Enjoy the Doggett's Coat and Badge Race with City Cruises

Join City Cruises on the 15th July 2011 and follow the 297th Doggett's Coat and Badge Race, between London Bridge and Chelsea.

The boat will offer a fabulous location from which to watch this historical annual race. Passengers will be welcomed onboard at St Katharine's Pier at 11am with a glass of refreshing Pimms. They will then be able to sit back and enjoy the race as they savour a lunch of lasagne with salad, followed by dessert and a tea or coffee before returning to St Katherine's Pier at about 3pm. The cost to join City Cruises for this exciting event is £37.50 per person.

The race, named after Irish actor Thomas Doggett, was first contested in 1715, to mark the crowning of George I and is said to be the oldest continuously organised sporting event in the world. The boats are crewed by Watermen who have recently completed their apprenticeships and who are competing for a coveted scarlet coat with a silver arm badge and breeches, reminiscent of the livery used by early 18th century Watermen.

The four miles and five furlongs course, from London Bridge to Chelsea, takes in many historical sites and places of interest along the river such as St Paul's Cathedral, the Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.

Alternatively why not enjoy the race from another great vantage point, onboard the Restaurant Ship Hispaniola, which is permanently moored on Victoria Embankment, in London. Whilst you cheer on the participants you can enjoy a spot of lunch and a drink alfresco, on the upper deck's sun terraces.

For further information visit: citycruises.com