A Traditional Rowing event, also known as Fixed Seat Rowing, called the “Royal Greenwich Challenge” will take place on the 6th May. Six large rowing boats (cutters) will compete from the Old Royal Naval College to Greenwich Yacht Club.

It is organised by Greenwich Yacht Club and the Globe Rowing Club, with support from MBNA Thames Clippers and the Trafalgar Tavern. Thanks also go to many volunteers and local people and organisations who have loaned boats. Everyone involved hopes this will become an annual event in Royal Greenwich.

The Royal Greenwich Challenge starts outside the Globe RC, next door to the Trafalgar Tavern, at 11.30 am on 6th May 2017. Competitors will pass over the Meridian Line and finish at Greenwich Yacht Club 2.5 miles down-river at approximately 1pm.

Racing will be in six oared Watermen’s Cutters. Each vessel will have six rowers, a coxswain and a passenger to reflect the original use of this type of boat.

The Watermen’s Guild started Traditional or Fixed Seat Rowing about 20 years ago to introduce a less technical version of the sport to all-comers who could then enjoy the historical re-enactments and the fun side of Thames rowing.

However, most events like the Great River Race and the Tudor Pull take place on the upper reaches of the Thames, and the aim of this event is to start an annual competition in Greenwich’s Tidal Thames.

Recent historical research has found that Greenwich was a very important place for traditionally rowed Royal Barges. The earliest recorded name of a Royal Bargemaster to organise the Royal Watermen was “Absalom of Greenwich” in 1292. Around the 16th century a family of “Warners” from Greenwich held the appointment for some 140 years. In fact more Royal Bargemasters came from Greenwich than anywhere else.

A large crowd is expected to watch the race and make this event a success, helping it to become an annual attraction for Royal Greenwich After the event, a prize giving party at GYC will be held at which large Backboards will be presented to the winning Men’s, Ladies and Mixed crews by Mr Ken Dwan, a double Olympic competitor, Retired Queen’s Bargemaster and Doggett’s Coat and Badge winner. Each winning crew member will get a miniature backboard memento and all competitors finishing the event will get a memento certificate.

Submitted by Clive Reffell