river. Truly a case of rowing on the Thames in its original format – how these young men had the stamina and determination to move those barges that distance amazes me, it was so close at the end and they never gave up – true sportsmanship.”
This unique race is usually rowed over a course of seven miles between the Palaces of Greenwich and Westminster, with each 30-tonne cargo barge being manned under oars by crews of Freemen and Apprentices of the Watermen's Company. The Thames was awash with river users as the barges were accompanied by numerous boats down the course.
There is one overall winner, two class winners and two special optional race sections, for which crews will compete at picking up coloured pennants from designated roads throughout the course.
http://www.thamesbargedrivingrace.info/