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The Port of London Challenge

The first Port of London Challenge Race was held on 18th July 1996 and was started by Betty Boothroyd, Speaker of the House of Commons. It was arranged as a curtain-raiser for the famous Doggett’s Coat and Badge Race later the same day. It also showcased the growing sport of Waterman’s Cutter racing and is now an established event in its own right.

The Thames Waterman Cutter is 34 feet long with a beam of 4 feet, 6 inches. In keeping with the concept of traditional rowing it has fixed seats for up to six rowers and room for a cox and passenger. It is also simply adapted to the role of Ceremonial Livery barge with extra seating for passengers under a stern canopy. In this form the Cutter closely resembles the decorated craft often seen in historical scenes of the Thames in earlier centuries.

The Port of London Challenge is raced over a 4.4 mile course from HQS 'Wellington' to Chelsea Harbour. The Cutters are crewed by six rowers and a cox and, in keeping with tradition, a passenger must be carried. 

Only five Cutters contested the inaugural race in 1996 for a solid silver trophy donated by the Port of London Authority and the race was won by the Watermen’s Company’s ‘Jim Holt’. Such has been the growth in popularity of Cutter racing (there are now nearly 30 of them on the Thames) in the intervening years that modern races have “staggered starts”. The Cutters are set off in waves, so their crews are not only racing against those in their own starting rank, but also against the clock as the crew that records the fastest time over the course wins.

The 2010 race took place on Thursday 8th July 2010 and was won by the PLA Rowing Team in their cutter "Centurion".  Details of the 2011 event will appear here nearer the date.

Click here for more information about Thames Waterman Cutters (opens in a new window).