2014 Commonwealth Games Baton Relay

[CJL]

A very early start for one of our volunteers for the 2014 Commonwealth Games Baton Relay on Saturday....

0700hrs at St Kats ready to go was not an welcome bullet point on the day's itinerary but after the sleepy eyes had been rubbed lots we left Ipswich for the big smoke.

Launching down in East London at Bargehouse Slip we headed up river to St Kats and took a turn waiting for the Gloriana to lock up. The nearby Starbucks was yet to be inundated with tourists so we grabbed a brew and watched the murky water reach the lock gate. Finally the Gloriana appeared, crewed by the Ahoy centre's team of cutter crews and some small plastic ribs muttering something about Monte Carlo or bust! They headed of down river and we went up to Lambeth Fire Pier where the Queen's Baton came aboard the Gloriana for it's trip down river.

We took up our position to the stern of the Gloriana as Guard and Safety Boat with the Met Police and their 9m diesel inboard Delta, complete with ramming plates on the bow, took position on the other side to keep out the riff raff!

The row down river was now on an ebbing tide and they slide alongside Bankside Pier without incident. We managed to make it on the TV several times and it was broadcast live on the Beeb so it was a good job we'd cleaned the boat on Friday afternoon!

Big thanks to everybody who took part and I hope the Monte Carlo boys make it safely.

Chris