‘Supporting RNLI’s life-saving work’: Fundraising boat race to set sail through Greenwich

A boat race will set sail across the Thames this summer to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Greenwich Yacht Club (GYC) has announced the second edition of its Tower Lifeboat Station Yacht Race, set for June 1.

All proceeds from the day will support the Tower Lifeboat Station at Waterloo on the River Thames.

Tower RNLI’s Sam Aggas said: “Earlier this month our flanking station Gravesend RNLI launched to aid a GYC member who had broken their ribs whilst sailing near Dartford, they were then provided casualty care and aided back to Greenwich Yacht Club.

“It’s events like this that fund the training for our volunteers to be able to provide this life saving work.”

The race, open to members of any recognised sailing club, starts at GYC, before heading downriver to Erith and back. 

Following a race briefing, skippers will choose their own start time based on weather and tidal conditions.

Results will be calculated using an established handicap system, ensuring fair competition across the different boat types.

The winner will be awarded an elegant crystal glass ship’s decanter at a post-race ceremony attended by the Mayor-Elect of Greenwich council, RNLI and Port of London Authority representatives, and senior members of other River Thames-based sailing clubs.

GYC is inviting sailors from other River Thames clubs to join this event. 

Richard Phillips, Commodore of GYC said: “This race combines our passion for sailing with the critical mission of supporting RNLI’s life-saving work.”

Founded in 1908 to provide leisure opportunities for river workers, GYC is nestled three miles downriver from Tower Bridge, between the O2 Arena and the Thames Barrier.

A registered Community Amateur Sports Club, GYC offers dinghy sailing, yachting, powerboating, and rowing, plus Royal Yachting Association training courses run entirely by volunteers.

In 2001 the RNLI was asked by the Government to provide lifeboat cover on a river rather than estuarial waters for the first time. A year later, Tower Lifeboat Station became operational.

Today it is the busiest RNLI Station in the country, manned by volunteers and permanent crew. 

In June 2023 it became the first RNLI Station to be called out more than 10,000 times.

For more information or to participate, contact: Clive Reffell, GYC member and RNLI Event Coordinator. Email: RNLI-2025@greenwichyachtclub.co.uk

Pictured top: The boat race will raise vital funds for Tower RNLI (Picture: Laura Lewis)