2014 Great River Race - Volunteers sought

[CJL]

We are looking for volunteers to help support this years Great River Race on the River Thames on the 27th of September.

The Great River Race, London's River Marathon, is a spectacular boat race up the River Thames that attracts over 370 boats from all over the globe and appeals to every level of competitor from those who enjoy fun, fancy dress and charity stunts, to serious sportsmen and women who are there to win. A great fun day out for competitors spectators and safety crews alike.

We are looking for up to 35 volunteer safety boats to support this charitable event with most coming from the membership of Northern Exposure Rescue but with it being such a big event, we could really do with some additional boats and we're hoping that the 'power of Ribnet' will help us out once again.

Unfortunately we can't pay anybody but we will reimburse you for your expenses getting your boat to London, cover your boat fuel and oil, provide camping on the Friday and Saturday, launch site (in West London), breakfast on the day and a spectacular day on the Thames with like minded boat owners. It is a very full day and you'll probably cover something like 50 miles. A full safety fleet handbook will be provided and there will be a pre-race briefing on the day which everybody needs to attend.

You must have some experience such as an RYA Powerboat level 2 or Safetyboat Certificate and have a low freeboard boat such as a rib or dory with a reasonable inventory of safety kit.

If you are interested please fill out the contact form here: 2014 Great River Race – 27 September 2014. If you'd like further information please email chris@northernexposurerescue.org.uk

Many thanks,

Chris

[CJL]

A short video of the 2011 Great River Race;-

https://vimeo.com/29737487

Chris

[CJL]

Thank you for all the replies so far.

Please keep em coming!!

Chris

[tony t]

Count me in again Chris we had a great weekend last year


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[Will75]

Hi Chris, interested so have filled the on line form. Don't have RYA Safety Boat but do have Ocean YM and Master 200. Pic of boat attached.

[Steve_B]

I'd love to do this and bring the Parker up.
The only trouble is the tow car .... Boris has banned the Defender!
Steve

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Boat over 4m tick
Rya 2 tick
First aid cert tick
Pass from family - in progress


Donations for Round Anglesey Macmillan 2014 https://www.justgiving.com/Rib-net/?..._page_creation

[Sibbo90]

Count me in please, i am very close to the launch point so would love to come along for early breakfast and a day on the water helping out.

[steco1958]

Submitted form on the website, where is the camping site ??

[CJL]

Originally Posted by steco1958

Submitted form on the website, where is the camping site ??

Assuming we use the same site, then it will be near the finish line in Petersham Meadows at Petersham and Ham Sea Scouts.

Chris

[Low Flyer]

Form filled,happy to help out.


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[CJL]

Thank you to everybody who has signed up so far.

We are going to temporarily suspend sign ups for the moment due to the overwhelming response - thanks to the power of Ribnet!

As we get closer to the event it is inevitable that some places will become available so we will open it back up again around August time.

Thank you all for your responses to date - fingers crossed for some excellent weather on the day!!

Chris

[Pikey Dave]

Anyone who hasn't done this before ought to be aware of a couple of things;

If you're expecting to have a day blasting up & down the Thames, forget it, there's a VERY strict 12kn speed limit now for the whole length of the river where the race occurs.
You'll spend a lot of time hanging around waiting, if it's peeing down, it's not much fun.
The competitors can be an awkward bunch, my missus likened last year to "herding cats"
If you're camping, you will be on the water before dawn, so you need to be confident navigating in the dark & have lights. The race ends back at the campsite, so you will have done the river both ways by the end of the day, around 40 miles, it's a loooong day.
We were passing Parliament just after dawn & the city was silent & we had the river to ourselves, magic
It's one of the best days out you can have with your clothes on We loved it last year & have no hesitation doing it again.

[mick]

Herding cats is about right slippery buggers them rowers and those dragon boats sumat else

[Adamn]

I rowed this race in 2011 in a Cornish Gig. We trained all summer but believe me there are some who have never seen an oar and do need help.
It was a great day even with the thunder, lightening and hail!!
Anyone taking part either with an engine or oar will have a wonderful time.

[CJL]

Evening all,

We've had two cancellations from the 35 strong safety boat fleet for the Great River Race on the 27th of September in London. We are hoping to fill these spaces as soon as possible.

If you are able to take part and support this event please complete the sign up form here; 2014 Great River Race – 27 September 2014

More information about the event can be found at the start of this thread.

Many thanks,

Chris

[Richardnhunt]

It's a brilliant way to take part in a brilliant event.

Rich

[Solent Seadog]

Just out of interest, is anyone launching as a safety boat early next Saturday morning from River Lane?

Any idea what the parking will be like nearby and any thoughts on timings?

[mick]

Originally Posted by Solent Seadog

Just out of interest, is anyone launching as a safety boat early next Saturday morning from River Lane?

Any idea what the parking will be like nearby and any thoughts on timings?

We are launching fri you need to park where the race trailers are parked further up as river lane is tight

[tony t]

It's tighter than a Yorkshire man


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