See the Great River Race at Maritime Greenwich

Visitors to Maritime Greenwich in south east London on Saturday afternoon, 8 September will be able to watch the exciting final stages of the annual 22-mile Great River Race from various locations along the riverside. The challenging race down the Thames starts from Richmond in Surrey and finishes at Island Gardens opposite the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.

Any traditional-style, coxed boat, propelled by a minimum of four oars or paddles, without sliding seats or riggers, may take part. Each boat is computer-handicapped according to its potential performance, so everyone has an equal chance in this ‘slowest away first, fastest last’ handicap race. Every year brings a new and unusual boat to test the handicappers.

The winners, who are expected to arrive around 4pm, will receive the Challenge Trophy of the Company of Watermen & Lightermen of the River Thames and become the 2007 UK Traditional Boat Champions. Every competitor will qualify for a coveted hand-lettered participation certificate.

The Great River Race is one of many events taking place during the Maritime Greenwich Festival Month of September. Other highlights will include a ten-day Riverfront Jazz Festival from 20 - 30 September, when every style of jazz will be played in a selection of local venues; ‘Open House’ London weekend on 15 and 16 September during which several of Maritime Greenwich’s beautiful iconic buildings will be welcoming visitors free of charge, and an open-air light classical concert in the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College on 16 September.

A car free day on Saturday, 22 September enables visitors to enjoy the village atmosphere and open market in a traffic free environment, while being entertained by free street performers and musicians.

This year also marks the tenth anniversary since the centre of Greenwich was awarded World Heritage Site status for its architectural, scientific, maritime and royal associations.

For further details about the Great River Race visit Greatriverrace.co.uk. For information about other things to see and do in Maritime Greenwich, check out Greenwichwhs.org.uk.

Maritime Greenwich is easily reached via the Docklands Light Railway alighting at Cutty Sark, or by main line train from four central London stations, namely Charing Cross, Cannon Street, Waterloo East and London Bridge. Alternatively there are several bus services coming through Greenwich or visitors can arrive by passenger boat at Greenwich Pier.