Barge Racing

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We race two barges - Grace and Jake-e-Boy. Grace has won the annual barge race for the last 5 years in a row. Have a look at our gallery to see our teams of lightermen in action.

Barge racing comes from a time when the River Thames was filled with boats and barges delivery goods up and down the waterfront. Before the introduction of tugs, barges would be driven by lightermen using long sweeps (26 ft long oars).

Lightermen and Watermen are licensed to work on the river and must be skilled in all aspects of safety when moving vessels. Having a good knowledge of the river and its tides and currents are important skills.

The annual Barge Race shows these skills and strengths when handling these large steel barges, weighing between 30 and 50 tons.